SHEBOYGAN – Alder John Belanger plans to run for a state Assembly seat this fall in the hopes of representing Sheboygan in the state Capitol.
Belanger, who represents District 2 on Sheboygan Common Council, announced April 14 he is running in the 26th Assembly District race, which will be on the November ballot.
“I’ve spent my career solving problems and serving my community,” Belanger said in a news release. “I’m ready to take that experience to Madison and be a strong, independent voice for the people of the 26th District.”
If elected, he said his top priorities would include addressing affordability issues for families, workers and small businesses as well as government fiscal responsibility.
State Rep. Joe Sheehan was elected in fall 2024 to represent District 26, which encompasses the city of Sheboygan, the town of Wilson and the town of Sheboygan. He is seeking reelection for a second term.
Belanger’s announcement comes after he was defeated by challenger Erin Bremser in the spring 2026 election to represent District 2. According to unofficial election results, Belanger received 498 votes and Bremser received 885 votes.Members of the new council session will be sworn in later this month.
Belanger also lost the 2025 mayoral race against Ryan Sorenson, who is serving his second term.
Belanger was elected to the Common Council in April 2024 after serving from 2012 to 2018. He has served on various committees during his time as an alder, including as chairman of the Public Works Committee and former Building Use Committee and being a member of the City Plan Commission.
Belanger has lived for more than 30 years in Sheboygan, where he and his wife Therese raised three children. He retired from Kohler Co.’s hospitality division last year and is a long-time member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Parish.
Belanger earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or agarner@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sheboygan alder John Belanger running for state Assembly seat
Reporting by Alex Garner, Sheboygan Press / Sheboygan Press
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