Smith Wins Wisconsin 31st Senate District Race
Jeff Smith defeated Michele Magadance Skinner in the Wisconsin 31st Senate District election, winning his third term as state senator.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
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Jeff Smith won the Wisconsin 31st Senate District race against Michele Magadance Skinner, who currently represents District 11 on the Eau Claire County Board of Supervisors. Smith's victory marks his third term in the state Senate.
Why it matters
Republicans had sought to flip the seat as part of an effort to retain the Senate majority in the next session, making the outcome relevant to control of the chamber. The result keeps the 31st District in Democratic hands for another term.
Smith was first elected to the Senate in November 2018 and previously served in the State Assembly from 2007 to 2011. The extraction does not provide vote tallies or margin of victory for the race.
The players
Jeff Smith
Jeff Smith is a Wisconsin state senator who previously served in the State Assembly and is now serving his third term representing the 31st Senate District.
Michele Magadance Skinner
Michele Magadance Skinner is an Eau Claire County Board supervisor representing District 11 who challenged Smith for the 31st Senate District seat.
The details
The 31st Senate District encompasses all of Eau Claire and parts of Chippewa Falls and Menomonie. Smith will return to Madison to represent the district when legislators assume office.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Smith wins the 31st Senate District election.
January 4, 2027: Legislators, including Smith, assume office in Madison.
Political Context
Republicans had targeted the 31st District as part of an effort to retain their Senate majority in the next session. Smith's win preserves the seat in the current balance of the chamber.
The outcome determines who represents residents of all of Eau Claire and parts of Chippewa Falls and Menomonie in the state Senate. Voters in the district will be represented in Madison by Smith for the next term.
The takeaway
The 31st Senate District race result determines representation for Eau Claire and surrounding communities in the state Senate. Residents seeking to follow legislative activity can track Smith's work once he returns to Madison in January.
What happens next
Jeff Smith is scheduled to assume office as a state senator when legislators are sworn in on January 4, 2027.
Further reading
Explore more on Elections coverage across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Weau.
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