MADISON, Wis. — Republican State Senate candidate Michele Magadance Skinner will remain on the November ballot after a Dane County judge rejected a Democratic challenge to her Wisconsin residency.
The State Senate Democratic Committee had filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent Skinner from appearing on the ballot, arguing she was not eligible to hold office because her primary residence was in Georgia rather than Wisconsin.
A judge rejected that challenge Thursday.
The Democratic committee said it “respectfully disagrees” with the ruling.
Skinner has previously denied that she is a Georgia resident.
“I am a Wisconsin resident. Wisconsin is my home,” Skinner said when the lawsuit was filed. She has said her husband maintains a residence in Georgia, while she maintains her residence in Wisconsin.
Republicans celebrated Thursday’s ruling.
State Senator Patrick Testin called the lawsuit a political “smear campaign” and said Skinner will now continue campaigning on issues including affordability, health care and property taxes.
Skinner currently serves on the Eau Claire County Board. She’ll face incumbent Democratic State Senator Jeff Smith in November for the 31st Senate District, which includes portions of Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire and Trempealeau counties.
