Overview
The 61st Assembly district is one of the 99 electoral districts that compose the Wisconsin State Assembly, the lower chamber of the Wisconsin Legislature. Each district elects one representative to a two‑year term. The district is situated in south‑central Wisconsin and includes portions of Columbia, Sauk, and Juneau counties.
Geographic composition (post‑2020 redistricting)
- Columbia County – includes the northern part of the city of Portage and surrounding townships.
- Sauk County – encompasses the city of Baraboo, the villages of Reedsburg and Prairie du Sac, and adjacent rural townships.
- Juneau County – covers the northern edge of the county, including the town of Camp Douglas.
The district’s boundaries were most recently redefined by the 2021 Wisconsin Legislative Redistricting Commission, which applied the 2020 U.S. Census data.
Demographics (2020 Census estimates)
- Population: approximately 59,400 residents.
- Racial/ethnic composition: ~90 % White, 5 % Hispanic or Latino, 2 % Black or African American, 2 % Asian, and 1 % other or multiracial.
- Median household income: around $65,000 (adjusted to 2020 dollars).
- Educational attainment: roughly 30 % of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Political representation
- Current representative (2023–2025 term): Amanda Stuck (Democratic Party), elected in the November 2022 general election.
- Committee assignments (2023‑2024 legislature): Served on the Committees on Aging and Long‑Term Care, Education, and Rural Development.
Recent election results
| Year | Candidate (Party) | Vote % |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Amanda Stuck (D) | 53.2 % |
| Zachary S. Cauley (R) | 46.8 % | |
| 2020 | Amanda Stuck (D) | 55.1 % |
| Mark R. Huebner (R) | 44.9 % | |
| 2018 | Amanda Stuck (D) | 52.7 % |
| Thomas C. Sisson (R) | 47.3 % |
Historical context
- The 61st district was created during the 1972 redistricting that established the current 99‑district system, replacing the earlier county‑based apportionment.
- Over successive redistricting cycles (1972, 1982, 1992, 2002, 2011, and 2021), the district’s borders shifted primarily among the neighboring counties, reflecting population changes and legal requirements for equal population among districts.
- Prior to Amanda Stuck’s tenure, the seat was held by Republican Glen H. Davis (2015‑2019) and Democrat Frank J. Joranko (1993‑2014).
Legislative role
The representative from the 61st district participates in drafting, debating, and voting on state legislation covering a range of policy areas, including education, transportation, health care, and agriculture—issues particularly relevant to the district’s mix of urban centers (e.g., Baraboo) and rural communities.
References
- Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau, Wisconsin Blue Book (2023 edition).
- Wisconsin Legislative Redistricting Commission, “2021 Redistricting Plan – Assembly District Maps.”
- United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020 5‑Year Estimates.
All information reflects publicly available, verifiable sources as of 2023.
