Christian Phelps

Christian Phelps is a Democratic politician and educator currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 93rd Assembly district. Born on October 13, 1993, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, he has a background in education and journalism, and he has been actively involved in political advocacy, particularly in the realm of public education.

Early life and career

Christian Phelps grew up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he completed his secondary education at Memorial High School, graduating in 2012. During his time in high school, he was an accomplished athlete, participating in both cross country running and tennis. His achievements in tennis were notable, as he earned First Team All-State honors on two occasions. Phelps' engagement with political issues began in his teenage years when he participated in protests against Wisconsin Act 10, a controversial law enacted in 2011 under then-Governor Scott Walker that significantly affected public sector unions.

After high school, Phelps pursued higher education at Vassar College, where he majored in urban studies and graduated in 2016. While at Vassar, he continued to excel in tennis, competing at a collegiate level and receiving various accolades for his performance. Following his undergraduate studies, Phelps returned to Wisconsin, where he worked as a special education paraprofessional in the Madison public school system for two years. During this period, he became a member of Madison Teachers Incorporated, the local teachers' union, which further solidified his commitment to educational issues.

Phelps continued his academic journey by enrolling at Cardiff University, where he earned a master's degree in international journalism in 2020. This educational background equipped him with skills in communication and advocacy, which he later applied in his professional career. After completing his master's degree, he returned to Eau Claire and took on the role of digital organizing and communications director for the Wisconsin Public Education Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting policies that support public education in Wisconsin. In addition to his work in education advocacy, Phelps has also contributed as a freelance journalist, writing for various platforms including the Leader-Telegram, UpNorthNews, the Wisconsin Examiner, Nation.Cymru, and WORT.

Legislative service

Christian Phelps announced his candidacy for the Wisconsin State Assembly on April 3, 2024, seeking to represent the newly redrawn 93rd Assembly district as a Democrat. The redistricting process, which followed a ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court that invalidated a long-standing Republican gerrymander, significantly altered the boundaries of the district. The new 93rd Assembly district encompasses much of the southern part of Eau Claire, including the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire campus, while still incorporating rural areas from Dunn, Eau Claire, and Trempealeau counties.

The 2024 election cycle was anticipated to be competitive, particularly since the incumbent Republican representative, Warren Petryk, opted not to seek re-election after serving multiple terms. Phelps faced a challenging primary election against fellow Democrat Nickolas Butler, a published author. The primary was closely contested, and Phelps emerged victorious by a narrow margin of 313 votes.

In the general election, Phelps faced Republican candidate James Rolbiecki, a real estate developer and member of the town board of Washington. Phelps secured his position in the Assembly by winning 52.8% of the vote, officially taking office in January 2025. His election marked a significant moment in the political landscape of the 93rd Assembly district, which had been a focal point of electoral competition.

Following his election, Phelps aligned himself with the Socialist Caucus within the legislature. He is also an active member of the Democratic Caucus and serves as the vice-chair of the LGBTQ+ Caucus. His committee assignments include participation in the Committees on Education and Public Benefit Reform, where he can influence policy related to his areas of interest and expertise.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, Christian Phelps represents a district that is characterized by a mix of urban and rural communities. The 93rd Assembly district includes significant portions of Eau Claire, a city known for its educational institutions and vibrant community life. Phelps' background in education and journalism informs his policy priorities, particularly in the areas of public education, social equity, and community engagement.

Phelps' involvement in the Wisconsin Public Education Network prior to his election highlights his commitment to advocating for public education policies that benefit students and educators alike. His role as vice-chair of the LGBTQ+ Caucus indicates a focus on promoting inclusivity and addressing the needs of diverse communities within the state. Additionally, his participation in the Committees on Education and Public Benefit Reform suggests a dedication to improving educational outcomes and reforming public benefit systems to better serve constituents.

The redistricting that shaped the 93rd Assembly district has created a dynamic political environment, with Phelps' election reflecting broader trends in Wisconsin politics. His victory in a competitive election underscores the shifting demographics and political attitudes within the region, particularly among younger voters and those advocating for progressive policies. As he continues his legislative service, Phelps is positioned to play a significant role in shaping the future of his district and contributing to the ongoing dialogue around education and social justice in Wisconsin.