# Ben Brist for State Assembly > Ben Brist is running for the Wisconsin State Assembly in the 61st district to build a better Wisconsin for everyone and to serve his community. --- ## Home URL: https://www.bristforassembly.com ###### Ben Brist: Democrat for state assembly # Let's build a better Wisconsin together Learn More Add your description here Watch Now ## I'm running to build a better Wisconsin. **One where it's easier to live, work, and raise a family. One where no child goes hungry and no one goes into bankruptcy because they get sick. One where it's possible to find a good job, own a home, and start a family. One where our natural resources are protected for generations to come.** **I've served our country in the Army as a paratrooper and infantry officer, and I'm excited to serve our community in the assembly.** Learn more Introductory photo Your contributions help us reach more voters. *If you’ve saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately.* ## Wisconsin's 61st Assembly District The 61st district includes all of Hales Corners and Greendale, as well as parts of Franklin, Greenfield, and Milwaukee City. Not sure if you live in the district? Check out this map: --- ## About URL: https://www.bristforassembly.com/about ###### meet ben # Meet Ben Learn More Watch Now # I was born and raised here in Wisconsin. #### I’m a sixth-generation Wisconsinite and the son of two public servants. Growing up, I learned that public service isn’t about titles or politics. It’s about showing up, working hard, and helping your neighbors when they need it most. My parents were deeply involved in our community, and they taught me about a tradition of Wisconsin leadership that put working people first. Leaders like Robert La Follette and Gaylord Nelson believed government should work for everyday people, not just the wealthy or well-connected. Those values stuck with me, and they’re part of what led me to choose a life of service. After high school, I attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where I studied Military History and Russian Language alongside ethics, engineering, and leadership. After graduating, I was commissioned as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer. I served for seven years on active duty, first as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and later as a Company Commander in the 4th Infantry Division, where I led 155 soldiers. I graduated from the Army’s premier leadership course, U.S. Army Ranger School, as well as the Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leaders Course and Jumpmaster School, and earned my Expert Infantryman Badge. I deployed twice to the Middle East, serving in Kuwait and Iraq, and finished my service as a Captain. While serving, I met my wife, Hannie, also an Army officer. I’ve been trying to recruit her as a Wisconsinite ever since. Her first winter visit nearly derailed the whole plan, but we were married last year, and now we’re both excited to be putting down roots here at home. **After finishing my military service and graduate studies in policy, I came back to Wisconsin because this is where we want to build our life and give back. I care deeply about this state and the people who live here.** I’m running for the State Assembly because I believe government works best when it’s close to the people it serves. Wisconsin is worth fighting for, and I’ll bring the same sense of duty, honesty, and accountability to Madison that guided me in uniform. **I’m running for State Assembly because I believe government can and should work better for normal people.** **I’m running because I believe in a better future for Wisconsin.** Insert quote text here. photo (generic) --- ## Issues URL: https://www.bristforassembly.com/issues ###### Add your eyebrow here # Issues Learn More Add your description here Watch Now ###### learn more about ## The Issues Ben believes our state government can and should work better for everyday people. Its time for the State Legislature to step up to today's challenges. Send Ben to be your new voice in Madison. View more --- ## Endorsements URL: https://www.bristforassembly.com/endorsements ###### # Endorsements Learn More Add your description here Watch Now ###### ## Ben is proud to be endorsed by the following organizations and officials: Logo Logo Logo Logo Logo Logo Logo Logo Logo Logo Logo Logo Logo Logo Logo Logo Logo Logo Logo Logo Logo #### Tammy Baldwin United States Senator from Wisconsin #### Sheldon Wasserman 3rd District Supervisor, Milwaukee County Board #### Joe Czarnezki Former State Senator, Milwaukee County Clerk and Board Supervisor #### Peter Bock Former State Assembly Member, Former Milwaukee County Democratic Party Chair #### Donald G. Schwartz Former 19-Year Hales Corners Village Board Trustee ## And to have the support of several local community leaders: - Kathy Christensen, Greendale - Terry Johnson, Greendale - Dustin Klein, Milwaukee - Jeff and Joan Korn, Milwaukee - Pattie Lewis, Greendale - Marty and Karen Ordinans, Greenfield - Cheryl Sanders, Greendale - Jackie Schultz, Franklin - Suzie Schwartz, Hales Corners --- ## Join Us URL: https://www.bristforassembly.com/volunteer ###### Add your eyebrow here # Volunteer Learn More Add your description here Watch Now ###### WE NEED YOU ON OUR TEAM! Ben's campaign for 61st Assembly District is powered by people. We are grassroots because at the heart of our mission is understanding what matters most to the good people of this district. **Volunteer today to help fuel a campaign that’s accountable to you.** **Find our canvasses here: ** [https://mobilize.us/s/k9i7iA](https://mobilize.us/s/k9i7iA) **Join a phone bank:** [https://mobilize.us/s/Ad4JMa](https://mobilize.us/s/Ad4JMa) **Attend a Meet & Greet** Franklin - [https://mobilize.us/s/D3ZJyP](https://mobilize.us/s/D3ZJyP) Milwaukee - [https://mobilize.us/s/y4mE0e](https://mobilize.us/s/y4mE0e) photo (generic) --- ## News: Army Veteran Ben Brist Announces Campaign for Wisconsin's 61st Assembly District URL: https://www.bristforassembly.com/news/news-1 **Greendale, Wisconsin** — Ben Brist, a U.S. Army veteran and sixth-generation Wisconsinite, announced today that he is running as a Democrat for the Wisconsin State Assembly in the 61st District. "When you're digging a foxhole, it doesn't matter what your politics are, the color of your skin, or by what name you call God," Brist said. "What matters is that you're bound together by a common purpose, one of selfless service and teamwork to accomplish the mission. That's the kind of leadership I want to bring to Madison: practical, accountable, and focused on results for our community." Brist served seven years on active duty as an Infantry Officer and Paratrooper in the U.S. Army, leading soldiers from across the country. