Scott L. Fitzgerald

Scott L. Fitzgerald is a former American politician who served as a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, representing the 13th district from 1995 until 2021. A member of the Republican Party, Fitzgerald's legislative career was marked by his leadership roles and involvement in significant political events within Wisconsin. His tenure in the state senate included various positions that shaped his influence in state politics, as well as his participation in key legislative issues that resonated with his constituents and the broader political landscape.

Early life and career

Scott Lawrence Fitzgerald was born on November 16, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois. At the age of 11, he relocated with his family to Hustisford, Wisconsin. This move marked the beginning of his connection to Wisconsin, where he would later pursue his education and career. Fitzgerald completed his secondary education at Hustisford High School, graduating in 1981. Following high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1985.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Fitzgerald joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 1981. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Armor Branch upon completing his education in 1985. Over the course of 27 years, he served in various capacities within the Army Reserve, ultimately achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel before his retirement in 2009. His military service included completing the United States Army Command and General Staff College and holding the position of battalion commander, which contributed to his leadership skills and public service experience.

Before entering politics, Fitzgerald worked in the newspaper industry. He purchased the Dodge County Independent News in Juneau, Wisconsin, in 1990. This venture into publishing lasted until 1996 when he sold the newspaper to the Watertown Daily Times. Following the sale, he remained with the Times as an associate publisher for several years, gaining valuable experience in communication and community engagement.

Legislative service

Fitzgerald's political career began in earnest when he was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 1994. He won a competitive three-way Republican primary election, defeating the incumbent Barbara Lorman, along with another candidate, Herbert Feil. His victory in the primary set the stage for his subsequent election to the state senate, where he would serve for over two decades. Throughout his time in office, Fitzgerald was reelected multiple times, maintaining his position until he transitioned to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2021.

During his legislative career, Fitzgerald held several prominent leadership positions. He was elected as the majority leader of the Wisconsin State Senate for the 2011–12 legislative session, a role that allowed him to guide the Republican agenda within the chamber. His leadership extended beyond this term, as he continued to serve as the leader of the Republican caucus for the remainder of his tenure. Prior to becoming majority leader, Fitzgerald also held the position of minority leader and was actively involved in various committees, including serving as co-chair of the Joint Committee on Finance and chair of the Senate Corrections Committee.

Fitzgerald's constituency primarily included the Beaver Dam micropolitan statistical area and parts of the Madison and Milwaukee metropolitan regions. His district encompassed a significant portion of Dodge County, along with areas in Columbia, Dane, Jefferson, Washington, and Waukesha Counties. This diverse district presented a range of issues and concerns that Fitzgerald addressed throughout his legislative career.

Policy focus and district

Fitzgerald's legislative focus encompassed a variety of issues that were pertinent to his constituents and the state of Wisconsin. One notable event during his tenure was the 2011 protests against Governor Scott Walker's budget repair bill, which aimed to limit collective bargaining rights for public employees. Fitzgerald's support for the bill, along with the majority of his Republican colleagues, was a significant moment in Wisconsin's political landscape. The protests highlighted the contentious nature of labor relations and fiscal policy in the state, and Fitzgerald's involvement positioned him as a key figure in these discussions.

In addition to labor issues, Fitzgerald was involved in the contentious topic of gerrymandering in Wisconsin. In 2011, the Republican-controlled legislature drew new legislative maps, which were later challenged in court. A three-judge panel ruled the maps unconstitutional, leading Fitzgerald and his colleagues to hire legal representation to defend the maps before the Supreme Court. The legal battle over gerrymandering underscored the complexities of electoral politics and the implications of districting on representation.

Fitzgerald's legislative actions also included efforts to limit the powers of the incoming administration after the 2018 elections, in which Democrats won several key statewide offices. He advocated for legislation that would reduce the authority of the new governor and other officials, particularly concerning early voting and the state's involvement in legal challenges to the Affordable Care Act. These actions were met with criticism from opponents who viewed them as attempts to undermine the newly elected officials.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented additional challenges during Fitzgerald's legislative career. He opposed measures proposed by Governor Tony Evers to delay elections and implement mail-in voting, citing concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. Fitzgerald's stance on public health measures, including opposition to a statewide face mask mandate, reflected the broader national debate on pandemic response and individual liberties.

In September 2019, Fitzgerald announced his candidacy for Wisconsin's 5th congressional district, marking a transition from state to federal politics. His background in the Wisconsin State Senate, coupled with his military and publishing experience, positioned him as a candidate with a diverse skill set. His campaign aimed to address the needs and concerns of constituents in the district, which includes many suburban areas of Milwaukee.

Fitzgerald's legislative career in the Wisconsin State Senate was characterized by significant involvement in key political issues, leadership roles, and a commitment to representing his constituents. His transition to the U.S. House of Representatives reflects a continuation of his public service and engagement in the political arena.