Mark Spreitzer

Mark Spreitzer is a Democratic politician currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, representing the 15th Senate district. He has been in office since 2023, following a notable tenure in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2015 to 2023. His political career began at the local level as a member of the Beloit City Council, where he also held the position of council president. Spreitzer is recognized for his active involvement in Democratic politics and his commitment to public service in Wisconsin.

Early life and career

Mark Spreitzer was born on December 16, 1986, in Chicago, Illinois. He spent his formative years in Chicago, where he completed his high school education at Northside College Preparatory High School, graduating in 2005. Following high school, he pursued higher education at Beloit College, located in Beloit, Wisconsin. Spreitzer earned his bachelor's degree in 2009 and chose to remain in Beloit after completing his studies.

After graduating from college, Spreitzer took on a role at Beloit College as the assistant director of alumni and parent relations and annual support. This position allowed him to engage with the college community and foster connections between the institution and its alumni. His involvement in local politics began during his time in college, where he became active in the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. He volunteered for various political campaigns, including those of prominent figures such as Tammy Baldwin, Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential election, and Russ Feingold in the 2010 U.S. Senate race.

Spreitzer's political aspirations led him to run for a seat on the Beloit City Council in 2011. The city council elections in Beloit were conducted through at-large multi-winner elections, where multiple candidates competed for several available seats. In a competitive race with seven candidates vying for three positions, Spreitzer emerged as one of two new members elected to the council. His tenure on the council lasted until 2015, during which he served as council president for the 2014-2015 term, demonstrating his leadership within the local government.

Legislative service

In 2013, the political landscape in Wisconsin shifted when state senator Timothy Cullen announced his retirement, creating an open seat in the 45th Assembly district. This prompted state representative Janis Ringhand to declare her candidacy for the Senate seat, leading to a vacancy in the Assembly. In December 2013, Spreitzer announced his intention to run for the Assembly seat that would be vacated by Ringhand. Shortly after his announcement, he was elected as the city council president, further solidifying his political presence in the community.

Spreitzer faced one opponent in the Democratic primary for the Assembly seat, fellow Beloit city councilmember Sheila De Forest. The primary was closely contested, but Spreitzer secured the nomination with a majority of the votes. He subsequently ran unopposed in the general election, marking the beginning of his legislative career in the Wisconsin State Assembly. During his time in the Assembly, Spreitzer was re-elected without opposition in 2016 and successfully defeated a Libertarian Party candidate in 2018. In 2020, he faced his first Republican opponent and won the election with a significant majority.

In March 2022, Janis Ringhand announced her decision not to seek a third term in the Wisconsin Senate, prompting Spreitzer to declare his candidacy for the 15th Senate district. He ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and won the general election with a substantial majority of the votes. Since taking office in the Senate, Spreitzer has been appointed to several committees, including the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue. In the 2025 legislative term, he was also assigned to the Committee on Government Operations, Labor and Economic Development, and the Committee on Transportation and Local Government.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, Spreitzer represents the 15th Senate district, which encompasses parts of southern Wisconsin, including the city of Beloit. His legislative work is informed by his background in local government and his experience in the State Assembly. Throughout his political career, Spreitzer has focused on a range of policy issues that reflect the needs and interests of his constituents.

Spreitzer's involvement in committees allows him to influence legislation related to agriculture, economic development, and local governance. His role in the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue positions him to address issues pertinent to Wisconsin's agricultural sector, which is a vital component of the state's economy. Additionally, his assignments to committees related to government operations and transportation indicate a commitment to improving infrastructure and enhancing the efficiency of state government.

Spreitzer is also known for his advocacy on social issues, particularly those affecting the LGBTQ community. As an openly gay member of the Wisconsin State Legislature, he contributes to the representation of diverse voices within the political landscape. His experiences and perspectives inform his approach to policy-making, particularly in areas related to civil rights and equality.

Overall, Mark Spreitzer's legislative service is characterized by a dedication to public service, a commitment to his constituents, and an active engagement in the political process. His career trajectory reflects a steady progression from local government to state-level leadership, underscoring his influence in Wisconsin politics.