Patty Rivard Schachtner (born April 1, 1960) is an American Democratic politician and first responder from Somerset, Wisconsin. She was a member of the Wisconsin Senate, representing Wisconsin's 10th Senate district from 2018 until 2021.
Patty Schachtner | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Wisconsin Senate from the 10th district | |
| In office January 26, 2018 – January 4, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Sheila Harsdorf |
| Succeeded by | Rob Stafsholt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 1, 1960 Somerset, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Joe |
| Children | 6 |
| Alma mater | Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College |
| Occupation | First responder, politician |
Early life and career
editSchachtner was born in Somerset, Wisconsin, in April 1960. During her childhood she was raised on a family farm and attended Somerset High School, graduating in 1978. After attending Somerset, she went on to attend Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC, now Northwood Technical College) to become a first responder, working as an EMT and EMS adult educator.[1] She also served as a member of the Somerset School Board, Star Prairie, Wisconsin, town supervisor, and as an EMT educator at WITC.[2]
State Senate
editIn 2017, after accepting a position within the Scott Walker administration, Sheila Harsdorf resigned her seat in the Wisconsin Senate to become Wisconsin's Secretary of Agriculture. Due to the opening, Schachtner and two other Democrats filed to succeed her, with Schachtner defeating John Calabrese by a 46 point margin. Going into the general election she was considered an underdog, but on January 16, 2018, she defeated Republican nominee Adam M. Jarchow, a state legislator, by a large margin, in a district that Donald Trump had won in 2016 by over 17 points in an election mired by very low turnout.[3] She became the first Democrat to represent the 10th district since Alice Clausing left office in 2001.
Alongside her service as state senator, Schachtner also serves on various local boards and organizations within Somerset and engages in advocacy for victims of sexual and domestic violence.
In the 2020 election, Schachtner lost her bid for election to a full term to representative Rob Stafsholt by a twenty-point margin.[4]
Post-legislative career
editAfter her defeat, Schachtner served as one of Wisconsin's 10 electors in the Electoral College, voting for Democratic Joe Biden.[5]
In 2022, Schachtner ran for the 28th Assembly district against Gae Magnafici.
Personal life and family
editSchachtner is married and has 6 children and 12 grandchildren.[1]
Schachtner's son, Travis, ran for State Assembly in 2014 against Adam Jarchow in the 28th Assembly district.[6]
References
edit- ^ a b "Senator Patty Schachtner". Wisconsin State Legislature. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
- ^ "State Senator Patty Schachtner". Wisconsin State Legislature. Archived from the original on August 12, 2020. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
- ^ Richmond, Todd. "Dem Schachtner Beats Jarchow to Take Senate Seat". Associated Press. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
- ^ Lindquist, Eric (4 November 2020). "Stafsholt rolls to victory over Schachtner in 10th Senate District". www.leadertelegram.com. Eau Claire Leader-Telegram. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ Dolby, Nuha (December 7, 2020). "Who are Wisconsin's electors? These are the 10 people who'll cast the state's Electoral College votes Dec. 14". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
- ^ Foley, Micheal (October 30, 2024). "State Assembly District 28: Schachtner running for rural families". Republican Eagle. Retrieved October 2, 2024.