Tauchen wins another term in state Assembly

By: 
Tim Ryan
Reporter

Republican incumbent Rep. Gary Tauchen secured another term in the Wisconsin Assembly’s 6th District after turning back for the second time a challenge from Richard Sarnwick.

Sarnwick, a Shawano area doctor, was making another run against Tauchen after being defeated two years ago.

Tauchen won 21,283 votes to 9,452 for Sarnwick.

The numbers still need to be certified by the Board of Canvass.

“For me, personally, I’m pretty happy,” Tauchen said. “Of course, I really admire anybody who runs for office. It’s important because we live in a democracy, it’s important that people will actually run for office and represent their constituents. So I appreciate Dr. Sarnwick putting his name out there and getting involved. I wish him the best of luck in the future.”

Tauchen said his victory was assisted by Republican Party support.

“The Republican Party in Shawano County was very active,” he said. “Everybody worked together very hard from the Trump organization down to the local level to try to get the candidates elected. I think that kind of cooperation really leads to good things. It utilizes resources in the best possible way. That had a lot to do with it because they all work together to try to make things better.”

Tauchen said a combination of issues also played in the race and the results.

“This was such an odd year, with COVID-19 being so prominent,” he said. “I think health care is important to people. Lower taxes are important to people. There’s just any number of issues. I think it’s a combination of issues, and what people try to do, I think, to vote their values and find a candidate that does represent that.”

Tauchen will have been in the Assembly 14 years in January. He said this was his last run for the office.

“This is my last term,” he said. “I wanted to let people know that so they could prepare. I know I spent a couple years in preparation and trying to get my ducks in a row to prepare for it. I want other people to have the same opportunity so that we have the best possible candidates representing out district.”

Sarnwick declined to comment for this story.

tryan@newmedia-wi.com