Dassler-Alfheim Named Assistant Majority Leader
Wisconsin Senate Democrats chose Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim of Appleton for the post in leadership elections for the 2027-28 session.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in People
The Wisconsin State Senate Democratic Caucus elected Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim as Assistant Majority Leader in leadership elections held Tuesday for the 2027-28 legislative session. The same caucus also elected Sen. Dianne Hesselbein Majority Leader and Sen. Mark Spreitzer Senate President.
Why it matters
The elections set the Democratic caucus's leadership lineup for the coming legislative session in Wisconsin. Caucus leaders shape which bills reach the floor and how Democratic members coordinate their votes.
The caucus filled five leadership posts, including Dassler-Alfheim's election as Assistant Majority Leader for the 2027-28 session. The source does not report vote counts for any post.
The players
Kristin Dassler-Alfheim
Democratic State Senator from Appleton, Wisconsin, who was elected Assistant Majority Leader of the caucus.
Dianne Hesselbein
Democratic State Senator from Middleton, Wisconsin, who was elected Majority Leader of the caucus.
Mark Spreitzer
Democratic State Senator from Beloit, Wisconsin, who was elected Senate President.
The details
Caucus members chose Dassler-Alfheim, a Democratic senator from Appleton, for the Assistant Majority Leader post alongside Hesselbein of Middleton as Majority Leader and Spreitzer of Beloit as Senate President. Dora Drake of Milwaukee was elected President Pro Tempore, Melissa Ratcliff of Cottage Grove was elected Caucus Chair, and Jeff Smith of Brunswick was elected Caucus Vice-Chair.
Timeline
- Leadership elections were held Tuesday, November 10, 2026, for the 2027-28 legislative session.
Leadership Pipeline
Wisconsin Senate Democrats filled their full leadership slate, from Majority Leader to Caucus Vice-Chair, ahead of the 2027-28 session. Positions like Assistant Majority Leader typically serve as a bench for succession within the caucus.
Wisconsin Senate Democratic leadership decisions influence which bills advance and how the caucus negotiates with Republicans. Residents who follow state legislation can track these leaders' priorities as the 2027-28 session begins.
The takeaway
Leadership changes in the state Senate caucus signal which Democratic lawmakers will guide legislative strategy in the coming session. Following committee assignments and floor votes will show how these roles play out.
Further reading
For more on the people shaping state policy, see People coverage on Wisconsin Smart Today.
