Challengers Ed Delgado, Kevin Krentz, Bill Lorge and Dylan Testin will compete for the Republican nomination for the 57th District seat in the Wisconsin State Assembly in the Aug. 11 fall primary election.
Assemblypersons serve two-year terms. The candidate who receives the most votes will appear as the Republican candidate in the Nov. 3 general election when they will face Democratic challenger Joey Marschall. Current 57th District Rep. Kevin Peterson (R-Waupaca) filed for noncandidacy in this race.
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The Stevens Point Journal asked each of the candidates to address important issues in the district and why they are running for the position.
Ed Delgado
Residence: Redgranite
Age: 53
Occupation and education: Sales professional in the wine and spirits industry. Associate degree in criminal justice from Guam Community College in 2003, and bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Kaplan University in 2006.
Relevant experience: Waushara County Board supervisor, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, former vice chair of the Waushara County Republican Party, longtime conservative advocate and working professional.
Campaign website/Facebook page: www.delgadoforwi.com and Delgado for WI on Facebook
Kevin Krentz
The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.
Bill Lorge
Residence: Fremont
Age: 65
Occupation and education: Author and teacher. Bachelor of arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1983, class president.
Relevant experience: Former Wisconsin state legislator, 1989-1999.
Campaign website/Facebook page: LorgeForAssembly.com and Bill Lorge on Facebook
Dylan Testin
Residence: Town of Lind
Age: 31
Occupation and education: Restaurant/bar owner. Bachelor’s degree.
Relevant experience: Business owner and father.
Campaign website/Facebook page: Testin for 57 on Facebook
Why are you running for office?
Delgado: I’m running because I believe the people of the 57th Assembly District deserve a representative who will show up, listen and fight for their interests. Government should work for the people — not the other way around. As a Marine Corps veteran, Waushara County Board supervisor and working professional, I understand the challenges facing families, family farms, veterans, small businesses and hardworking Wisconsinites. I believe elected office should be earned through hard work, accountability and direct engagement with the people, and that’s exactly how I’ve approached this campaign.
Lorge: To save our democracy and our world for our future generations and to end the corruption going on under the domes.
Testin: I am running to give our district someone who actually represents the people who live in it. Someone who brings the passion, dedication and accountability to the district that this district deserves. As a father, I am committed to a better future for my kids. As a small business owner, I bring the business acumen and hard work that we need to actually accomplish things in Madison. I am completely dedicated to improving our district.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
Delgado: I’ve spent this campaign doing what I believe a candidate should do — meeting people where they are. I’ve knocked on doors, attended community events, walked in parades, debated the issues and listened to voters across the district. I’m not running to climb a political ladder. I’m running because I want to represent the people of the 57th Assembly District. I believe elected office should be earned through hard work, accessibility and accountability — not handed down by political insiders. I’ll bring common sense, real-world experience and a willingness to work hard every day for the people I serve.
Lorge: Most qualified, experienced and proven leader to get things done for the people, not the special interests.
Testin: I am the only candidate in this race who has been there for my district even when there isn’t an election. From volunteering at local events, donating to all the local organizations and building a family in the district, I have been showing up since day one and will always show up for my community. Other candidates have just started being involved to gain votes.
What is the most pressing issue facing the 57th Assembly District, and how would you address it?
Delgado: The biggest issue I hear about is the cost of living. Families are paying more for groceries, fuel, utilities and property taxes while trying to make ends meet. We need to get government spending under control, reduce unnecessary regulations, support our family farms, small businesses and the hardworking people in retail, hospitality, health care, manufacturing and the service industries who keep Wisconsin moving. We need to create an environment where people can afford to live, work, raise a family and build a future right here in the 57th Assembly District. Government should be solving problems — not creating more of them.
Lorge: There are way too many to just list one. If we don’t fix our democracy and remove the big, dirty money that’s destroying our government, then we won’t have a democracy in the future. Sometimes you have to take a step back and fix the system before you can fix anything else and the system is broke. I have the experience and the history fighting for the people against the big money and corrupt politicians, and I can’t wait to get back down to Madison and fight them harder than ever because it’s now or never.
Testin: One issue that separates District 57 from other districts is the private property rights and maintaining local control issues. There are current attacks on citizens’ private property rights and fights with zoning that are major issues in the district. As well as counties and agencies trying to pass ordinances that strip away municipalities’ local control and power. I would help municipalities get state legislation protecting them from county and state overreach.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?
Delgado: Wherever I go, I hear many of the same concerns: the rising cost of living, high property taxes, public safety, protecting our constitutional rights and holding government accountable. Just as importantly, people want to actually know their state representative. They want someone who shows up, listens and takes the time to have a conversation instead of treating them like another vote. My job would be simple: listen first, work hard and make decisions based on what’s best for the people of the 57th Assembly District — not what’s politically convenient in Madison.
Lorge: People are discouraged by the political fighting and the lack of progress in our government. Many people don’t even want to vote. They’re so upset with the political situation. I have many solutions and have a history fighting the big money that destroys our democracy. It’s time to unite and get things done for the people.
Testin: Cost of living is on top of everyone’s mind. There is no true easy way to address this, but one of the first ways would be lowering utility rates and property taxes. Utility rates are out of control and utility companies are trying to get more rate increases through.
Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Contact him at epfantz@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: Meet the Republican candidates for WI’s 57th Assembly District seat
Reporting by Erik Pfantz, Stevens Point Journal / Stevens Point Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Erik Pfantz, Stevens Point Journal | USA TODAY Network
