Pat Snyder

Patrick James Snyder is a Republican politician currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 85th Assembly district. He has been in office since 2017 and has a background in radio broadcasting, having worked as an on-air host prior to his political career. Snyder has also held positions in local government and served as a legislative aide to a U.S. Congressman. His political journey has included multiple electoral campaigns, with a focus on issues relevant to his constituents in Wisconsin.

Early life and career

Patrick Snyder was born on October 10, 1956, in Boone, Iowa. His early years were spent in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he developed an interest in communication and public service. Snyder graduated from Oelwein Community High School in Oelwein, Iowa, in 1974. He pursued higher education at the University of Iowa, where he earned a bachelor's degree in communications in 1978. This educational background laid the foundation for his future career in radio and politics.

In 2000, Snyder relocated to Wisconsin, where he began working as an on-air radio host for WSAU (AM) in Wausau. His twelve years in radio provided him with a platform to engage with the public and discuss various issues affecting the community. During this time, Snyder settled in Schofield, Wisconsin, which is located just outside of Wausau. His experience in broadcasting helped him develop communication skills that would later benefit him in his political endeavors.

Snyder's political career began in earnest when he decided to run for the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2012. The incumbent representative, Democrat Donna J. Seidel, announced her retirement, creating an opportunity for new candidates. Snyder entered the race as a Republican, facing no opposition in the primary election. However, in the general election, he ran against Democratic candidate Mandy Wright, a grade school teacher. The election was closely contested, but Snyder ultimately lost by a narrow margin, receiving 46.5% of the vote compared to Wright's 49.7%.

Following his defeat in the 2012 election, Snyder took on a role as a district representative for U.S. Representative Sean Duffy. This position allowed him to gain further experience in government and public service. In 2015, Snyder ran for a seat on the Schofield City Council, challenging the long-serving incumbent Jim DeBauchen. Although he was unsuccessful in that election, Snyder was appointed to the city council later that year when a vacancy arose.

Legislative service

In January 2016, Snyder announced his candidacy for the Wisconsin State Assembly after incumbent Dave Heaton decided not to seek re-election. Once again, Snyder faced no opposition in the primary election. He entered the general election against Mandy Wright, who was attempting to return to office after her previous victory over Heaton in 2014. This time, Snyder won the election by a significant margin, aided by increased rural turnout for the Republican presidential candidate at the time. Following this victory, he was re-elected in 2018 and 2020, consistently receiving approximately 55% of the vote in both elections.

The 2020 United States census prompted a redistricting process in Wisconsin, which resulted in significant changes to the 85th Assembly district. The new map altered the district's boundaries, incorporating more of southeast Marathon County while removing suburban areas closer to Wausau. Snyder successfully won re-election in this newly drawn district, achieving a slightly improved margin of 56% of the vote.

In 2023, the Wisconsin Supreme Court underwent a shift in majority, leading to a new redistricting lawsuit that resulted in the invalidation of the legislative maps adopted in 2022. The court's decision prompted the Legislature and the governor to agree on a new map in early 2024. This new map reverted the 85th Assembly district to a configuration more similar to its previous shape, but it excluded Snyder's home in Schofield. Snyder expressed concerns that the changes were politically motivated, accusing the Democratic governor of gerrymandering him out of his district.

Under the revised map, Snyder found himself residing in the 87th Assembly district, which included another Republican incumbent, James W. Edming. Rather than seeking election in the new district, Snyder opted to rent an apartment in Wausau to maintain his residency in the 85th Assembly district. The 2024 election is expected to be competitive, with Snyder facing Democratic county supervisor Yee Leng Xiong, who is recognized as a leader within Wausau's Hmong community.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, Snyder has focused on a range of issues pertinent to his constituents in the 85th Assembly district. His background in communications and public service has influenced his approach to governance and policy-making. Snyder's previous experience as a radio host has equipped him with the ability to engage with the public effectively, allowing him to address the concerns of his constituents.

The 85th Assembly district, which Snyder represents, has been characterized by its diverse population and varying political dynamics. The district has seen significant electoral competition, particularly in recent years, and is projected to be one of the most competitive districts in Wisconsin. Snyder's ability to connect with voters and address local issues will be critical as he seeks to navigate the challenges posed by the changing political landscape.

In addition to his electoral challenges, Snyder's district has been at the center of controversies surrounding voting procedures, particularly regarding ballot drop boxes. The new mayor of Wausau, Doug Diny, opposed the use of these drop boxes, leading to a series of events that drew public attention and scrutiny. Snyder's involvement in local politics and his contributions to Diny's campaign have led to calls for him to address the situation publicly.

As Snyder continues his legislative service, he remains focused on representing the interests of his constituents while navigating the complexities of Wisconsin's political environment. His experiences in radio, local government, and as a legislative aide have shaped his approach to public service, and he continues to engage with the community he serves.