WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAU) — A first-year state representative from Wausau will not seek a second term.
Republican Dave Heaton made the announcement today that he’s not running for reelection. “With three small children each under the age of seven, a second term in the Legislature would not work for my family and their needs,” he said in a written statement. “By not running, I am making the decision that is best for my family.” Heaton defeated first-term Democrat Mandy Wright by fewer than 100 votes in 2014.
Former WSAU radio host Pat Snyder will run for the seat currently held by Heaton. Since leaving his broadcast career, Snyder has been the Community Outreach Director for Congressman Sean Duffy. Snyder says he learned of Heaton’s decision a few weeks ago and that people reached out to him to run for office again. He says he’ll work to keep improving the effort on job growth that the Republican legislature has been making especially in regards to getting more people trained for the jobs that are available. “I just think we need to close that gap and especially get these middle class to grow a little more in our district. I think that collaboration between the private and the government is the wave of the future.”
Wright has already announced that she is running for the seat again this fall. Wright served one term in the assembly, defeating Snyder in an open-seat race in 2012. Snyder says his time working with Congressman Duffy’s office has prepared him for this time around. “I feel I’m a lot more seasoned, and even a lot more informative in talking with people and have a great game plan to be able to look people in the eye, tell them the truth, and work for them here for the 85th and the state of Wisconsin.” Snyder has already received the support and endorsement of Congressman Duffy.
The 85th Assembly District includes all of Wausau, Schofield, Rothschild and part of eastern Marathon County.
