The list of candidates to replace Andre Jacque as Wisconsin state senator for District 1 continues to grow as Jacque’s district director is now the fourth candidate and third Republican to announce they’re seeking the seat in the November election.
Nic Cravillion of New Franken is a veteran and local small-business owner who announced in a May 4 news release he will run to succeed Jacque after serving as his district director for five years. Jacque announced April 30 he isn’t seeking reelection after being in the state Legislature since 2010, serving two terms in the Senate and before that four terms in the Assembly.
Cravillion said in a news release his campaign is about “Working for Wisconsin” and focusing on issues that matter. He said he would stand up for farmers, small businesses and rural communities, and work to lower tax burdens on families and seniors; expand workforce and affordable housing opportunities; support conservation, hunting, and youth and veteran access; and hold government accountable and make it work for the people.
“While I’m saddened that my friend and mentor, André Jacque, has decided not to seek reelection,” Cravillion said in the news release, “I believe now is the time for me to step up, continue the work we’ve started and fight for the values that define our communities.”
In the seven years Cravillion has worked in public service, including the past five with Jacque, he said he’s “worked directly with farmers, small business owners, veterans and families across this district, helping navigate government and pushing for real solutions when it falls short.”
Cravillion said he was born and raised on a what is now a seventh-generation family farm in New Franken where he and his family live. He joined the U.S. Army after graduating from high school and deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 for Operation Enduring Freedom, returned home in 2014 and continues to serve in the Wisconsin Army National Guard.
In his news release, Cravillion cited his deep ties to the community. Along with the family homestead, he said his family operated a well-known local bar and restaurant for many years, and he and his wife work locally, he as a small-business owner and she as a Realtor. He also said he’s active in the community through church and local service, as well as organizations such as American Legion Post 262 in Luxemburg.
Joining Cravillion thus far in the race to earn the Republican nomination for the Senate seat are two other veterans: Jacob VandenPlas of Sturgeon Bay, who announced his candidacy April 20, and Kell Bales of Kimberly, who announced May 1, hours after Jacque issued his announcement.
The other declared candidate at this point is Mark Becker, a former Republican Party of Brown County chair who announced April 16 he will run as an independent. Currently no declared Democratic Party candidate is running; Sean Grorich of Sturgeon Bay announced in late September he would challenge Jacque as a Democrat but recently dropped out of the race and endorsed Becker.
The 1st Senate District encompasses Assembly districts 1, 2 and 3, which includes all of Door and Kewaunee counties and parts of Brown, northeastern Manitowoc, northern Calumet and southwestern Outagamie counties. A primary election for local and statewide races will be held Aug. 11 with the general election taking place Nov. 3.
Contact Christopher Clough at 920-562-8900 or cclough@usatodayco.com.
MORE: Group bike rides set for Ahnapee State Trail in Door, Kewaunee counties
MORE: 18 concerts part of Door County Auditorium 2026-27 Main Stage season
MORE: Door County Sheriff seeks reelection, joining a crowded race
FOR MORE DOOR COUNTY NEWS: Check out our website
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Fourth candidate announces campaign for Jacque’s Wisconsin Senate seat
Reporting by Christopher Clough, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Green Bay Press-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
