Wisconsin GOP Rep. James Sensenbrenner Will Retire

BROOKFIELD, WI — Republican congressman James Sensenbrenner said he will retire from Congress in January, 2021, at the end of his current term.

Sensenbrenner, 76, has served in the House of Representatives for 40 years and prior to his election to Congress, served 10 years in the Wisconsin State Legislature. His district covers portions of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Dodge, and Walworth counties, and all of Jefferson and Washington counties.

“When I began my public service in 1968, I said I would know when it was time to step back. After careful consideration, I have determined at the completion of this term, my 21st term in Congress, it will be that time," he said in a statement.

By the Numbers

23,882: Number of votes on the House Floor

4,299: Number of legislation pieces co-sponsored

4,000: Number of Town Hall Meetings Held

768: Number those legislation pieces that passed the house

217: Number of those legislation pieces that were signed into law

6: Number of U.S. Presidents who served during his time in Congress.

Sensenbrenner has had many named accomplishments in his tenure. He cited the passage of the U.S.A. Patriot Act enacted shortly after 9/11, and the U.S.A. Freedom Act in 2015.

He has been married to Cheryl Warren Sensenbrenner for 42 years. They have two adult sons, and a 2-year-old grandson.

Quotable

Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Green Bay)

“Over his four decades in Congress, Jim Sensenbrenner has demonstrated how to represent the people of Wisconsin with honor and distinction. He has been an instrumental voice in the key policy debates of our time, and his passion, expertise, and wisdom will be greatly missed in the House of Representatives. I am proud to call Jim a friend and am grateful for all that I have learned from serving with him in Congress.”

Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Janesville)

“Jim Sensenbrenner is a legend of Wisconsin politics and will be missed. His relentless commitment to both listen to and serve Southeast Wisconsin is what has made him an outstanding legislator for 50 years. From leading efforts to keep America safe after 9/11 to serving as a fiscal watchdog constantly looking out for taxpayers, Jim has been a stalwart public servant. While his presence will be deeply missed in Congress, his reputation for doing the right things for the right reasons will long outlast his tenure. I will miss serving with Jim in the House."

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) President & CEO Kurt Bauer

“Congressman Sensenbrenner has been a strong advocate for his district and Wisconsin for more than 40 years. Wisconsin’s business community has enjoyed a productive relationship with him during his time in office, and he has been both a true statesman and protector of free enterprise in Washington. His leadership and knowledge will be missed. WMC thanks him for his years of public service and wishes him all the best in the future.”