Shae Sortwell

Shae Sortwell is an American politician and member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 2nd Assembly district as a Republican since 2019. Born on August 3, 1985, Sortwell has a background in local governance and military service, which has informed his political career and legislative priorities. He has been involved in various community initiatives and has served in multiple capacities within local government prior to his election to the state assembly.

Early life and career

Shae Sortwell was born in Saratoga Springs, New York, and moved to Gibson, Wisconsin, at the age of 15. This transition marked the beginning of his formative years in a rural community in northern Manitowoc County. After completing high school, Sortwell pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, where he earned degrees in public administration and political science in 2006. His time at university was marked by active participation in student government and the founding of a pro-life student organization, reflecting his early engagement with political and social issues.

Following his graduation, Sortwell enlisted in the United States Army Reserve, serving in the Chemical Corps for nine years. During his military service, he achieved the rank of sergeant and was honorably discharged in 2018. His military experience has contributed to his understanding of governance and public service, reinforcing his commitment to community and civic responsibility.

Sortwell's political career began at the local level, where he was elected to the Green Bay city council. He later served on the town board of Gibson, further solidifying his involvement in local governance. In addition to his elected positions, he worked as a legislative aide to state representative Chad Weininger, gaining valuable experience in the legislative process and the workings of state government. His initial foray into state politics occurred in 2014 when he ran as an independent candidate for the Wisconsin State Assembly in the 90th Assembly district, although he did not win that election.

Legislative service

In 2018, after the incumbent representative announced he would not seek reelection, Sortwell declared his candidacy for the Wisconsin State Assembly in the 2nd Assembly district. His campaign received endorsements from notable local figures, including state senator Alan Lasee and Manitowoc County Executive Bob Ziegelbauer. Sortwell successfully secured the Republican nomination after winning a primary election and subsequently defeated his Democratic opponent in the general election, marking the beginning of his tenure in the state assembly.

During his time in office, Sortwell has been involved in various legislative initiatives and has made headlines for his outspoken views on several issues. Following the 2020 presidential election, he raised concerns regarding election integrity and called for Congress to delay the certification of the election results, reflecting a broader national discourse on electoral processes. His actions during this period were indicative of his alignment with certain factions within the Republican Party that questioned the legitimacy of the election outcome.

In 2020, Sortwell, alongside another Republican legislator, took the initiative to display a Christmas tree in the capitol rotunda, an act that was controversial due to pandemic-related restrictions. This incident highlighted the tensions between legislative actions and executive orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Sortwell faced criticism in 2021 for comments he made comparing a local children's museum's COVID-19 safety protocols to Nazi Germany, which sparked significant public backlash and discussions about the appropriateness of such comparisons in political discourse.

In 2025, Sortwell was appointed vice chair of the Government Oversight Accountability and Transparency (GOAT) Committee, a role that allowed him to pursue inquiries into local government practices, particularly regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. His approach to these inquiries drew criticism from some of his colleagues, particularly from Democratic members, who expressed concerns about the lack of collaboration and defined objectives for the committee's work.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of the 2nd Assembly district, Sortwell's policy focus has included a range of issues pertinent to his constituents and the broader state of Wisconsin. His background in public administration and local governance informs his legislative priorities, which often reflect the values and concerns of his district. Sortwell's military service and experience in local government have shaped his perspectives on public safety, community engagement, and fiscal responsibility.

Sortwell's district encompasses a diverse constituency, and he has sought to address the needs and interests of the residents through his legislative efforts. His involvement in local politics prior to his state assembly service has provided him with insights into the challenges faced by communities in his district, particularly in areas such as economic development, education, and public health.

Throughout his legislative career, Sortwell has maintained a commitment to representing the interests of his constituents while navigating the complexities of state governance. His actions and statements in office have sparked discussions on various social and political issues, reflecting the dynamic nature of contemporary politics in Wisconsin. As he continues to serve in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Sortwell's legislative journey remains closely tied to the evolving landscape of state and national politics.

In his personal life, Sortwell is married and has six children, which further influences his perspectives on family-oriented policies and community values. His experiences as a father and community member play a significant role in shaping his approach to governance and public service.