2024 Wisconsin State Legislature Voter Guide: Assembly District 82

By Dan Shafer

September 19, 2024 4:50 PM CDT

This is part of The Recombobulation Area and Civic Media’s 2024 Wisconsin State Legislature Voter Guide. Read the first part of the series, “New Board, New Game,” here. See the full district-by-district breakdown of the Wisconsin State Senate here. See the comprehensive Voter Guide here.

D: Kevin Reilly

R: Scott Allen*

The new 82nd district now includes most of the city of Waukesha. Incumbent Republican in this race is Scott Allen, one of the more far-right members of the Assembly, serving since 2015. This will be only the second time he’s faced a Democratic opponent in a run for re-election. Allen has sided with election deniers on many occasions in the most recent session. He also made national news in 2019 by putting forth a list of 10 people to honor for Black History Month, most of whom were white.

The Democrat running is Kevin Reilly, who won the primary over Samuel D’Amico, 55% to 45%. Kevin Reilly is the brother of Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly, a former Republican who disavowed the party after the events of Jan. 6. Kevin Reilly is a mental health professional who has also worked as his brother’s camapign manager.

This is still a GOP-leaning seat, but it will likely be the closest general election contest Allen has faced in the Assembly. 

CNalysis: Very Likely R

• Proj. margin: R+13

Modeled 2022 outcome: R+15.0