This story first appeared in UpNorthNews
In the political landscape of Wisconsin, a fresh face is emerging with a mission to challenge the status quo. Trevor Jung, a 30-year-old Democrat, is stepping into the race for the state’s Senate District 21, aiming to bring change to what he perceives as a stagnant Republican-controlled legislature.
Since 2011, the Wisconsin State Legislature has been under Republican control (source), and Jung argues that this has led to a complacency among lawmakers. “Life has gotten more expensive, opportunity has become limited and the American Dream seems out of sight for too many,” Jung stated, expressing his concerns over the current governance.
Jung is entering the race alongside another newcomer, business executive Jim Croft. This follows the decision of incumbent Republican Van H. Wanggaard not to seek re-election, making it one of the most watched legislative races in the state (source).
A native of Racine, Jung is no stranger to public service. At 22, he was elected city alderman, serving two terms before taking on the role of director of RYDE Racine, the city’s public transit system. His tenure in city government has left him frustrated with the state legislature, which he views as an obstacle rather than a partner for working families.
“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,” Jung told UpNorthNews.
‘The place that gave me everything’
Jung’s personal story adds a compelling layer to his candidacy. Born in Russia and placed in an orphanage, he was adopted at age two by a single father from Racine. Raised in a supportive community, he enjoyed a quintessential American upbringing. “When I grew up, I realized my calling was to give back to the place that gave me everything,” he shared.
As he campaigns, Jung has found that affordability is the foremost concern among voters in his district, which spans parts of Milwaukee and Racine counties. Rising costs of groceries, gas, and housing are top issues, exacerbated by factors like international conflicts and state policies.
Education is another significant concern. Jung recounted a conversation with a mother whose daughter, who is deaf and has developmental disabilities, was forced to switch to homeschooling due to insufficient resources in the public school system. “That’s a direct result of almost two decades of Republican leadership in the state legislature underfunding our public schools,” he asserted.
The path forward
Jung envisions a different future, one where Democrats hold sway in both the Senate and Assembly, facilitating increased distribution of state tax revenue to local governments. This change, he believes, would address many current challenges. Under Republican Governor Scott Walker, these distributions were reduced by 9% (source), contributing to a $3.3 billion revenue surplus (source).
Jung highlights how some municipalities have had to hold referendums to fund essential services while this surplus remains unused (source), citing Racine’s referendum for firefighter staffing as an example.
If elected on November 3, Jung aims to advocate for measures such as expanding Medicaid and capping insulin prices, alongside enhancing school meal programs. He also supports the proposed expansion of the Homestead Tax Credit and the Wisconsin Shares childcare subsidy.
Beyond policy, Jung seeks to foster civility in political discourse. “People are sick of the divisiveness and nastiness of politics… the culture that’s come down from the president with his name-calling,” Jung remarked. “People don’t want to look at their neighbors as enemy combatants.”
