Jodi Habush Sinykin

Jodi Habush Sinykin is a Democratic politician and attorney currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, representing the 8th Senate District. She has a background in environmental law and has been involved in various legal and advocacy efforts prior to her election to the state legislature. Sinykin's political career has been marked by her commitment to environmental issues and her advocacy for reproductive rights, particularly in the wake of significant legal changes at the federal level.

Early life and career

Jodi Habush Sinykin was born in May 1967 in Fox Point, Wisconsin. She completed her secondary education at Nicolet High School in Glendale, Wisconsin, graduating in 1985. Following high school, she pursued higher education at the University of Michigan, where she earned her bachelor's degree with honors in 1989. Sinykin then attended Harvard Law School, where she obtained her Juris Doctor degree in 1992.

After completing her legal education, Sinykin briefly resided in Chicago, where she clerked for a federal district court judge. In 1995, she returned to Milwaukee with her husband, Dan Sinykin, and together they acquired Roller Fabrics, a textile manufacturing company. Under their leadership, the business expanded, and in 2005, they acquired Monterey Mills, located in Janesville, Wisconsin. During this period, Sinykin also worked in private legal practice before joining her father's law firm, Habush Habush & Rottier S.C., which has grown to become one of the largest law firms in Wisconsin.

Sinykin's early career was characterized by her involvement in environmental advocacy. In 2003, she joined Midwest Environmental Advocates, where she utilized her legal expertise to lobby the state legislature on matters related to environmental law and water issues. Her work included representing the Wisconsin Groundwater Advisory Committee and participating in the Wisconsin Legislative Council's Special Committee on the Great Lakes Compact, which aimed to negotiate and ratify agreements concerning the management of the Great Lakes.

Throughout her career, Sinykin has been involved in various legal actions concerning environmental matters. Notably, she gained statewide attention in 2014 for her involvement in a lawsuit aimed at preventing the use of dogs for wolf hunting in Wisconsin. Although this lawsuit was ultimately unsuccessful at the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, Sinykin shifted her focus to lobbying efforts and played a significant role in the passage of Wisconsin's puppy mill legislation, which addressed issues related to animal welfare.

In addition to her environmental work, Sinykin was involved in litigation concerning the Foxconn project in Wisconsin, which proposed diverting a substantial amount of water from Lake Michigan. Her efforts contributed to a reduction in the project's planned water usage, aligning with the stipulations of the Great Lakes Compact.

Legislative service

Sinykin's entry into elected office began with her candidacy for the Wisconsin State Senate in 2023, prompted by the early resignation of incumbent senator Alberta Darling. This vacancy created an opportunity for a special election in the 8th Senate District, which had been trending Democratic in recent years. The district encompasses areas in Milwaukee's northern suburbs, southern Ozaukee County, southern Washington County, and parts of northeast Waukesha County. Historically, the district had a strong Republican presence, but demographic shifts following the 2016 presidential election indicated a changing political landscape.

In the special election, Sinykin faced no opposition in the Democratic primary and went on to compete against Republican state representative Dan Knodl. Her campaign focused heavily on defending abortion rights in Wisconsin, particularly in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which allowed states to impose restrictions on abortion access. Despite a competitive race, Sinykin was narrowly defeated by Knodl, who won by a small margin.

Although she did not secure a seat in the 2023 election, Sinykin's political landscape shifted significantly following the election of Judge Janet Protasiewicz to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This election altered the ideological balance of the court, allowing for the striking down of a longstanding Republican legislative gerrymander. In February 2024, a new redistricting plan was enacted, which slightly modified the boundaries of the 8th Senate District. The changes included the removal of certain areas in Washington and Waukesha counties while incorporating more of Ozaukee County, including the Democratic-leaning community of Port Washington.

With the new district boundaries in place, Sinykin announced her intention to run for the Senate again. She faced no opposition in the Democratic primary and entered a highly competitive race against Knodl, who opted not to run against another Republican incumbent. Ultimately, Sinykin won the general election by a narrow margin, securing her position in the Wisconsin State Senate. She officially took office on January 6, 2025.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, Sinykin's policy focus reflects her background in environmental law and her commitment to social issues, particularly reproductive rights. Her advocacy for environmental protection has been a consistent theme throughout her career, stemming from her legal work with Midwest Environmental Advocates and her involvement in significant environmental litigation. This focus is likely to resonate with constituents in her district, which has shown a growing interest in progressive policies.

The 8th Senate District, which Sinykin represents, has undergone demographic changes that have influenced its political dynamics. Traditionally a Republican stronghold, the district has seen a shift toward Democratic preferences, particularly in suburban areas. This trend has been attributed to various factors, including changing voter attitudes and increased engagement on issues such as abortion rights and environmental protection.

Sinykin's legislative priorities are expected to align with the interests of her constituents, particularly in addressing environmental concerns and advocating for policies that support reproductive rights. Her experience in legal advocacy and her understanding of the complexities surrounding environmental law position her as a knowledgeable representative in the state legislature. As she continues her service in the Wisconsin State Senate, Sinykin's work will likely reflect the evolving political landscape of her district and the broader state of Wisconsin.