UW Instructor To Run For Open State Senate Seat

A college instructor said she will run for an open seat in the state Senate this fall.

Democrat Lisa Theo teaches geography and geology at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She announced Thursday she plans to run for Sen. Jim Holperin’s seat. Holperin, a Democrat from Conover, announced last month he won’t seek re-election in November.

Democrats and Republicans currently each have 16 seats in the Senate, leaving the chamber under split control. The division came about after Republican Sen. Pam Galloway abruptly retired last month.

Democrats have targeted Galloway and three other Republican senators for recalls. Those elections will take place in May or June, depending on whether primaries are needed. Sixteen seats will be up for election in November.