Wisconsin Assembly District 53
Tue, Nov 3 · Represented by Dean Kaufert Republican · Member list as of Oct 28Dean Kaufert isn’t on the ballot for this seat
David DanielsRepublicanBecky NicholsDemocratic
Last result · 2024 general (different candidates): Dean Kaufert (R) 50.5, Duane J. Shukoski (D) 49.4
Show all 3 candidates on the ballot
Showing major-party nominees, incumbents and candidates with 5%+ in the latest poll or comparable fundraising.
- Becky NicholsDemocratic
- David DanielsRepublican
- Rachael DowlingIndependent
- Earlier results
- Michael Schraa (Republican) was unopposed, 2022, older linesMichael Schraa (Republican) won by 37.1 points, 2020, older linesAll 27 elections
Past results
- Votes for listed candidates
- 31,280
- Election day
- November 5, 2024
- District map
- Same as today
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 2024, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanDean KaufertWon Republican 15,80150.5% DemocraticDuane J. Shukoski Democratic 15,43749.4% Scattered write-ins Write-in 420.1% - Votes for listed candidates
- 20,829
- Election day
- November 8, 2022
- District map
- Older district map (2022 to 2023)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 2022, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanMichael SchraaWon(incumbent) Republican 20,33697.6% Scattered write-ins Write-in 4932.4% - Votes for listed candidates
- 28,846
- Election day
- November 3, 2020
- District map
- Older district map (2012 to 2021)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 2020, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanMichael SchraaWon(incumbent) Republican 19,75868.5% OtherJoseph Connelly Other 9,05431.4% Scattered write-ins Write-in 340.1% - Votes for listed candidates
- 23,986
- Election day
- November 6, 2018
- District map
- Older district map (2012 to 2021)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 2018, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanMichael SchraaWon(incumbent) Republican 15,16063.2% DemocraticJoe Lavrenz Democratic 8,81236.7% Scattered write-ins Write-in 140.1%
- 2024: MEDSL 2024 official precinct returns (individual_states zips), retrieved Oct 28, 2026. Compiled by MIT Election Data and Science Lab (MEDSL) from official returns; not an official source
- 1972 to 2022: State Legislative Election Returns, 1967-2022 (Carl Klarner, Harvard Dataverse), retrieved Oct 28, 2026. Compiled by Carl Klarner (Harvard Dataverse) from official returns; not an official source
Last contest in this district on file: 2024.
All elections (27 for this seat)
- Votes for listed candidates
- 31,280
- Election day
- November 5, 2024
- District map
- Same as today
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 2024, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanDean KaufertWon Republican 15,80150.5% DemocraticDuane J. Shukoski Democratic 15,43749.4% Scattered write-ins Write-in 420.1% - Votes for listed candidates
- 20,829
- Election day
- November 8, 2022
- District map
- Older district map (2022 to 2023)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 2022, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanMichael SchraaWon(incumbent) Republican 20,33697.6% Scattered write-ins Write-in 4932.4% - Votes for listed candidates
- 28,846
- Election day
- November 3, 2020
- District map
- Older district map (2012 to 2021)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 2020, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanMichael SchraaWon(incumbent) Republican 19,75868.5% OtherJoseph Connelly Other 9,05431.4% Scattered write-ins Write-in 340.1% - Votes for listed candidates
- 23,986
- Election day
- November 6, 2018
- District map
- Older district map (2012 to 2021)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 2018, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanMichael SchraaWon(incumbent) Republican 15,16063.2% DemocraticJoe Lavrenz Democratic 8,81236.7% Scattered write-ins Write-in 140.1% - Votes for listed candidates
- 21,877
- Election day
- November 8, 2016
- District map
- Older district map (2012 to 2021)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 2016, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanMichael SchraaWon(incumbent) Republican 21,64198.9% Scattered write-ins Write-in 2361.1% - Votes for listed candidates
- 17,878
- Election day
- November 4, 2014
- District map
- Older district map (2012 to 2021)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 2014, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanMichael SchraaWon(incumbent) Republican 17,61898.5% Scattered write-ins Write-in 2601.4% - Votes for listed candidates
