Mark Becker
Owner, Specialty Auto Sales (Suamico) and Appleton Motorcars (Appleton)
Luxemburg
Elected Experience
Brown County Board Supervisor (2015-2018)
Q&A with the Candidate
Why should voters elect you?
As the former chair of the Brown County Republican Party, I have witnessed, firsthand, how extreme politics have warped the fabric of our state politics, for the worse. As a small business owner, I know the pressures facing our state’s industries and workforce. And as a devoted husband and father, I believe that we must do everything in our power to support the hardworking families of this state. As state Senator, I will fight on behalf of my constituents, not any one party or special interest – that’s why I’m running as an Independent. I will fight against the special interests that prioritize profits over everything else, and I’ll make sure Madison prioritizes people over politics.
What is the top issue in your district? How would you address it?
Bringing down costs for working families is my top priority. Whether it’s rising property taxes, health insurance premiums, grocery bills, or the price of a tank of gas, people are being squeezed in every conceivable way. And anyone who tells you that our state government is helpless to bring down costs for working families is just wrong. This year’s statewide property tax hike is a direct result of failed negotiations and poor decisions made in Madison. Too many legislators believe that we can either choose to support schools or provide property tax relief. The truth is, we can do both. By investing in our schools, we can lower property taxes, end the never-ending cycle of referendums, and support our kids, all at the same time.
How should Wisconsin government operate differently than in the past?
Wisconsin voters are desperate for change. When knocking on doors in the district, I have heard time and time again that today’s politics isn’t working for people, especially for the hardworking people of northeastern Wisconsin. For far too long, our elected officials have demonstrated that their loyalties lie with partisan donors and special interests, and not the people that they have sworn an oath to serve. We cannot keep electing the same type of politicians and expecting different results. In November, the people of Wisconsin’s 1st Senate District have a choice to make. They can send another partisan to Madison, or they can elect an independent, people-focused champion, who will fight for them and them alone.
What is your favorite fun Wisconsin history fact?
I’m an avid motorsports fan, so I take pride in the fact that Wisconsin is home to over 35 active race tracks — including the Milwaukee Mile, the oldest continuously operated speedway in the entire world. Senate District 1 is home to four racetracks that host racing events every single week, which (I believe) is the most of any Senate district in the state. I’ve raced on three of four of these tracks, myself, and am hoping to visit all four on the campaign trail!