EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — A lawsuit is seeking to remove Republican State Senate candidate Michele Magadance Skinner from the November ballot over questions about whether she meets Wisconsin’s residency requirements.
The State Senate Democratic Committee filed the lawsuit in Dane County circuit court, alleging Skinner maintained residency in both Wisconsin and Georgia and voted in both states.
The lawsuit asks the court to order the Wisconsin Elections Commission not to certify Skinner for the November general election ballot. It also seeks to remove her from her current position on the Eau Claire County Board, arguing she is not eligible to hold elected office in Wisconsin.
Skinner disputes the allegations and maintains that she is a Wisconsin resident.
“I am a Wisconsin resident. Wisconsin is my home,” Skinner said in a statement. “I was born and raised in Eau Claire and spent much of my career in western Wisconsin.”
Skinner said her husband, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and disabled combat veteran, is a Georgia resident and maintains a home there. She said the couple has separate longstanding ties and residences in the two states.
Skinner is running against incumbent Democrat State Senator Jeff Smith in the 31st District, which includes portions of Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire and Trempealeau counties.
The General Election is November 3rd.