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Brist deployed to Iraq before returning home to Wisconsin with his wife to start a family. Brist grew up in a family that believed in public service. Both of his parents were career public servants and union members who taught him the dignity of work and the importance of standing together to build strong communities. "We chose to build our life here because we believe in Southeast Wisconsin. The 61st Assembly District is rich in history, full of hard working people and strong schools – this is a community worth investing in," Brist said. "But for too long, the state government has made it harder, not easier, for young families like ours to stay and build a future in Wisconsin." The challenges hit close to home for Brist and his wife. Property taxes in Wisconsin are among the highest in the country. Young families struggle to afford childcare and housing. And despite Wisconsin's proud tradition of public service, the state legislature has slashed funding for schools, gutted the DNR, and closed Veterans Homeless Shelters in Green Bay and Eau Claire. "I'm not a career politician and I don't plan to serve like one," Brist said. "I want to build a state government that makes it easier for people to live, work, raise a family, and retire in dignity here in Wisconsin." Brist's campaign will focus on reducing the cost of childcare and housing, changing state laws that have led to rising property taxes, supporting workers' rights and small businesses, and investing in Wisconsin's world-class university system to attract jobs. "Southeast Wisconsin should be a nexus of opportunity, with good transit, infrastructure, jobs, housing, and vibrant communities from here to the Illinois border," Brist said. Brist’s Army background and upbringing in a union household shapes his approach to leadership. "My parents taught me the dignity of work and the importance of serving your community. In the Army, I learned what it means to solve tough problems and be accountable. The 61st deserves a representative who listens first, leads with integrity, and puts our state’s future above partisan politics." The 61st Assembly District includes the villages of Greendale and Hales Corners, most of the city of Greenfield, and parts of Milwaukee and Franklin. The seat is currently held by Republican Bob Donovan. The Democratic primary will be held August 11, 2026, with the general election on November 3, 2026. **Greendale, Wisconsin** — Ben Brist, a U.S. Army veteran and sixth-generation Wisconsinite, announced today that he is running as a Democrat for the Wisconsin State Assembly in the 61st District. **"When you're digging a foxhole, it doesn't matter what your politics are, the color of your skin, or by what name you call God,"** Brist said. **"What matters is that you're bound together by a common purpose, one of selfless service and teamwork to accomplish the mission. That's the kind of leadership I want to bring to Madison: practical, accountable, and focused on results for our community."** Brist served seven years on active duty as an Infantry Officer and Paratrooper in the U.S. Army, leading soldiers from across the country. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Brist deployed to Iraq before returning home to Wisconsin with his wife to start a family. Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has b --- ## News: Ben Brist Responds to GOP Meddling and Attempts To Defeat Him In AD-61 Primary URL: https://www.bristforassembly.com/news/news-2 *“They know I’m the Democrat who will beat Bob Donovan,” says Brist, about efforts to defeat him. * GREENDALE, Wis. — Ben Brist released the following statement in response to a dark money Republican group sending mail to Democratic primary voters in Wisconsin’s 61st Assembly District attacking him and elevating one of his primary opponents just one week before the August 11 primary election: “Republicans are attacking me because, as an Army veteran and sixth-generation Wisconsinite, they know I'm the best candidate to beat Bob Donovan this November, and they want to handpick their opponent," said Brist. “They say I ‘parachuted’ into this district, but the only parachuting I've ever done was out of military aircraft, as an Army paratrooper serving this country.” Republican operatives intervening in Democratic primaries to elevate candidates they view as weaker has become an increasingly common tactic nationwide. The Jobs First Coalition political fund, the group responsible for the mailer, has previously spent millions of dollars to defeat Democrats in the 61st district and [has close ties to GOP leader Robin Vos](https://www.therecombobulationarea.com/p/assembly-republicans-leave-capitol). The photo of Brist featured on the mailer also appears to have been generated by artificial intelligence to deceive voters, raising further transparency concerns. Ben Brist is a West Point graduate and Army veteran running to flip the 61st Assembly District. He is endorsed by WEAC, AFT Local 212, VoteVets, New Politics, and several community leaders. He served for 7 years in the United States Army and is a sixth-generation Wisconsinite. While attending the United States Military Academy and on active duty, Ben voted absentee at the address where he was raised. Ben and his wife were thrilled to return to Wisconsin after finishing their educations and active duty military service, and are proud to call Greendale home. **Greendale, Wis.** — Ben Brist released the following statement in response to a dark money Republican group sending mail to Democratic primary voters in Wisconsin’s 61st Assembly District attacking him and elevating one of his primary opponents just one week before the August 11 primary election: **“Republicans are attacking me because, as an Army veteran and sixth-generation Wisconsinite, they know I'm the best candidate to beat Bob Donovan this November, and they want to handpick their opponent,"** said Brist. **“They say I ‘parachuted’ into this district, but the only parachuting I've ever done was out of military aircraft, as an Army paratrooper serving this country.”** Republican operatives intervening in Democratic primaries to elevate candidates they view as weaker has become an increasingly common tactic nationwide. Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has b --- ## Events: Event title here URL: https://www.bristforassembly.com/events/event-1 **firstName** First Name **lastName** Last Name **phoneNumber** Phone Number **zipOrPostalCode** ZIP Code **email** Email Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Write a short blurb about the event. --- ## Footer **CONTACT THE CAMPAIGN** [hello@bristforassembly.com](mailto:hello@bristforassembly.com) ‪(414) 293-3143‬ Powered by