Joe Sheehan
State representative
Democrat
Town of Sheboygan
Elected Experience
Wisconsin State Assembly (2025-present)
Q&A with the Candidate
Why should voters elect you?
For over 20 years, I served as superintendent of the Sheboygan Area School District. During that time, I learned the value of collaboration. Over the past two years it has been an honor to serve as the 26th Assembly District’s representative, and I brought that experience with me. Above all I listen to the input of the people around me, and when serving my constituents I try to listen as much as I can. My process for solving problems has always been to bring experts and those affected to the table and then forming a solution collaboratively.
What is the top issue in your district? How would you address it?
As I have been out knocking on doors, I continuously hear about the issues caused by the rising cost of living. Over the last two years, I have introduced a variety of legislative solutions to help. I authored Assembly Bill 48 to offer healthy meals in schools to reduce the grocery costs for working families. I also authored AB 1101, which would create a tax exemption on over the counter drugs to reduce the cost of medications. Additionally, I authored AB 1015 to cap the cost of childcare for individuals enrolled in the Wisconsin Shares program at 7% to help reduce skyrocketing child care costs. I also coauthored AB 52, which expands the homestead tax credit to help make owning a home more affordable.
How should Wisconsin government operate differently than in the past?
Over the past few years, collaboration in Wisconsin politics has gotten harder and harder to come by. Over my first session as a state legislator, only around 4% of bills introduced by Democrats received a public hearing. We need to have conversations about solutions we may not agree with. Progress can only come from open conversation. Here in Wisconsin, we need to make sure we are at least giving both sides a chance to discuss their ideas and get input from the public.
What is your favorite fun Wisconsin history fact?
Bob Lafollette being the only third-party candidate to receive electoral college votes for the presidency, receiving Wisconsin’s votes in the 1924 election. The roots of progressive politics are strong in Wisconsin, and Lafollette is a great example of that.