- 26,285
- Election day
- November 6, 2012
- District map
- Older district map (2012 to 2021)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 2012, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanMichael SchraaWon Republican 15,84460.3% DemocraticRyan Flejter Democratic 10,41039.6% Scattered write-ins Write-in 310.1% - Votes for listed candidates
- 17,782
- Election day
- November 2, 2010
- District map
- Older district map (2002 to 2011)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 2010, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanRichard J. SpanbauerWon(incumbent) Republican 17,68599.5% Scattered write-ins Write-in 970.6% - Votes for listed candidates
- 27,988
- Election day
- November 4, 2008
- District map
- Older district map (2002 to 2011)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 2008, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanRichard J. SpanbauerWon Republican 17,87263.9% DemocraticJeff Mann Democratic 10,11636.1% - Votes for listed candidates
- 15,775
- Election day
- November 7, 2006
- District map
- Older district map (2002 to 2011)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 2006, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanCarol OwensWon(incumbent) Republican 15,775100.0% - Votes for listed candidates
- 27,805
- Election day
- November 2, 2004
- District map
- Older district map (2002 to 2011)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 2004, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanCarol OwensWon(incumbent) Republican 15,76456.7% DemocraticLuann Bird Democratic 12,04143.3% - Votes for listed candidates
- 13,423
- Election day
- November 5, 2002
- District map
- Older district map (2002 to 2011)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 2002, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanCarol OwensWon(incumbent) Republican 13,423100.0% - Votes for listed candidates
- 22,476
- Election day
- November 7, 2000
- District map
- Older district map (1992 to 2001)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 2000, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanCarol OwensWon(incumbent) Republican 22,476100.0% - Votes for listed candidates
- 15,390
- Election day
- November 3, 1998
- District map
- Older district map (1992 to 2001)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 1998, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanCarol OwensWon(incumbent) Republican 15,390100.0% - Votes for listed candidates
- 22,168
- Election day
- November 5, 1996
- District map
- Older district map (1992 to 2001)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 1996, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanCarol OwensWon(incumbent) Republican 15,12768.2% DemocraticMike Gannon Democratic 6,40728.9% OtherAnthony E. Deiss Other 6342.9% - Votes for listed candidates
- 13,606
- Election day
- November 8, 1994
- District map
- Older district map (1992 to 2001)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 1994, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanCarol OwensWon(incumbent) Republican 12,21789.8% LibertarianJames E. Reiff Libertarian 1,38910.2% - Votes for listed candidates
- 24,359
- Election day
- November 3, 1992
- District map
- Older district map (1992 to 2001)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 1992, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanCarol OwensWon Republican 15,24462.6% DemocraticMary Gropp Democratic 9,11537.4% - Votes for listed candidates
- 9,769
- Election day
- November 6, 1990
- District map
- Older district map (1984 to 1991)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 1990, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanMary E. PanzerWon(incumbent) Republican 9,769100.0% - Votes for listed candidates
- 16,402
- Election day
- November 8, 1988
- District map
- Older district map (1984 to 1991)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 1988, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanMary E. PanzerWon(incumbent) Republican 16,402100.0% - Votes for listed candidates
- 14,280
- Election day
- November 4, 1986
- District map
- Older district map (1984 to 1991)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 1986, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanMary E. PanzerWon(incumbent) Republican 10,76775.4% DemocraticMay Democratic 3,51324.6% - Votes for listed candidates
- 19,851
- Election day
- November 6, 1984
- District map
