Mark Born

Mark Born is an American politician affiliated with the Republican Party, currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly. He represents the 37th Assembly district, a position he has held since 2025. Prior to this, he represented the 39th Assembly district from 2013 to 2025. Born is recognized for his role as the Assembly co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee, a key committee responsible for budgetary decisions in the Wisconsin Legislature, a position he has held since 2021. His political career is rooted in local governance, having previously served on the Beaver Dam city council and as the chairman of the Republican Party of Dodge County.

Early life and career

Mark Born was born on April 14, 1976, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where he spent his formative years. Raised in a family that has deep roots in the community, he became involved in local church activities and youth ministry during his childhood. His educational journey began at Beaver Dam High School, from which he graduated in 1994. Following high school, he attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science and history in 1998.

After completing his education, Born returned to Beaver Dam and began his career in law enforcement. He was employed by the Dodge County sheriff's department and also served as a police auxiliary until 2004. His commitment to professional development led him to take courses at the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy, where he gained skills that would later assist him in his administrative role in the corrections division, which he assumed in 2000.

Born's early involvement in politics began as a teenager when he volunteered for the campaign of state representative Robert Goetsch in 1992. This early engagement laid the groundwork for his future political aspirations. By 2002, he had risen to the position of county chairman for the Republican Party of Dodge County, a role that allowed him to further influence local political dynamics. Additionally, he served as a campaign coordinator for Scott McCallum's gubernatorial campaign in the same year.

Legislative service

Mark Born's political career took a significant turn when he decided to run for the Beaver Dam city council. In the 2003 election, he narrowly lost by a single vote but was subsequently appointed to the city police and fire commission. Two years later, he successfully ran for a seat on the city council, winning re-election in 2007. During his tenure, he served as chairman of the city council's finance committee, where he gained experience in managing municipal finances.

In December 2007, Born announced his candidacy for mayor of Beaver Dam in the 2008 election. He faced city engineering coordinator Tom Kennedy in a competitive race but was ultimately defeated. Following this loss, he chose not to seek re-election to the city council.

After his time in local government, Born played an active role in the 2010 gubernatorial election, supporting Scott Walker's campaign. Following Walker's victory, Born decided to pursue a seat in the Wisconsin State Assembly. In 2012, he ran for the 39th Assembly district, which was being vacated by Jeff Fitzgerald. Competing against two other Republican candidates, Born secured the primary election with significant institutional support, ultimately winning the general election with a substantial majority.

Throughout his legislative career, Born has been re-elected multiple times, reflecting his strong support within the district. In his early years in the Assembly, he chaired the Assembly Committee on Public Benefit Reform. His influence grew when he earned a position on the Joint Finance Committee, a critical committee in the state legislature responsible for budgetary matters. In the 2020 election cycle, he was appointed as the Assembly co-chair of this committee, further solidifying his role in shaping Wisconsin's fiscal policies.

In 2024, the Wisconsin Legislature underwent a redistricting process that altered district lines in Dodge County. As a result, Beaver Dam transitioned from the 39th district to the newly established 37th district. Born faced a primary challenge in this new district but successfully secured his position, allowing him to continue his service in the Assembly.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, Mark Born has focused on issues that resonate with his constituents in the 37th Assembly district. His legislative priorities often align with the broader Republican agenda, emphasizing reduced regulation, lower taxes, and fiscal responsibility. His leadership roles, particularly as co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee, have positioned him at the forefront of budgetary discussions, where he advocates for policies that he believes will benefit the state’s economy and its residents.

The 37th Assembly district, which includes Beaver Dam and surrounding areas, is characterized by its strong Republican leanings. Born's electoral success can be attributed to his deep ties to the community and his understanding of local issues. His background in law enforcement and local government has informed his approach to policy-making, allowing him to address the concerns of his constituents effectively.

In summary, Mark Born's career reflects a commitment to public service and an active engagement in the political landscape of Wisconsin. His journey from local governance to a significant role in the state legislature illustrates his dedication to the community he represents. As he continues to serve in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Born remains focused on advancing policies that align with the interests of his constituents while navigating the complexities of state governance.