Andrew Hysell

Andrew Hysell is an American lawyer and Democratic politician currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 48th Assembly District. Born on August 31, 1971, in Ridgewood, New Jersey, Hysell has built a career that spans public policy consulting, legal advocacy, and electoral politics. He has been involved in various roles within the Democratic Party and has a background in both legislative assistance and campaign management. Hysell's political journey has included significant experiences in advocacy and public service, culminating in his election to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2024.

Early life and career

Andrew Hysell was born in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and spent his early years moving to various locations, which contributed to a diverse upbringing. He completed his high school education at Pius XI High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Following high school, Hysell pursued higher education at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1993.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Hysell began his career in Democratic Party politics. His initial foray into political work came in 1996 when he served as a fundraiser for the congressional campaign of Tom Allen, a Democrat from Maine. Following Allen's successful election, Hysell was appointed as a legislative assistant in Allen's Washington, D.C., office, where he gained firsthand experience in the legislative process. After a little over a year in this position, Hysell returned to campaign work in 1998, focusing on a significant referendum in Washington state that sought to circumvent the veto of the Democratic governor regarding highway tax reductions.

In the aftermath of the 1998 elections, Hysell returned to Washington, D.C., where he took on the role of regional director for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. During this time, he also pursued legal education, attending night classes at Georgetown University Law Center. He earned his Juris Doctor degree in 2003, which further solidified his expertise in public policy and law.

Hysell's political career continued to evolve as he transitioned back into electoral politics in 2004. He served as the campaign manager for Kevin McAdams, a New York firefighter who ran an unsuccessful primary challenge against U.S. Representative Eliot Engel. Following this campaign, Hysell was appointed as legislative counsel to the Connecticut State Senate Democrats, where he worked for two years, providing legal and policy guidance to Democratic legislators.

In 2006, Hysell shifted his focus to issue advocacy, becoming the director of state policy and advocacy for Save the Children. He remained with the organization until 2013, when he founded Hysell & Wagner LLC, a management consulting firm. Under his leadership, the firm received a $2.3 million grant to administer the Kansas Reading Roadmap program for the Kansas Department for Children and Families. This grant was awarded during the administration of Republican Governor Sam Brownback. However, the agreement was scrutinized by the incoming Democratic administration of Governor Laura Kelly in 2019, leading to the termination of the contract. Although Hysell's firm faced allegations of mismanagement, a settlement was reached in 2020, allowing Hysell to avoid litigation while receiving additional compensation.

Following the closure of his firm, Hysell relocated to the Madison, Wisconsin, area, where he joined CTA Strategies, LLC, a public policy consulting firm. He also became affiliated with Lawton & Cates, a Madison law firm, further expanding his legal and consulting career.

Legislative service

Hysell's entry into elected office began with his candidacy for the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2022, where he sought to represent the 46th Assembly District. This district was known to be a stronghold for the Democratic Party, and Hysell faced a competitive primary with several notable candidates, including Dane County supervisors and city council members. The primary race became one of the most expensive in the state that year, with significant campaign expenditures. Despite his efforts, Hysell finished third in the primary, receiving a notable percentage of the vote but ultimately losing to Melissa Ratcliff, who went on to serve in the Assembly.

In 2023, the Wisconsin Supreme Court mandated new legislative maps, which significantly altered the political landscape in the area surrounding Sun Prairie, where Hysell resided. The redistricting process resulted in the creation of the 48th Assembly District, which included Sun Prairie and extended into more rural areas of northeast Dane County and southwest Dodge County. The incumbent representative, Samba Baldeh, chose not to seek re-election, leaving the seat open for new candidates.

Hysell entered the race for the 48th District, facing a large field of primary challengers once again. His previous campaign history was scrutinized, but he garnered endorsements from prominent Democratic state senators, which bolstered his candidacy. In the primary election, Hysell secured a victory with a plurality of the votes, finishing ahead of his closest rival by a margin of 618 votes. He subsequently won the general election with a substantial majority, receiving a significant percentage of the vote.

Hysell officially took office in January 2025, marking the beginning of his legislative service in the Wisconsin State Assembly. His experiences in advocacy, legal counsel, and campaign management have equipped him with a diverse skill set that he brings to his role as a state legislator.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, Hysell represents the 48th Assembly District, which encompasses Sun Prairie and extends into surrounding rural areas. The district is characterized by its Democratic majority, reflecting Hysell's political affiliation and the values of his constituents. His policy focus is expected to align with the priorities of the Democratic Party, emphasizing issues such as education, healthcare, and community development.

Hysell's background in public policy consulting and legal advocacy positions him to address a range of legislative matters effectively. His previous experiences in campaign management and legislative assistance provide him with insights into the workings of government and the needs of his constituents. As he embarks on his legislative career, Hysell is likely to engage with various stakeholders, including local communities, advocacy groups, and fellow legislators, to advance policies that benefit the residents of his district.

In summary, Andrew Hysell's journey from a young political operative to a state legislator reflects a commitment to public service and advocacy. His experiences in various roles within the Democratic Party and his legal education have shaped his approach to governance, positioning him to address the challenges and opportunities facing the 48th Assembly District. As he continues his service in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Hysell's focus on policy issues and community engagement will play a significant role in his legislative agenda.