Eric Wimberger

Eric Wimberger is an American lawyer and politician affiliated with the Republican Party, currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Senate. He represents the 2nd Senate district, having taken office in January 2025. Prior to this role, he served in the 30th Senate district from 2021 until 2025. Wimberger's career also includes a notable tenure as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, where he specialized in legal matters within the Judge Advocate Division.

Early life and career

Eric Wimberger was born on April 2, 1979, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and was raised in the nearby city of De Pere. His early education culminated in his graduation from high school, after which he pursued higher education at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. There, he earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 2001. Following his undergraduate studies, Wimberger worked as a truck driver for Schneider National, a long-haul trucking company, where he gained significant experience on the road, logging over 120,000 miles during his year of employment.

In 2002, Wimberger enrolled in Marquette University Law School, where he focused on legal studies. He completed his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in 2005. Upon graduation, he received a commission as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. During his four years of service, he was assigned to the Judge Advocate Division, where he worked in various capacities in Japan and Washington, D.C. He was honorably discharged in 2010 with the rank of captain. After returning to the Green Bay area, Wimberger established a legal practice, contributing to the local legal community.

Legislative service

Wimberger's political career began with his first campaign for elected office in 2014, when he ran for the Wisconsin State Assembly. He challenged the incumbent Democratic representative, Eric Genrich, in the 90th Assembly district, but was unsuccessful in the general election, receiving nearly 45% of the vote. In 2016, he made another attempt, this time targeting the 30th State Senate district, where he faced long-serving incumbent Dave Hansen. Although he again fell short in the election, he garnered nearly 49% of the vote, indicating a competitive race.

In January 2020, following Hansen's announcement that he would not seek re-election, Wimberger declared his candidacy for the now-open Senate seat. He ran unopposed in the Republican primary and faced Jonathon Hansen, the nephew of the former senator, in the general election. This election was marked by significant financial investment from political action committees, with nearly $1 million spent on both sides. The campaign included contentious advertisements that scrutinized Wimberger's legal career, particularly his defense work in high-profile cases. Despite the challenges, Wimberger won the election with approximately 54% of the vote, marking a successful pickup for the Republican Party in the 2020 elections.

Following his election, Wimberger became a member of the Joint Finance Committee, which plays a crucial role in the state's budgetary process. His involvement in this committee has positioned him as a key player in fiscal discussions within the Wisconsin Legislature.

In 2024, the Wisconsin Legislature underwent a redistricting process that significantly impacted the Green Bay metropolitan area. The previous Republican-drawn maps had divided the area among multiple Senate districts, which diluted Democratic voting power. Under the new maps, Wimberger's district absorbed much of the city of Green Bay along with its suburban areas, including Ashwaubenon, Allouez, Bellevue, and De Pere. This redistricting created a highly competitive electoral landscape, prompting Wimberger to shift his residency to the neighboring 2nd Senate district. Following the retirement announcement of the incumbent Robert Cowles, Wimberger faced no opposition in the Republican primary and won the general election in a district that leans heavily Republican.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, Eric Wimberger's policy focus encompasses a range of issues pertinent to his constituents in the 2nd Senate district. His background in law and military service informs his legislative priorities, which often include public safety, legal reform, and fiscal responsibility. His role on the Joint Finance Committee allows him to influence budgetary decisions that affect various sectors, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

The 2nd Senate district, which includes parts of Green Bay and its suburbs, is characterized by a diverse population and a mix of urban and suburban communities. This demographic complexity presents both opportunities and challenges for legislative representation. Wimberger's approach to policy-making aims to address the needs of his constituents while navigating the broader political landscape of Wisconsin.

In addition to his legislative duties, Wimberger is actively involved in community service and philanthropic efforts. He serves on the board of the Cloud Family Foundation, which focuses on charitable initiatives within the region. His personal connections to the area, including family ties—his mother owns a local candy shop—further anchor his commitment to serving the community.

Through his legislative service and community involvement, Eric Wimberger continues to play a significant role in Wisconsin's political landscape, representing the interests of his constituents while contributing to the state's governance. His journey from military service to legal practice and ultimately to the state senate reflects a commitment to public service and civic engagement.