Cory Tomczyk

Cory Tomczyk is an American businessman and politician affiliated with the Republican Party, currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, representing the 29th Senate district. He took office in January 2023, following a successful election campaign. Tomczyk has a background in business, having founded and operated a recycling company, and he has a history of involvement in local education governance through his long tenure on the Mosinee School Board.

Early life and career

Cory Tomczyk was born on October 26, 1962, in Rudolph, Wisconsin, and he grew up in the Wisconsin Rapids area. He completed his secondary education at Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids, graduating in 1980. After high school, Tomczyk briefly lived in Watertown, Wisconsin, before relocating to the northern part of the state. In 1988, he settled in Mosinee, Wisconsin, which is situated near Wausau.

In the early stages of his career, Tomczyk worked as a district manager for Burger King restaurants. His entrepreneurial journey began in June 1990 when he established his own company, Industrial Recyclers of Wisconsin (IROW). Initially focused on wastepaper collection for recycling, the business expanded over time to include various types of recyclable materials. Tomczyk's decision to start IROW was motivated by the increasing state mandates for recycling, which he recognized as an opportunity. Under his leadership, IROW flourished and became a significant player in the recycling sector in northern Wisconsin, managing local recycling facilities. Additionally, he ventured into the laser printer recharging business with a separate entity known as Image Charge.

Tomczyk's business acumen and community involvement led him to engage with local business organizations. His efforts were recognized in 1998 when IROW was awarded the title of small business of the year by the Wausau Area Chamber of Commerce.

Legislative service

Cory Tomczyk's political career began in 2006 when he was elected to the Mosinee School Board as an at-large member. He served on the school board for thirteen years, holding the position of president from 2010 to 2015. During his tenure, he was involved in various educational initiatives and governance matters affecting the local school district.

As Tomczyk's business and political profile grew, he became increasingly active in regional political affairs, particularly within the Republican Party of Wisconsin. His political engagement intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when he became a vocal opponent of public health measures aimed at controlling the virus's spread. He was involved with Open Wisconsin Now, an organization that advocated for the lifting of stay-at-home orders imposed by the state government.

In March 2022, incumbent state senator Jerry Petrowski announced he would not seek re-election in the 29th Senate district, prompting Tomczyk to announce his candidacy in May 2022. His campaign emphasized his extensive business experience, support for gun rights, and opposition to COVID-19 restrictions. The 29th Senate district, which includes much of Marathon County and parts of neighboring counties, was considered a stronghold for the Republican Party.

Tomczyk faced a competitive primary election against two opponents: Brent Jacobson, the mayor of Mosinee, and Jon P. Kaiser, a realtor from Rusk County. The primary was closely contested, with Tomczyk ultimately winning by a narrow margin. He then advanced to the general election, where he faced Democrat Bob Look and secured victory with a significant majority of the votes.

Tomczyk officially took office in January 2023, marking the beginning of the 106th Wisconsin Legislature. During his initial term, he was appointed chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Local Government, a role he continued to hold in the subsequent 107th Wisconsin Legislature. Additionally, he serves as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, Tomczyk's policy focus reflects his background in business and his commitment to Republican principles. His leadership roles in the Senate committees indicate his interest in transportation, local governance, agriculture, and revenue matters, which are critical areas for the constituents of his district.

The 29th Senate district, which Tomczyk represents, underwent significant changes following a ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2023 that invalidated the existing legislative district map. The new district boundaries now encompass a more compact area that includes most of central and southern Marathon County, along with parts of Wood, Portage, Shawano, and Waupaca counties. Despite the geographical changes, the district remains politically aligned with Republican values, providing a stable base for Tomczyk's legislative agenda.

Tomczyk's approach to policy and governance is informed by his experiences as a businessman and his involvement in local education. He has expressed support for initiatives that promote economic development, uphold Second Amendment rights, and address the concerns of his constituents regarding public health and safety.

In his personal life, Tomczyk is married to Rebecca "Becky" Miller, who is also a co-owner of his businesses. Together, they have two adult children and three grandchildren. Tomczyk's family life and business endeavors are integral to his identity as a public servant, reflecting a commitment to both his community and his constituents in the Wisconsin State Senate.