Deb Andraca

Deb Andraca is an American politician and educator currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 23rd district. A member of the Democratic Party, she was elected to her position in November 2020. Andraca's district encompasses several suburbs in northeastern Milwaukee County, including Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, and Bayside, as well as parts of Grafton and Mequon. Her background includes experience in public relations, education, and community activism, which she has leveraged in her political career.

Early life and career

Deb Andraca was born Deborah Jane Anderson on April 10, 1970, in Springfield, Massachusetts. During her childhood, she relocated with her family to Pennsylvania, where she completed her early education. Andraca graduated from Manheim Township High School in 1988. She pursued higher education at Syracuse University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in political science and public relations in 1992. Following her graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she began her professional career working for the Solar Energy Industries Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the solar energy sector in the United States. While employed full-time at the association, she also attended George Washington University, where she obtained a master's degree in political management.

Andraca's early career included a move to Chicago, where she took on various roles, including serving as the communications director for the Environmental Law and Policy Center. She also worked as press secretary for U.S. Representative Lynn N. Rivers during her successful re-election campaign in 2000. Furthermore, she held the position of vice president at the Chicago office of the public relations firm FleishmanHillard. After relocating to Houston and eventually settling in Milwaukee, Andraca transitioned to being a stay-at-home mother following the birth of her two daughters. During this time, she remained active in her community, leading her daughters' Girl Scouts troops, volunteering at their schools, and serving as a board member and president of the parent-teacher organization.

In response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Andraca became involved with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, an organization advocating for gun control measures. She also pursued a teaching license from Alverno College and worked as a substitute teacher for the Whitefish Bay School District and Bruce-Guadalupe Community School in the years leading up to her entry into politics.

Legislative service

In December 2019, Deb Andraca announced her candidacy for the Wisconsin State Assembly, seeking to challenge the incumbent, Jim Ott, who had held the position for 14 years. Her decision to run was influenced by her experiences as a teacher, particularly a lockdown drill she conducted with third graders, which highlighted her concerns about safety and representation in her district. Throughout her campaign, she expressed frustration over her attempts to communicate with Ott, which she felt had been ignored.

The 23rd Assembly District had traditionally leaned Republican, with Ott winning re-election in previous cycles with significant margins. However, demographic shifts in suburban areas following the election of Donald Trump created a more competitive political landscape. In the 2018 general election, Ott's support had declined to 52%, indicating a potential vulnerability. Recognizing this shift, Andraca's campaign gained traction, supported by strong fundraising efforts and assistance from Emerge Wisconsin, an organization focused on supporting Democratic women candidates.

During the 2020 election cycle, Andraca faced significant challenges, including threats to her safety. She sought a restraining order against an individual who expressed violent intentions toward her, although the request was denied due to insufficient evidence of an imminent threat. Additionally, her personal cell phone number was made public through mailers distributed by a conservative political action committee, leading her to discontinue its use.

Despite these challenges, Andraca successfully defeated Ott in the general election, securing approximately 51.5% of the vote. Her victory was notable as she was one of only two candidates in Wisconsin to unseat an incumbent during the 2020 elections. Since taking office, she has continued to engage with her constituents and participate in legislative activities.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, Deb Andraca represents the 23rd district, which includes the suburbs of Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, and Bayside, along with parts of Grafton and Mequon. Her legislative priorities and policy focus reflect her background in education and community service. Andraca has been involved in discussions surrounding education, public safety, and gun control, drawing from her experiences as a teacher and a parent.

Andraca's commitment to bipartisanship was exemplified in February 2025 when she distributed Valentine's Day cards to fellow legislators, an initiative aimed at fostering goodwill and collaboration across party lines. This gesture was inspired by her experiences in the classroom, where she emphasized the importance of building positive relationships.

Throughout her tenure, Andraca has continued to advocate for policies that address the needs and concerns of her constituents, leveraging her background in public relations and community engagement to inform her legislative work. Her role in the Assembly allows her to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the challenges facing Wisconsin residents, particularly in the areas of education and public safety.

Deb Andraca's journey from educator and community activist to state legislator illustrates her dedication to public service and her commitment to representing the interests of her district in the Wisconsin State Assembly. As she continues her legislative work, her experiences and insights will likely shape her approach to the complex issues facing her constituents and the state as a whole.