Jamie Wall (politician)

Last updated • 4 min readFrom Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
Jamie Wall
Member-elect of the Wisconsin Senate
from the 30th district
Assuming office
January 6, 2025
OccupationConsultant
Website Campaign website

James Richard "Jamie" Wall Jr. (born September 1971) is an American business consultant and Democratic politician from Green Bay, Wisconsin. He is a member-elect of the Wisconsin Senate, and will represent Wisconsin's 30th Senate district in the 107th Wisconsin Legislature (20252026).

Contents

Biography

Jamie Wall was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and was raised on his family's dairy farm in the nearby rural town of Holland. Wall graduated from Wrightstown High School in 1989, and was valedictorian of his class. [1] He was the first member of his family to attend college, studying political science and history at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He became involved in student government there and was co-president during his senior year. He was also active in campaigning on campus for Democratic Party presidential candidate Bill Clinton in the 1992 United States presidential election.

He earned his bachelor's degree in 1993, then took a six-week internship in the Office of the Vice President of the United States. He had to quit early, however, after his father became seriously ill. After his father's death in September 1993, Wall returned to politics, taking a job on Charles Chvala's 1994 campaign for governor of Wisconsin. [2] Shortly after Chvala's defeat, Wall was announced as one of 32 Rhodes Scholarship recipients for 1995 and spent the next two years studying at Oxford University in England. [3]

After completing his master's degree at Oxford, Wall worked in New York for management consulting firm McKinsey & Company , then joined a technology startup in Silicon Valley. [4] He returned to Wisconsin in 2002 and partnered with a friend in establishing their own company in Green Bay, providing consulting and strategic planning services to businesses.

Political career

Wall remained active in politics while conducting his consulting business. In 2002, he was involved in Jim Doyle's successful campaign for governor and was then part of Doyle's transition staff. Shortly after Doyle's inauguration, Wall was appointed to lead the Division of Economic Development in the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. [5]

After traveling extensively around the state promoting economic development projects, Wall made his first bid for public office in 2005, when he announced his campaign for U.S. House of Representatives. He sought the Democratic nomination in Wisconsin's 8th congressional district following the announcement that incumbent Mark Green would not run for re-election in 2006. [4] Wall had a strong start, raising $140,000 in his first quarter of fundraising and earning the endorsement of Dave Obey, the dean of the Wisconsin congressional delegation. Ultimately two other Democrats jumped into the race, former Brown County executive Nancy Nusbaum and physician Steve Kagan. Kagan prevailed in the primary, taking 47% of the vote. [6]

Kagen served two terms until he was defeated in the 2010 election by Republican Reid Ribble. A year later, in the fall of 2011, Wall announced he would make another bid for Congress in the 2012 election, challenging Ribble in the 8th congressional district. [7] This time Wall faced no opposition in the Democratic primary. In the general election, however, Ribble won by a comfortable margin, taking 56% of the vote. [8]

For the next decade, Wall did not run for office again. Though, after the election of Democratic governor Tony Evers, he sought appointment as C.E.O. of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, which had replaced the Department of Commerce. [9] [10] During these years, however, he helped found a regional non-profit economic development corporation called New North, Inc., which operates as a regional partner to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for the northeast quarter of Wisconsin. [11]

Wall returned to electoral politics in 2024, following the passage of a redistricting act undoing the decade-old Republican gerrymander of the Wisconsin Legislature. Wall announced he would run in the new 30th Senate district, comprising Green Bay, De Pere, Ashwaubenon, and Allouez. The new 30th Senate district was projected as one of the most competitive in the state, containing significant urban and suburban population. Wall faced no opposition in the Democratic primary. Although three Republican incumbents had been drawn into the new district, none of them ran in the highly competitive seat, with André Jacque seeking another office, Eric Wimberger relocating to another district, and Robert Cowles choosing to retire. Instead Wall faced Republican Jim Rafter, who had served as the village president of Allouez for the previous 8 years. [12] Wall prevailed in the general election, receiving 52.5% of the vote and flipping the district to Democratic control. [11] [13] He will take office in January 2025.

Personal life and family

Jamie Wall is the only child of Jo Ann ( née Gehl) and James R. "Jim" Wall. His father was a veteran of the Korean War, then worked as a corrections officer for 34 years. [14] His mother was a nurse. [15]

Their family farm in the town of Holland has been in the Wall family for five generations, since Jamie's great-great-grandfather, Irish American immigrant Richard Wall, settled there in 1855. [16] Jamie's uncle, Jerome Wall, was chairman of the town of Holland for several years. [4]

Wall is not married and resides in Green Bay.

