Glenn Grothman

Glenn Grothman is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 6th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, he has held this position since 2015, after being elected to his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Grothman has a background in state politics, having previously served in both the Wisconsin State Assembly and the Wisconsin State Senate. His legislative career is marked by a focus on conservative principles and a commitment to fiscal responsibility.

Early life and career

Glenn Grothman was born on July 3, 1955. He completed his high school education at Homestead High School in Mequon, Wisconsin, graduating in 1973. Following high school, he pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in 1978. Grothman continued his academic journey at the University of Wisconsin Law School, obtaining his Juris Doctor degree in 1983. After being admitted to the bar, he began his professional career as an attorney with a law firm in West Bend, Wisconsin.

Grothman's entry into politics began in the early 1990s when he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly. He won a special election in December 1993 to represent the 58th Assembly District, succeeding Mary Panzer, who had moved on to the state senate. Over the next decade, Grothman was reelected five times, serving in the Assembly until 2005. During his tenure, he held the position of vice chair of the Assembly's Republican caucus from 1999 to 2004, which allowed him to play a significant role in shaping legislative priorities for his party.

In 2004, Grothman transitioned to the Wisconsin State Senate, winning the Republican primary for the 20th Senate District against Panzer, who was then the state senate majority leader. He secured the nomination with a substantial majority and was unopposed in the general election, reflecting the district's strong Republican leanings. Grothman served in the Senate from 2005 until 2015, during which he held various leadership roles, including assistant majority leader from 2011 to 2015. His legislative work in the state legislature included participation in the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), an organization that promotes conservative policies at the state level.

House tenure

Glenn Grothman announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2014, seeking to represent Wisconsin's 6th congressional district. His campaign positioned him as a conservative alternative to the long-serving incumbent, Tom Petri. Grothman criticized Petri for lacking the urgency to address what he perceived as an out-of-control federal government. Following Grothman's entry into the race, Petri decided not to seek reelection, paving the way for Grothman's candidacy.

In the general election, Grothman faced Democratic nominee Mark Harris, the Winnebago County Executive. He won the election with a significant majority, receiving 57% of the vote compared to Harris's 41%. Grothman's victory marked the beginning of his congressional career, which has since included multiple reelections. He successfully defended his seat in subsequent elections, including contests against Democratic nominees Sarah Lloyd in 2016, Dan Kohl in 2018, and Jessica King in 2020. In the 2022 election cycle, Grothman faced minimal opposition, running unopposed in the general election after a token challenge in the Republican primary.

Since taking office, Grothman has been involved in various legislative efforts and has served on several committees. His current term in the House is set to conclude on January 3, 2027, marking a significant period of service in the U.S. Congress.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, Glenn Grothman has focused on a range of issues that align with his conservative values. He has been an advocate for fiscal responsibility, often emphasizing the need for budgetary discipline in federal spending. His legislative priorities reflect a commitment to reducing the size of government and promoting free-market principles.

Grothman serves on several key committees that influence policy-making in various areas. He is a member of the Committee on the Budget, where he participates in discussions and decisions regarding federal fiscal policy. Additionally, he is part of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, which addresses issues related to education, labor, and workforce development. Within this committee, Grothman is involved in two subcommittees: the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education and the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions. These roles allow him to engage with critical topics affecting education and labor in the United States.

Moreover, Grothman serves on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, where he examines government operations and accountability. He is also a member of the Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Subcommittee on Transportation and Public Assets, which focus on various aspects of governmental efficiency and infrastructure. His participation in the Joint Economic Committee further underscores his involvement in economic policy discussions.

In addition to his committee assignments, Grothman is affiliated with several caucuses that reflect his legislative interests. He is a member of the Republican Study Committee, which promotes conservative policies within the House. He also belongs to the Second Amendment Caucus, advocating for gun rights, and the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, which focuses on adoption and child welfare issues. Other caucus memberships include the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus, and the Rare Disease Caucus, indicating his diverse interests in both domestic and international matters.

Overall, Glenn Grothman's legislative career has been characterized by a strong adherence to conservative principles, a focus on fiscal responsibility, and active participation in various committees and caucuses. His ongoing service in the U.S. House of Representatives reflects his commitment to representing the interests of his constituents in Wisconsin's 6th congressional district.