Wisconsin Republican Paul Melotik wins special election for vacant Assembly seat, keeps district in GOP hands

close

Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for July 19

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Republican Paul Melotik defeated Democrat Bob Tatterson in a special election Tuesday for a vacant Assembly seat representing Milwaukee's north suburbs, keeping the district in GOP hands.

Melotik's win keeps the Republican majority in the Assembly at 64-35. That is two seats short of a supermajority, which would be enough to override a governor's veto. But Republicans could have a supermajority if two or more Democrats are absent.

The seat was open after Republican Dan Knodl won a special election and is now serving in the state Senate. His win in that race this spring gave Republicans a 22-11 supermajority in the Senate, a power that allows them to remove state officials impeached in the Assembly.

WISCONSIN REPUBLICANS PROPOSE AMENDMENT TO BLOCK GOVERNMENT AGENCIES FROM CLOSING CHURCHES DURING EMERGENCIES

Melotik co-owns and operated several businesses and served in Ozaukee County and Town of Grafton government, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. Tatterson, a retired engineer and adviser to start-up businesses, conceded the race after results were tallied.

Wisconsin Republican Paul Melotik won a special election for a vacant Assembly seat on July 18, 2023.

Before winning a seat in the Senate, Knodl defeated Tatterson in a reelection bid for his Assembly seat in November.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Melotik, who chairs the finance committee in Ozaukee County, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he is interested in a spot on the Legislature's budget-writing Joint Finance Committee, a sought-after position for state lawmakers.