Electoral history

U.S. House (2006)

YearElectionDateElectedDefeatedTotalPlurality
2006 Primary [6] Sep. 12 Steve Kagen Democratic 25,62347.63%Jamie Wall Dem. 15,42728.68%53,79710,196
Nancy Nusbaum Dem. 12,73123.66%

U.S. House (2012)

YearElectionDateElectedDefeatedTotalPlurality
2012 General [8] Nov. 6 Reid Ribble (inc) Republican 198,87455.95%Jamie Wall Dem. 156,28743.97%355,46442,587

Wisconsin Senate (2024)

YearElectionDateElectedDefeatedTotalPlurality
2024 General [13]
(unofficial)
Nov. 5Jamie Wall Democratic 46,23552.54%Jim Rafter Rep. 41,76847.46%88,0034,467

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brown County, Wisconsin</span> County in Wisconsin, United States

Brown County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 268,740, making it the fourth-most populous county in Wisconsin. The county seat is Green Bay. Brown County is part of the Green Bay, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John W. Reynolds Jr.</span> American politician (1921–2002)

John Whitcome Reynolds Jr. was the 36th governor of Wisconsin (1963–1965) and served 21 years as a United States district judge in the Eastern District of Wisconsin (1965–1986). A Democrat, he previously served as the 34th attorney general of Wisconsin (1959–1963).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robert Cowles</span> American politician

Robert Lewis Cowles III is an American Republican politician from Green Bay, Wisconsin. He is a member of the Wisconsin Senate, representing Wisconsin's 2nd Senate district since 1987. He is the longest currently-serving member of the Wisconsin Senate, having served for 37 years. He previously served four years in the Wisconsin State Assembly (1983–1987).

Frank G. Lasee is an American businessman and Republican politician from Brown County, Wisconsin. He was a member of the Wisconsin Senate for seven years, representing Wisconsin's 1st Senate district from 2011 to 2018. He also served 14 years in the Wisconsin State Assembly, from 1995 to 2009, and ran unsuccessfully for United States House of Representatives in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Reilly (Wisconsin politician)</span> 20th century American politician (1869–1944)

Michael Kieran Reilly was an Irish American lawyer and Democratic politician from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He served six full terms and one partial term in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Wisconsin's 6th congressional district from 1913 to 1917, and from December 1930 to January 1939. Earlier in his career, he served as district attorney of Fond du Lac County and city attorney of Fond du Lac.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toby Roth</span> 20th century American politician

Tobias Anton "Toby" Roth Sr. is a retired American businessman, lobbyist, and Republican politician from Appleton, Wisconsin. He served 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Wisconsin's 8th congressional district from 1979 to 1997. He previously served three terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly (1973–1979). His nephew, Roger Roth, was president of the Wisconsin Senate from 2017 to 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lyman E. Barnes</span> 19th century American lawyer and politician

Lyman Eddy Barnes Sr. was an American lawyer and Democratic politician from Appleton, Wisconsin. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Wisconsin's 8th congressional district during the 53rd Congress (1893–1895). Earlier in his career, he served as district attorney of Outagamie County, Wisconsin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James F. Hughes</span> 20th century American politician (1883–1940)

James Frederic Hughes was an American salesman and Democratic politician from De Pere, Wisconsin. He served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Wisconsin's 8th congressional district during the 73rd Congress (1933–1935). He retired after one term due to chronic illness.

David M. "Dave" Travis is a retired American communications consultant and Democratic politician. He served 30 years in the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Dane County, and was majority leader of the Assembly from 1991 to 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roger Roth</span> 21st century American politician (born 1978)

Roger James Roth Jr. is an American Republican politician from Appleton, Wisconsin. He was a member of the Wisconsin Senate for eight years, representing Wisconsin's 19th Senate district from 2015 to 2023, and was president of the Senate during the 2017–2018 and 2019–2020 legislative terms. Before serving in the Senate, he was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly for two terms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Wisconsin</span>

The 2010 congressional elections in Wisconsin were held on November 2, 2010, to determine who would represent the state of Wisconsin in the United States House of Representatives. It coincided with the state's senatorial and gubernatorial elections. Representatives were elected for two-year terms; those elected would serve in the 112th Congress from January 2011 until January 2013. Wisconsin has eight seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reid Ribble</span> American politician (born 1956)

Reid James Ribble is an American politician who was the U.S. representative for Wisconsin's 8th congressional district from 2011 to 2017. He is a member of the Republican Party.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Wisconsin</span>

The 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Wisconsin were held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, to elect the eight U.S. representatives from Wisconsin, one from each of the state's eight congressional districts. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected served in the 113th Congress from January 2013 until January 2015. The elections coincided with the elections of other federal and state offices, including a quadrennial presidential election and an election to the U.S. Senate. Primary elections were held on August 14, 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Henry F. Hagemeister</span> American politician (1855-1915)

Henry Frank Hagemeister was an American brewer, banker, and politician from Green Bay, Wisconsin. He represented Brown County for eight years in the Wisconsin Senate (1901–1909) as a Republican, and for four years in the State Assembly (1893–1897) as a Democrat.

