James (R) drops challenge of Smith (D) in key state Senate seat
GOP state Sen. Jesse James today dropped plans to run against Dem Sen. Jeff Smith for a western Wisconsin seat, dealing another blow to Republicans’ hopes of holding onto their majority this fall.
James is the fifth Senate Republican to decide against running this fall and the third from a swing seat. There are four districts considered in play this fall, and Republicans have to win at least two to maintain their majority, which was 18-15 to start this session.
James was drawn into the 31st under the new maps after being elected to the 23rd in 2022. While he set up a temporary residence in his new district, he held onto his home in the 31st, and James announced in October that he planned to run against Smith, D-Brunswick.
James, who served two terms in the Assembly before joining the Senate, said being in public office “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.”
https://www.wispolitics.com/2026/james-drops-challenge-of-smith-in-key-state-senate-seat/