Chris Kapenga

Christopher Lee Kapenga is a Republican politician currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, representing the 33rd Senate district. He has been in office since 2015 and has held various leadership roles, including serving as the president of the Wisconsin Senate from 2021 to 2025. Kapenga's political career has been marked by his advocacy for business interests and significant involvement in legislative initiatives affecting his constituents in Waukesha County.

Early life and career

Chris Kapenga was born on February 19, 1972, in Zeeland, Michigan. He pursued higher education at Calvin College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in accounting. Following his graduation, Kapenga began his professional career as an accountant, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors in business and politics. He became the owner of Integrated Time Systems, a company that specialized in providing timekeeping systems, both software and hardware, to various businesses. This venture contributed to his understanding of the business landscape and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs.

In 2019, Kapenga sold Integrated Time Systems to Ascentis Corp., marking a significant transition in his career. His business acumen extended beyond this venture; in 2014, he made an investment in Eye Care of Wisconsin, a network of optometrists. His wife took on the operational responsibilities of the business, while Kapenga served as its registered agent, further illustrating his commitment to local business development.

Legislative service

Kapenga's political career began with his election to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2010, where he sought to succeed Republican Scott Newcomer, who chose not to run for reelection. In a competitive primary, Kapenga secured the Republican nomination with a plurality of the vote, ultimately facing no opposition in the general election. His tenure in the Assembly coincided with a significant shift in Wisconsin's political landscape, as Republicans gained full control of the state government in 2010. This shift enabled the party to enact a new redistricting law, which had a considerable impact on Kapenga's electoral district.

Due to redistricting, Kapenga was moved from the 33rd Assembly district to the 99th Assembly district, which included parts of Delafield, Hartland, Chenequa, Wales, North Prairie, and some areas of Oconomowoc Lake and Dousman. During his time in the Assembly, he became known for advocating for right-to-work legislation and for efforts to repeal the prevailing wage law, which set minimum pay standards for public works contractors.

In 2012, following the resignation of State Senator Rich Zipperer, Kapenga entered the race for the Wisconsin Senate. He participated in a special primary election that coincided with the general election, where he ran for both the Assembly and the Senate. Despite winning his Assembly election, Kapenga lost the Senate primary to Paul Farrow, finishing just short of the nomination.

However, in 2015, after Farrow was elected as Waukesha County executive and vacated his Senate seat, Kapenga announced his candidacy for the special election to fill the vacancy. He faced a competitive primary but ultimately won with a narrow margin. In the subsequent special election, Kapenga secured a decisive victory against his Democratic opponent, Sherryll Shaddock, receiving a substantial majority of the vote.

Kapenga has since been re-elected without opposition in both the 2018 and 2022 elections, solidifying his position within the Wisconsin Senate. Throughout his legislative career, he has participated in various debates and discussions on campaign finance reform and other significant issues affecting the state.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, Kapenga has focused on a range of policy issues that reflect the interests and needs of his constituents in the 33rd district, which encompasses much of central Waukesha County, including the cities of Waukesha, Pewaukee, and Delafield. His legislative priorities have included business-friendly policies aimed at fostering economic growth and development within the region.

Kapenga has been a proponent of legislation that supports the automotive industry, notably advocating for changes to allow Tesla, Inc., to establish dealerships in Wisconsin. This initiative aimed to repeal existing laws that restricted automakers from directly operating dealerships, reflecting a broader trend toward modernization in the automotive market.

In addition to his support for business interests, Kapenga has also engaged in more controversial legislative efforts. For instance, he co-sponsored a bill that would have allowed landowners to excavate Native American effigy mounds on their property, a proposal that faced significant opposition from Native American tribes and cultural preservation advocates. The bill aimed to permit landowners to determine the presence of human remains before utilizing the land, but it was ultimately blocked from consideration.

Kapenga's legislative record also includes notable votes on constitutional amendments and other significant measures. He was one of the few Senate Republicans to oppose a proposed amendment to eliminate the position of State Treasurer, reflecting his willingness to break from party lines on certain issues.

Overall, Chris Kapenga's legislative service has been characterized by a focus on business development, economic growth, and a willingness to engage in complex policy debates. His ongoing tenure in the Wisconsin Senate continues to shape the political landscape of Waukesha County and the broader state of Wisconsin.