In the final segment of Get to Know a Freshman, Political Tidbits highlights three new Republican representatives and two new Democrats. The first and second segments of Get to Know a Freshman can be found on Hamilton Consulting Group’s Political Tidbits blog.
Rep. David Crowley (D-Milwaukee)
Rep. Crowley, representing District 17, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Crowley graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he studied educational policy and community studies. Crowley has participated in organizations such as Urban Underground and Public Allies. In 2010, Crowley was the African-American Statewide Organizer for former U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold. Additionally, he has served as an aide for the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors and as Policy Director for former Wisconsin State Sen. Nikiya Harris Dodd. He is currently the board chair of the Milwaukee Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin.
Rep. Jason Fields (D-Glendale)
Rep. Fields, representing District 11, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he attended Milwaukee Lutheran High School. Fields has worked as a stockbroker, financial advisor, and banker in Wisconsin. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals, National Association of Black Accountants, and Prince Hall Masonic Lodge Number 4. Fields previously served in the Wisconsin State Assembly representing District 11 from 2005 to 2013.
Rep. Ron Tusler (R- Harrison)
Rep. Tusler, representing District 3, was raised in Fox Valley, Wisconsin. He attended University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, where he received a degree in Urban Education, History and Honors with a minor in Political Science. He graduated from Marquette University Law School in 2010. After graduation, Ron Tusler became an attorney and founded Tusler Law, LLC. He is a former chairman, president and treasurer of the Appleton Jaycees. In 2012, Ron was awarded the Jaycee of the Year. Additionally, in 2012 and 2013 Tusler was chairman of the Appleton Fireworks Committee. Tusler is currently the chairman of the Outagamie County Republican Party.
Rep. Chuck Wichgers (R-Muskego)
Rep. Wichgers, representing District 83, was raised and currently resides in Muskego, Wisconsin. After graduating from Muskego High School, Wichgers received his degree from Waukesha County Technical College where he studied sales and marketing. He has served as Muskego City Alderman and as a member of the Waukesha County Board of Supervisors. He currently owns his own health care business, serves on the Advisory Committee for the Janesville Road Reconstruction, is a Moose Club member, and is co-founder of the Muskego Hoops Booster Club.
Rep. Shannon Zimmerman (R-River Falls)
Rep. Zimmerman, representing District 30, is from Eau Claire County, Wisconsin. An entrepreneur, Zimmerman and his wife founded Sajan, Inc. in 1997. In 2011, the company received the St. Croix Economic Development Corporation’s Large Business of the Year award with Zimmerman serving as CEO. At UW-River Falls, Zimmerman serves on the Foundation Board and the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee. In 2013, he was Executive-in-Residence for the School of Business and Economics at the university. He has additionally served in the Rotary Club, the Board of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, and has coached youth football for seven years.