Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu is stepping off the Madison stage. The Oostburg Republican announced Thursday that he will not seek reelection in November, giving up the 9th Senate District seat he has held since 2015. LeMahieu has led the Senate GOP as majority leader since 2020 and says that after more than a decade in state government, he is ready for a new chapter. His decision turns a long-held GOP seat into an open race ahead of the 2026 cycle, according to FOX6.
In a statement provided by his office, LeMahieu said, "After careful reflection and prayer, I have made the difficult decision to not seek re-election," and thanked constituents across Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Calumet and Fond du Lac counties. He highlighted the REINS Act and two large income-tax cuts as milestones of his tenure and said he plans to spend more time with his wife in their new Madison-area home. The office released the full text of his statement, which was reported by FOX6.
What the open seat means locally
LeMahieu represents the 9th Senate District, a stretch of eastern Wisconsin that includes parts of Sheboygan, Manitowoc and Fond du Lac counties, territory he has represented since his 2015 win. With no incumbent on the ballot, the district is poised for a competitive primary and is likely to draw attention from both parties as they build their 2026 lineups. WisPolitics outlines his role and ties to the district.
Capitol math and timing
LeMahieu’s announcement adds to a string of recent departures among Republican lawmakers, including Senate retirements announced earlier this year, that have helped put several seats on both parties’ watch lists. Democrats and outside groups have flagged the 2026 cycle as a key opportunity to flip chambers where retirements have opened vulnerable districts. Local coverage has tracked the turnover and its implications for control of the Legislature. Urban Milwaukee examined the wave of exits, while national reporting has noted how the 2026 map could reshape the chamber.
What comes next
LeMahieu will remain in office through the end of his term while the Senate GOP caucus prepares for a leadership shuffle and candidates begin lining up for the open 9th District race. The seat will be decided in next year’s regular cycle when Wisconsin voters go to the polls, part of the statewide legislative contests expected in 2026. For a look at the cycle and which seats will be on the ballot, see the resources on Wikipedia.
