Chris Larson

Christopher J. Larson is an American politician affiliated with the Democratic Party, currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, representing the 7th District, which includes parts of southeast Milwaukee County. Larson has been in office since 2011 and has held various leadership roles, including serving as the Senate Minority Leader from 2013 to 2014 and currently as the Senate Democratic caucus chair. His legislative focus encompasses a range of issues, including public education, healthcare, environmental protection, and social justice.

Early life and career

Chris Larson was born on November 12, 1980, in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. He grew up in the area and completed his secondary education at St. Thomas More High School, graduating in 1999. Following high school, Larson pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where he earned a bachelor's degree in finance, complemented by a minor in political science. Before embarking on his political career, he worked as a business manager, gaining experience in the private sector that would inform his later public service.

Larson's entry into politics began at the local level. In April 2008, he was elected as a Milwaukee County Supervisor. His campaign focused on key issues such as enhancing public transportation, improving parks, and advancing educational opportunities within the county. During his tenure as a supervisor, Larson was actively involved in various initiatives aimed at economic development, particularly around the Milwaukee airport. He also played a significant role in a coalition that worked to preserve the Hoan Bridge, which was at risk of demolition, and authored legislation to improve public parks in the area.

In November 2019, Larson announced his candidacy for Milwaukee County Executive, following the decision of incumbent Chris Abele not to seek re-election. He performed well in the non-partisan primary, securing the top position; however, he was ultimately defeated in the general election held in April 2020.

Legislative service

Larson's political career at the state level began when he won the Democratic primary for the Wisconsin State Senate on September 14, 2010, defeating the incumbent senator, Jeffrey Plale. He subsequently won the general election on November 2, 2010, making him the youngest member of the Wisconsin Senate at that time. Since taking office, Larson has represented several municipalities, including Cudahy, South Milwaukee, St. Francis, Franklin, Oak Creek, and parts of Milwaukee.

In the early years of his Senate career, Larson was elected as the Senate Minority Leader in 2013, a position he held until 2014. His leadership coincided with a challenging political landscape for Democrats in Wisconsin, particularly following the 2014 elections, which led to his resignation from the leadership role. Despite this setback, Larson continued to serve in the Senate and was re-elected for a fourth term in November 2022.

Larson's legislative actions have often been characterized by his commitment to addressing pressing issues facing Wisconsin residents. Notably, during the 2011 protests against Governor Scott Walker's "Budget Repair" legislation, Larson was one of 14 Democratic state senators who left the state to deny the Senate a quorum. This act of political protest drew significant attention to the contentious legislative environment in Wisconsin.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, Larson has prioritized a variety of policy issues that reflect the needs and interests of his constituents. For the 2021-2022 legislative session, his key areas of focus included public health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the restoration of funding for public education, the legalization of cannabis, and the protection of voting rights. He has also advocated for fair legislative maps, environmental protection measures, healthcare expansion, and reforms in the criminal justice system.

Larson has been an outspoken advocate for public education, particularly in light of significant funding cuts that occurred during previous legislative sessions. He has consistently supported initiatives aimed at restoring funding for local public schools and has championed proposals to enhance educational resources, including support for students with disabilities and the implementation of community schools that provide comprehensive services to students and their families.

In addition to education, Larson has been active in healthcare policy, particularly regarding the expansion of Wisconsin's BadgerCare program. He has argued for accepting federal healthcare funds through the Affordable Care Act, which he believes would significantly increase healthcare coverage for Wisconsin residents and create jobs within the state.

Environmental issues have also been a priority for Larson. He has led efforts to oppose legislation that would facilitate the privatization of water utility systems in Wisconsin, particularly in light of public health concerns raised by incidents such as the lead poisoning crisis in Flint, Michigan. His advocacy has contributed to a broader conversation about the importance of safeguarding public resources and ensuring equitable access to clean water.

In recent years, Larson has addressed various social issues, including advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. He co-sponsored a constitutional amendment aimed at reversing Wisconsin's ban on same-sex marriage and has supported legislation to prevent workplace discrimination based on gender. His commitment to social justice is evident in his legislative proposals and public statements.

Larson's engagement with his constituents extends beyond legislative matters; he has also responded to immediate concerns, such as advocating for the rights of transgender individuals in healthcare settings. Following a controversial decision by a local hospital to cancel a transgender teenager's appointment for hormone therapy, Larson publicly criticized the decision and called for a reversal, emphasizing the importance of medical professionals in determining appropriate care.

Overall, Chris Larson's legislative career reflects a dedication to addressing the diverse needs of his district and advocating for policies that promote social equity, environmental sustainability, and educational opportunity. His ongoing service in the Wisconsin State Senate continues to shape the political landscape of southeast Milwaukee County.