Todd Novak

Todd Novak is an American politician affiliated with the Republican Party, currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 51st Assembly district. He has held this position since 2015 and has a background as a retired newspaper editor. Novak has also served as the mayor of Dodgeville, Wisconsin, for twelve years prior to his tenure in the state assembly. His legislative work has included a focus on education safety, water quality, and agricultural issues, reflecting the needs and interests of his constituents in a predominantly liberal-leaning district.

Early life and career

Todd Novak was born on April 23, 1965, in Cobb, Wisconsin. He has spent a significant portion of his life in Iowa County, Wisconsin, where he has developed his professional and political career. Prior to entering politics, Novak worked in journalism, serving as the government and assistant editor of the Dodgeville Chronicle newspaper from 1990 until his retirement in 2014. His experience in journalism likely provided him with insights into local governance and community issues, which he would later address in his political career.

In 2012, Novak transitioned from journalism to public service when he was elected mayor of Dodgeville, Wisconsin. His tenure as mayor lasted until 2024, during which he focused on local governance and community development. This experience laid the groundwork for his subsequent election to the Wisconsin State Assembly, where he would represent the interests of his constituents on a broader legislative platform.

Legislative service

Todd Novak was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in November 2014, winning by a narrow margin of 64 votes against his Democratic opponent. This election marked the beginning of his legislative career, during which he has been re-elected multiple times. In subsequent elections, Novak has demonstrated a growing electoral strength, winning his second term in 2016 by a margin of 723 votes and defeating the same opponent in 2018. His re-election in 2020 was notable for a larger margin of 1,258 votes against a Democratic challenger, and he further increased his electoral margin in 2022, winning by 3,214 votes.

Throughout his time in the Assembly, Novak has served on several important committees, including the Assembly Committee on Local Government, where he holds the position of chair, as well as the Assembly Committee on Agriculture and the Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice & Public Safety. He is also a member of the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties. His committee roles have allowed him to influence legislation in various areas, including local governance, agriculture, and public safety.

In his first term, Novak authored legislation to create the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail, a project aimed at linking the architect's significant works through existing roadways. This initiative reflects his commitment to promoting local heritage and tourism.

In response to national concerns regarding school safety following the Parkland High School shooting in 2018, Novak authored legislation to establish the Office of School Safety (OSS). This legislation created a grant program funded at $100 million to enhance security measures in schools across Wisconsin. The OSS was designed to support public, private, and choice schools in implementing critical incident mapping, improving physical and technological security, and establishing a hotline for reporting threats of violence. This initiative underscores Novak's focus on education and safety, which are critical issues for many constituents.

In 2019, Novak was appointed by Speaker Vos to chair a bipartisan task force on water quality. This task force was tasked with assessing and providing recommendations for improving the quality of Wisconsin's surface and groundwater. The task force conducted public hearings across various cities in Wisconsin, gathering input from residents about their specific concerns regarding water quality. As a result of the task force's findings, Novak authored two significant bills aimed at enhancing water conservation efforts and addressing agricultural water management. One bill increased funding for Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation staff, while the other provided funding to the University of Wisconsin System to implement the Freshwater Collaborative, which focuses on water management and quality safety.

In the 2023-24 budget cycle, Novak took action to ensure the continued operation of the Office of School Safety, which had been excluded from the state budget request. He introduced legislation to secure funding for the OSS through the 2025 fiscal year, which was signed into law by Governor Tony Evers. This legislative effort highlights Novak's commitment to maintaining safety in educational environments.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, Todd Novak represents the 51st Assembly district, which encompasses a diverse constituency with varying needs and interests. Despite being a Republican, Novak has positioned himself as an independent voice within the legislature, emphasizing a bipartisan approach to governance. This strategy has been particularly beneficial in a district that leans liberal, allowing him to appeal to a broader range of voters.

Novak's policy focus reflects the priorities of his constituents, particularly in areas such as education, safety, and environmental conservation. His work on school safety initiatives demonstrates a commitment to addressing the concerns of parents and educators regarding the security of students. Additionally, his efforts in promoting water quality and agricultural practices align with the interests of many residents in his district, particularly those involved in farming and environmental stewardship.

Through his legislative service, Novak has aimed to balance the needs of his constituents with the broader goals of the state, fostering collaboration and dialogue across party lines. His experience as a former mayor and a newspaper editor has equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of state governance while remaining responsive to the concerns of the community he serves. As he continues his tenure in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Novak's legislative actions will likely continue to reflect the evolving needs of his district and the state as a whole.