This story first appeared in UpNorthNews
Trevor Jung, a 30-year-old Democrat, believes that complacency among Wisconsin’s Republican lawmakers is a significant issue. This belief is a driving factor in his candidacy for the state’s Senate District 21.
Since 2011, Republicans have maintained control over the legislature in Madison, with many of the same individuals remaining in power. According to Jung, this has led to increasing living costs, limited opportunities, and a distant American Dream for many. “We have lawmakers here in Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled state legislature who’ve gotten lazy,” Jung stated. “But the same people are telling you that they deserve another term in office.”
In his first run for the state Senate, Jung is up against business executive Jim Croft. The seat became available when Republican incumbent Van H. Wanggaard decided not to pursue re-election, making it one of the state’s most anticipated legislative races.
Although new to the state Senate race, Jung has experience in elected office. At 22, he became a city alderman in Racine and later served as the director of RYDE Racine, the city’s public transportation system.
Jung has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the state legislature, describing it as an “adversary” to working families rather than an “ally.” He emphasized the need for officials focused on reducing the cost of living, increasing job opportunities, and ensuring schools have adequate resources.
‘The place that gave me everything’
Jung’s decision to run is also influenced by his personal history. Born in Russia and placed in an orphanage, he was adopted by a single father from Racine at age 2. He cherishes the “all-American childhood with Little League baseball” he received and now wishes to give back to his community. “When I grew up, I realized my calling was to give back to the place that gave me everything,” he said.
As he engages with voters, Jung notes that affordability stands out as their primary concern. The district, which covers southwest Milwaukee County and northeast Racine County, faces challenges such as rising grocery and gas prices linked to international conflicts and trade policies, as well as escalating home prices and utility costs tied to state policies.
Another major concern for constituents is the quality of public education. Jung recounted a conversation with a mother who had to homeschool her deaf and developmentally disabled teen due to insufficient school resources. “That’s a direct result of almost two decades of Republican leadership in the state legislature underfunding our public schools,” he asserted.
The path forward
Jung argues that many local issues could be mitigated if Democrats obtain majorities in both the state Senate and Assembly. He advocates for increased distribution of state tax revenue to local governments, which was reduced by 9% under Republican Governor Scott Walker, leading to a $3.3 billion revenue surplus.
Jung mentioned that some municipalities have turned to referendums to fund essential services like fire and police departments while the surplus remains untapped. In Racine, for example, a referendum was necessary to maintain appropriate firefighter staffing levels.
If elected on Nov. 3, Jung plans to focus on initiatives to combat rising costs. He supports Medicaid expansion to extend BadgerCare, capping insulin prices, and expanding free meal programs in public schools.
Jung also endorses the proposed expansion of the Homestead Tax Credit to assist residents with housing costs, as well as enlarging the Wisconsin Shares childcare subsidy program.
Apart from economic concerns, Jung aims to foster civility and respect in political discussions. He believes the community is ready for such a transformation. “People are sick of the divisiveness and nastiness of politics… the culture that’s come down from the president with his name-calling,” Jung said. “People don’t want to look at their neighbors as enemy combatants.”
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