Dane County Judge Rules Michele Magadance Skinner Eligible to Run for Wisconsin State Senate
A Dane County Circuit Court judge denied a request from Wisconsin Senate Democrats to remove Michele Magadance Skinner from the November general election ballot. The lawsuit argued that Skinner, a Republican candidate for State Senate District 31, was ineligible for office because she is a Georgia resident rather than a Wisconsin resident. Democrats claimed the couple received conflicting property tax credits in both states for the same year, suggesting a lack of primary residency. However, Skinner defended her status, noting that while her husband is a resident of Georgia, she maintains a primary residence in Altoona, Wisconsin. The judge ruled that Skinner consistently demonstrates the intent to reside in Wisconsin and is eligible to run. The decision comes ahead of the August 25 deadline for the Wisconsin Elections Commission to certify the ballot. Skinner characterized the Democratic challenge as a political game, stating that the choice between a lifelong public servant and a candidate who maneuvers around the law is now up to the voters.