Cletus J. Vanderperren was an American farmer and politician. A Democrat, he served 34 years in the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Green Bay and northern Brown County. At the time of his retirement, he was the longest-serving member in the history of the Wisconsin Assembly. His legislative service earned him the nickname Concrete Clete for his efforts to fund roads, highways, and bridges throughout the state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 United States House of Representatives elections in Wisconsin</span>

The 2016 United States House of Representatives elections in Wisconsin were held on Tuesday, November 8, 2016, to elect the eight U.S. representatives from the state of Wisconsin, one from each of the state's eight congressional districts. The elections coincided with the elections of other federal and state offices, including President of the United States and U.S. Senator from Wisconsin. The primaries were held on August 9.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shae Sortwell</span> 21st century American politician

Shae A. Sortwell is an American truck driver and Republican politician from Green Bay, Wisconsin. He is a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 2nd Assembly district since 2019. He previously served on the Green Bay city council and the town board of Gibson, Wisconsin.

Eric Wimberger is an American attorney and Republican politician from De Pere, Wisconsin. He is a member of the Wisconsin Senate, representing Wisconsin's 30th Senate district since 2021. Earlier in his career, he served as a United States Marine Corps officer for four years in the Judge Advocate Division.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wisconsin's 88th Assembly district</span> American legislative district in Brown County, Wisconsin

The 88th Assembly district of Wisconsin is one of 99 districts in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Located in Northeastern Wisconsin, the district comprises parts of central Brown County. It includes the city of De Pere, the villages of Allouez and Bellevue, and a small part of the city of Green Bay. The district also contains landmarks such as St. Norbert College and the De Pere Lock and Dam Historic District. The district is represented by John Macco, since January 2015.

Edward Hicks was an American merchant, Democratic politician, and Wisconsin pioneer. He was a member of the Wisconsin Senate and State Assembly (1870), representing Brown County. He was postmaster of Green Bay for about 12 years during the 1840s and 1850s.

References

  1. "Wall, Verbeten to speak at rites for Wrightstown". Green Bay Press-Gazette . May 16, 1989. p. 43. Retrieved November 9, 2024 via Newspapers.com.
  2. "Wrightstown grad earns Rhodes Scholarship". The Post-Crescent . December 12, 1994. p. 1. Retrieved November 9, 2024 via Newspapers.com.
  3. "4-H helps state man gain Rhodes honors". The Country Today. September 20, 1995. p. 1. Retrieved November 9, 2024 via Newspapers.com.
  4. 1 2 3 "Wall plans run for Congress". Green Bay Press-Gazette . April 15, 2005. p. 35. Retrieved November 9, 2024 via Newspapers.com.
  5. "Hometown son pitches in on state economy". Green Bay Press-Gazette . May 25, 2003. p. 45. Retrieved November 9, 2024 via Newspapers.com.
  6. 1 2 Results of Fall Primary Election - 09/12/2006 (Report). Wisconsin State Elections Board. October 17, 2006. p. 14. Retrieved November 9, 2024 via Wisconsin Historical Society.
  7. Vinson, Michael Lewis (October 5, 2011). "Businessman first Democrat to challenge Ribble". Green Bay Press-Gazette . p. 5. Retrieved November 9, 2024 via Newspapers.com.
  8. 1 2 Canvass Results for 2012 Presidential and General Election - 11/6/2012 (Report). Wisconsin Government Accountability Board. December 26, 2012. p. 4. Retrieved November 9, 2024 via Wisconsin Historical Society.
  9. Schmidt, Mitchell (September 6, 2019). "'Refreshing' pick for WEDC". Wisconsin State Journal . Retrieved November 9, 2024 via Newspapers.com.
  10. Beck, Molly (September 5, 2019). "Organic Valley exec Melissa Hughes tapped to lead the state's jobs agency". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  11. 1 2 Kaska, Jimmie (November 6, 2024). "Democrat Jamie Wall wins 30th Senate District". Civic Media. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  12. Mathew, Benita (April 10, 2024). "Allouez Village President Jim Rafter announces run for 30th Senate District". Green Bay Press-Gazette . Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  13. 1 2 "2024 Wisconsin General Elections Results - State Senate District 30". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel . November 6, 2024. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  14. "James R. Wall". Green Bay Press-Gazette . September 30, 1993. p. 7. Retrieved November 9, 2024 via Newspapers.com.
  15. "Wall, Jo Ann". Green Bay Press-Gazette . August 25, 2015. p. C10. Retrieved November 9, 2024 via Newspapers.com.
  16. "Death of Richard Wall". Green Bay Press-Gazette . February 21, 1895. p. 5. Retrieved November 9, 2024 via Newspapers.com.