Fred Risser


Fred A. Risser is a Democratic member of the Wisconsin Senate, representing the 26th District since 1962. His district includes most of the west side and central neighborhoods of Madison, including the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He previously served in the Wisconsin Assembly from 1957 to 1962. Risser has never lost an election and is the longest-serving state legislator in American political history.
Upon the death of New Mexico State Senator John Pinto in May 2019, Risser became the only remaining World War II veteran currently serving as a state legislator in the United States.

Early life, education and career

Risser was born in Madison, Wisconsin on May 5, 1927 into a prolific Wisconsin political family. Risser's father, grandfather, and great-grandfather served at various times as Wisconsin legislators representing part or all of Dane County, although none were Democrats.
He served in the United States Navy during World War II from 1945 to 1946. Risser was sworn into the United States Navy shortly before his high school graduation and Victory in Europe Day. The end of his basic training coincided with Victory over Japan Day. He was a medic and served in Newport, Rhode Island and the Panama Canal Zone.
Risser used the G.I. Bill to attend college, attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, before earning a bachelor of arts and law school degree at the University of Oregon School of Law, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws, and became a practicing attorney in Wisconsin; he is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin and the Oregon State Bar.

Wisconsin Legislature

Wisconsin Assembly

Risser was first elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 1956, succeeding fellow Democrat Ivan A. Nestingen. He was elected to the state Senate in a 1962 special election triggered by the appointment of Horace W. Wilkie to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. He was succeeded in the Wisconsin Assembly by fellow Democrat Edward Nager.

Wisconsin Senate

Risser was elected to a full term in 1964 and has been reelected every four years since. He rose through the ranks quickly, becoming the Minority Leader in 1967, which he credits to his intense study of parliamentary procedure.
In his 2004 electoral victory, he received more than 80% of the vote, facing opposition only from a Green Party candidate and no Republican opponent. In the 2007-08 session of the Wisconsin State Senate, Risser was elected as President of the Senate. He held this position on several prior occasions. He also has been President Pro Tempore, Minority Leader and Assistant Minority Leader in the State Senate.
On March 26, 2020, Risser announced that he would not run for re-election in November 2020.

2011 Wisconsin protests

During the protests in Wisconsin, Risser, along with the 13 other Democratic State Senators, left the state to deny the State Senate a quorum on Governor Scott Walker's "Budget Repair" legislation.

Other political involvement

Risser was a delegate to both the 1960 Democratic National Convention and the 1964 Democratic National Convention. He served as the Chair of Wisconsin's Presidential electors during the 1964 presidential election.

Personal life

Risser's first wife died after 21 years of marriage. Risser is married to Nancy Risser, a retired Spanish teacher. He has three children and four grandchildren.