Knodl to chair Senate elections committee, special election scheduled to fill his old seat

Newly-elected Sen. Dan Knodl (R-Germantown), who signed onto a letter urging former Vice President Mike Pence to delay certifying the 2020 presidential results, will serve as chair of the Senate Shared Revenue, Elections and Consumer Protection committee. Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) announced the appointment on Tuesday.  

“Senator Knodl will bring added experience and expertise to the Senate,” LeMahieu said in a statement. “His appointment will further strengthen the excellent work being done in these Committees.”

Knodl, who was sworn in last week, beat Democratic candidate Jodi Habush Sinykin in April in the special election for the Senate District 8 seat, which represents the northern Milwaukee suburbs and parts of Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties.

Knodl replaces longtime Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Falls), who retired late last year. Prior to this, he had served in the Assembly since 2009.

In addition to serving as chair, Knodl will serve on the Senate Economic Development & Technical Colleges committee, the Judiciary & Public Safety committee and the Licensing, Constitution & Federalism committee. 

Knodl’s move to the Senate leaves Assembly District 24, which includes parts of the northern Milwaukee suburbs, vacant. Gov. Tony Evers ordered a special election to be held on July 18. A primary will be held on June 20, if necessary. 

Nomination papers for candidates must be filed by 5 p.m. on May 23.