Trevor Jung Challenges Wisconsin GOP in Senate District 21 Race

This story first appeared in UpNorthNews

Democratic candidate Trevor Jung is challenging Wisconsin’s Republican leadership in his campaign for the state’s Senate District 21 seat. With the legislature under GOP control since 2011, Jung argues that life has become more costly and opportunities limited.

Jung criticizes the current lawmakers, stating, “We have lawmakers here in Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled state legislature who’ve gotten lazy,” Jung said. “But the same people are telling you that they deserve another term in office.”

In a race that has drawn significant attention, Jung faces business executive Jim Croft for the seat vacated by Republican Van H. Wanggaard. The contest is among the most closely watched legislative races in the state.

Although new to the state Senate race, Jung is familiar with public service, having been elected to the Racine Common Council at 22 and later appointed to direct RYDE Racine, the city’s transit system. His experience has fueled his dissatisfaction with the state legislature, which he sees as an “adversary” to working families.

He emphasizes the need for policymakers “laser-focused on bringing down the cost of living” and expanding opportunities. “What we need are people in public office who are laser-focused on bringing down the cost of living, who want to make sure that opportunities are expanded by connecting folks to jobs and making sure that our schools have the resources they need,” he told UpNorthNews.

‘The place that gave me everything’

Jung’s candidacy is shaped by his personal story. Born in Russia and adopted by a single father in Racine, he describes his upbringing as an “all-American childhood” with community support. “When I grew up, I realized my calling was to give back to the place that gave me everything,” he said.

Campaigning door-to-door revealed that economic concerns dominate constituents’ minds, with many troubled by rising costs attributed to global conflicts and policy decisions. The district, covering parts of Milwaukee and Racine Counties, faces increasing grocery, gas, and housing costs, alongside utility bill hikes linked to state policies.

Education funding is another pressing issue, with constituents expressing concern over resource availability in public schools. Jung relayed the story of a mother whose child transitioned to homeschooling due to inadequate support for her disabilities, attributing the situation to prolonged Republican leadership.

The path forward

Jung advocates for Democratic majorities in the state legislature to reverse funding cuts and address local government needs. He notes that distributions of state tax revenue were slashed by 9% under Republican Governor Scott Walker, contributing to a $3.3 billion revenue surplus.

He says municipalities have turned to referendums to sustain essential services while surplus funds remain untouched. Jung points to Racine’s referendum for firefighter staffing as an example.

His policy goals include expanding Medicaid to provide BadgerCare, capping insulin prices, and enhancing free school meal programs. He also supports expanding the Homestead Tax Credit and Wisconsin Shares childcare subsidy.

Amidst policy proposals, Jung emphasizes restoring civility in political discourse, reflecting constituents’ desires to move past divisive politics. “People are sick of the divisiveness and nastiness of politics… the culture that’s come down from the president with his name-calling,” Jung said. “People don’t want to look at their neighbors as enemy combatants.”