- Older district map (1984 to 1991)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 1984, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanMary E. PanzerWon(incumbent) Republican 14,85474.8% DemocraticSelle Democratic 4,99725.2% - Votes for listed candidates
- 14,376
- Election day
- November 2, 1982
- District map
- Older district map (1982 to 1983)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 1982, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share DemocraticCletus VanderperrenWon(incumbent) Democratic 9,46365.8% RepublicanPeter E. Salefsky Republican 4,91334.2% - Votes for listed candidates
- 17,554
- Election day
- November 4, 1980
- District map
- Older district map (1972 to 1981)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 1980, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanMary E. PanzerWon Republican 17,553100.0% Scattered write-ins Write-in 10.0% - Votes for listed candidates
- 10,952
- Election day
- November 7, 1978
- District map
- Older district map (1972 to 1981)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 1978, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanJames R. LewisWon(incumbent) Republican 10,94599.9% Scattered write-ins Write-in 70.1% - Votes for listed candidates
- 20,352
- Election day
- November 2, 1976
- District map
- Older district map (1972 to 1981)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 1976, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanJames R. LewisWon(incumbent) Republican 11,74557.7% DemocraticJames A. Bottoni Democratic 8,60642.3% Scattered write-ins Write-in 10.0% - Votes for listed candidates
- 11,453
- Election day
- November 4, 1974
- District map
- Older district map (1972 to 1981)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 1974, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanJames R. LewisWon(incumbent) Republican 7,33464.0% DemocraticDaniel J. Murphy Democratic 4,11936.0% - Votes for listed candidates
- 17,280
- Election day
- November 7, 1972
- District map
- Older district map (1972 to 1981)
Wisconsin Assembly District 53, 1972 to 2024, 1972, every candidate Candidate Party Votes and share Share RepublicanJames R. LewisWon Republican 9,34154.1% DemocraticLehman E. Eichstedt Democratic 7,93945.9%
- 2024: MEDSL 2024 official precinct returns (individual_states zips), retrieved Oct 28, 2026. Compiled by MIT Election Data and Science Lab (MEDSL) from official returns; not an official source
More about this race
Candidates on the ballot
Open seat
The current holder, Dean Kaufert, is not on the candidate list.
- Becky NicholsDemocratic
- David DanielsRepublican
- Rachael DowlingIndependent
Source: elections.wi.gov, dated Oct 6
District map
Select a shape for details. Arrow keys move between shapes.
- Democratic
- Republican
- Independent
- Nonpartisan
- More than one party
- No member listed
Map settings
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Official results for Wisconsin
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Cite this page
Election Wrld. (2026). Wisconsin Assembly District 53, election results 1972 to 2024. https://www.electionwrld.com/wi/assembly/53. Retrieved October 31, 2026.
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Sources
Sources: Census TIGERweb Legislative MapServer (120th CDs layer 0, 119th CDs layer 4, 2026 SLD upper layer 1 and lower layer 2) (US Census Bureau, public domain), retrieved Oct 28, 2026; Open Civic Data division identifiers (census_autogenerated us_sldl/us_sldu and openstates state files); also (sld-recent.json): Open Civic Data division identifiers (country-us) (CC0 (repository); also (sld-recent.json): CC0 1.0), retrieved Oct 28, 2026; Open States people (current) CSVs (CC0-1.0 (Open States people data)), retrieved Oct 28, 2026, compiled by Open States volunteers and staff (rosters from state legislature sites) from official returns, not an official source; MEDSL 2024 official precinct returns (individual_states zips) (Not stated in the GitHub repository (an earlier label said "MIT (repo)", which the repository does not support). MEDSL's Harvard Dataverse records are CC0 1.0, but these GitHub files were not checksum-matched to the Dataverse files, so CC0 is not claimed for them.), retrieved Oct 28, 2026, compiled by MIT Election Data and Science Lab (MEDSL) from official returns, not an official source; State Legislative Election Returns, 1967-2022 (Carl Klarner, Harvard Dataverse) (CC0 1.0), retrieved Oct 28, 2026, compiled by Carl Klarner (Harvard Dataverse) from official returns, not an official source.
DataState data (JSON)Sources: State Legislative Election Returns, 1967-2022 (Carl Klarner, Harvard Dataverse), MEDSL 2024 official precinct returnsData as of Oct 28, 2026