Scott Krug

Scott Krug is a Republican politician currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 72nd Assembly District. He has held this position since 2011 and has been active in various legislative initiatives throughout his tenure. Krug is also a realtor based in Wisconsin Rapids, where he has worked since 2018. His political career has been marked by a focus on issues such as education funding, public safety, and election integrity.

Early life and career

Scott Krug was born on September 16, 1975, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. He completed his primary and secondary education in Wisconsin Rapids, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1993. Following high school, Krug pursued higher education at Mid-State Technical College, where he earned a degree in 1999. His early career began shortly after graduation when he took a position with the Juneau County Sheriff's Office. This role marked the start of his involvement in public service.

After his time in Juneau County, Krug returned to Wisconsin Rapids, where he worked as a discharge planner at the Wood County Jail. In this capacity, he focused on initiatives aimed at reducing recidivism rates among inmates. His commitment to public service continued as he furthered his education, earning a degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay in 2008. This academic background provided him with insights into human behavior, which he would later apply in his legislative work.

In 2018, Krug transitioned into the real estate sector, becoming an agent at NextHome Partners, a brokerage located in Wisconsin Rapids. This career shift allowed him to engage with the community in a different capacity while maintaining his roots in public service.

Legislative service

Krug's political career began in earnest when he announced his candidacy for the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2010. He sought to represent the 72nd Assembly District, challenging longtime Democratic incumbent Marlin Schneider. In the Republican primary, Krug faced two opponents, John Minarcin and John J. Lamb. He secured his place on the ballot by narrowly defeating Minarcin. In the general election, Krug faced Schneider and independent candidate Thad Kubisiak. His campaign emphasized a commitment to serving only two terms and forgoing per diem payments from the state legislature. Ultimately, Krug won the election by a margin of five points, marking the beginning of his legislative career.

In the following years, Krug continued to build his legislative profile. In 2012, he introduced a proposal to legalize bail bondsmen in Wisconsin, a significant change since the practice had been banned since 1979. His proposal aimed to allow defendants to pay a percentage of their bonds to bail bondsmen, thereby facilitating their release from jail. During the same election cycle, he faced Democrat Justin D. Pluess in a closely contested race, which he won by a narrow margin.

Throughout his tenure, Krug has demonstrated a willingness to engage with various issues, including rehabilitative justice. In 2013, he expressed support for initiatives aimed at moving nonviolent offenders into rehabilitative programs, framing his position within a conservative context that emphasized cost savings and community reintegration. His stance on education funding became evident when he opposed Governor Scott Walker's budget proposal in 2013, advocating for increased financial support for rural schools.

Krug's electoral resilience was tested again in subsequent elections. In 2014, he faced attorney Dana Duncan, who criticized him for his stance on concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in the district. Despite the challenges, Krug won the election by an 11-point margin. He continued to serve in the Assembly, participating in key votes, including a notable instance in 2015 when he joined Democrats in opposing budget cuts to public schools.

In the years that followed, Krug maintained his seat through several elections, defeating opponents such as retired middle school counselor David Gorski in both 2016 and 2018. His legislative efforts included proposing bills to ease access to medical cannabidiol oil for patients with severe health conditions in 2017. By 2020, he had successfully defended his seat against Democrat Criste Greening, a rematch of their previous contest in 2018.

In 2022, following the elections, Krug was appointed chair of the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections. Under his leadership, the committee adopted a bipartisan approach to election legislation, contrasting with the previous chair's focus on conspiracy theories related to election integrity. Krug's tenure as chair has involved promoting civility in discussions surrounding elections and addressing issues such as polling place accessibility and the protection of election officials.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of Wisconsin's 72nd Assembly District, Krug has focused on a range of policy issues that resonate with his constituents. His legislative priorities have included education funding, public safety, and election integrity. Throughout his career, he has emphasized the importance of supporting rural schools, advocating for policies that ensure adequate resources for education in less populated areas.

Krug's stance on public safety has been evident in his support for rehabilitative justice initiatives, which aim to provide alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenders. His approach seeks to balance public safety concerns with the need for effective rehabilitation, reflecting a nuanced understanding of criminal justice issues.

In the realm of election policy, Krug has taken a proactive role in addressing concerns related to election integrity and accessibility. His leadership of the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections has been characterized by efforts to foster bipartisan cooperation and to address legislative matters that enhance the electoral process. This includes initiatives aimed at preventing polling place closures and ensuring that military absentee voters have access to necessary identification.

Overall, Scott Krug's legislative career has been marked by a commitment to serving his constituents in Wisconsin's 72nd Assembly District. His background in public service and real estate, combined with his focus on key policy areas, has shaped his approach as a state legislator. Through his ongoing service, Krug continues to engage with the challenges and opportunities facing his district and the state of Wisconsin.