State Senator James to Retire, Skinner Launches Bid for Seat

State Senator Jesse James has announced his intent to retire at the end of his current term, exiting the race for Wisconsin’s 31st Senate District.

In a press release on Tuesday, State Senator James cited spending more time with his family and other personal reasons as the driving factors behind his decision to retire.

“I had the opportunity of a lifetime,” he said in the press release. “However, this role came at a price, a price of being away from my family. For this reason, and for other personal reasons, I have decided to retire from the Wisconsin State Senate.”

James launched his campaign to continue serving in the State Senate in October following the implementation of new district maps in 2024, seeking to unseat Democratic incumbent State Senator Jeff Smith. Despite exiting that race, he will serve the remainder of his current term representing the 23rd Senate District.

Following James’ announcement, Eau Claire County Board member Michele Magadance Skinner announced her candidacy for the 31st State Senate District.

“Senator Jesse James has been a champion for our community and I thank him for his service in the State Senate and Assembly,” she said in her own press release. “The people of the 31st will miss his dedication, candor, and ability to always do the right thing. I am running for State Senate to follow Senator James’ lead and continue his work improving access to healthcare and lowering the cost of living.”

Skinner previously ran for Wisconsin’s 91st Assembly District in the 2024 election, losing to Democratic incumbent State Representative Jodi Emerson.