Romaine Quinn

Romaine Quinn is a Republican politician currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, representing the 25th Senate district. Born on July 30, 1990, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, Quinn has built a political career that includes previous roles as mayor of Rice Lake and as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly. His legislative work has focused on various issues, including tax policy and local government regulations.

Early life and career

Romaine Quinn was born and raised in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School during his formative years and later graduated from Rice Lake High School in 2009. Following high school, Quinn enrolled at the University of Wisconsin–Barron County, where he began his higher education journey. In 2012, he transferred to the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, where he pursued a degree in political science and public leadership, ultimately graduating in May 2014. During his college years, Quinn gained experience in sales as a Coca-Cola salesman, which provided him with insights into business and customer relations.

Quinn's political involvement began early in his life. While still in high school, he was elected to the Rice Lake City Council, serving a single term from 2009 to 2010. This early experience in local government laid the groundwork for his future political ambitions. In 2010, at the age of 19, he made history by becoming the youngest mayor of Rice Lake, defeating the incumbent mayor, Daniel Fitzgerald. His tenure as mayor was brief, as he chose not to seek re-election in 2012 to focus on his studies at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay.

After completing his degree, Quinn entered the political arena again by launching a campaign for the Wisconsin State Assembly. He challenged the incumbent Democrat, Stephen J. Smith, in the 2014 election and won by a notable margin. This victory marked the beginning of his legislative career, which would see him serve multiple terms in the Assembly.

Legislative service

Romaine Quinn served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2015 to 2021, representing the 75th Assembly district. During his time in the Assembly, he was active in various legislative initiatives and held significant leadership roles. He was re-elected in both 2016 and 2018, securing approximately 62% of the vote in each election. His legislative work included co-sponsoring an amendment to the state constitution aimed at instituting term limits for state legislators, reflecting his commitment to governance reform.

From 2017 to 2019, Quinn served as the Assembly majority caucus vice chair for the Republican Party, a position that allowed him to influence party strategy and legislative priorities. In March 2020, he announced that he would not seek re-election to the Assembly, marking the end of his tenure in that chamber.

Following his service in the Assembly, Quinn transitioned to a career as a licensed realtor, which provided him with further insights into the housing market and property regulations. His experience in real estate would later inform his legislative priorities as he returned to public office.

In 2021, Quinn announced his candidacy for the Wisconsin State Senate, specifically targeting the 25th Senate district, which was previously held by Democrat Janet Bewley. His campaign focused on several key issues, including the use of the state budget surplus to implement tax cuts. The Senate race garnered significant attention, as the outcome would determine whether Republicans would secure a supermajority in the state senate for the upcoming legislative session. Quinn successfully defeated his opponent, Kelly Westlund, by a substantial margin, thereby contributing to the Republican Party's control of the state senate.

Quinn officially took office on January 3, 2023, and has since been involved in various legislative initiatives. In 2024, he co-authored legislation with fellow Republican Treig Pronschinske aimed at limiting local governments' ability to impose certain animal welfare regulations on farms. This legislation reflects Quinn's focus on agricultural issues and the interests of rural constituents. Additionally, in 2025, he worked with Republican colleague Chanz Green on a bill that removed restrictions on the Superior Water & Light Company regarding the use of funds for replacing lead service lines in the city of Superior, Wisconsin. This bill was signed into law by Governor Tony Evers, demonstrating Quinn's engagement in infrastructure and public health matters.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, Romaine Quinn represents the 25th Senate district, which encompasses a diverse range of communities and interests. His policy focus has included tax reform, agricultural regulations, and infrastructure improvements, reflecting the needs and priorities of his constituents. Quinn's background in local government and his experience as a realtor inform his approach to legislation, particularly regarding issues that affect local communities and economic development.

Quinn's legislative agenda often emphasizes the importance of fiscal responsibility and the efficient use of state resources. His advocacy for tax cuts aligns with broader Republican principles aimed at stimulating economic growth and providing relief to taxpayers. Additionally, his involvement in agricultural legislation highlights his commitment to supporting rural communities, which are vital to the economy of Wisconsin.

Quinn resides in Birchwood, Wisconsin, with his wife Rachel and their three children. His family life and local roots contribute to his understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the residents of his district. As he continues his service in the Wisconsin State Senate, Quinn remains focused on addressing the needs of his constituents while navigating the complexities of state governance.