MADISON, Wis. — Democrats in the Wisconsin Assembly have picked a new caucus leader heading into 2022.

State Rep. Greta Neubauer of Racine ran unopposed during her caucus' leadership election Monday.

What You Need To Know

  • Last week, Wisconsin Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz announced his plans to step down from the position on Jan. 10

  • State Rep. Greta Neubauer ran unopposed from the position and was elected by her caucus Monday

  • Neubauer, who is 30, will become the youngest caucus leader in decades

Now she will succeed State Rep. Gordon Hintz of Oshkosh when he steps down from the post on Jan. 10.

Neubauer, who is 30 years old, was elected to the Assembly in January 2018 during a special election. She will become the youngest caucus leader in either chamber in decades.

“I would say I am excited,” Neubauer said. “I'm looking forward to the work ahead. I know that it is going to be challenging, but a very important year for Wisconsin.”

As for where her focus is for 2022, Neubauer said dealing with the recent COVID-19 surge in Wisconsin should take priority.

State Rep. Greta Neubauer speaks during a Joint Finance Committee hearing.

“The legislature has a duty to respond to that to help our public health officials to control the spread, to support small businesses who have struggled,” Neubauer said. “We have a lot of work to do as the world continues to change.”

During a sitdown interview with Spectrum News 1 last week, Republican Speaker Robin Vos said regardless of the pick, he felt it would be tough working across the aisle.

“I assume the Democrats will choose another partisan,” Vos said. “The Democrats don't want to find a way to get things done. They want to try to make an issue and find a way to get liberals to be happy with what they're doing here in the Capitol.”

However, Neubauer believes Wisconsinites are tired of hyperpartisanship, which is why she plans to focus on legislation that supports a living wage, increases access to health care, protects the environment, and supports schools.

“People are struggling in Wisconsin and they need us to figure out how to work together to deliver on their priorities, so I absolutely will be doing what I can to see that priorities that we're hearing about from the people of Wisconsin, at town halls, in the grocery stores, or when they call our office, are communicated across the aisle,” Neubauer said.

Neubauer wasn't the only shake-up to leadership for Assembly Democrats.

State Rep. Kalan Haywood, D-Milwaukee, discusses being a young lawmaker in his Capitol office.

State Rep. Kalan Haywood of Milwaukee was elected to become the new assistant minority leader.

That position change will happen in February when State Rep. Dianne Hesselbein of Middleton steps down to focus on her run for state Senate.

Haywood, who was also elected in 2018, is 22 years old.