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Roger Roth

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Roger Roth
President of the Wisconsin Senate
In office
January 3, 2017 – January 4, 2021
Preceded byMary Lazich
Succeeded byChris Kapenga
Member of the Wisconsin Senate
from the 19th district
In office
January 3, 2015 – January 3, 2023
Preceded byMichael Ellis
Succeeded byRachael Cabral-Guevara
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
from the 56th district
In office
January 1, 2007 – January 3, 2011
Preceded byTerri McCormick
Succeeded byMichelle Litjens
Personal details
Born (1978-02-05) February 5, 1978 (age 46)
Appleton, Wisconsin, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseRebecca Roth
Children5
RelativesToby Roth (uncle)
EducationUniversity of Wisconsin, Oshkosh (BA)

Roger James Roth Jr. (born February 5, 1978)[1] is an American politician from Appleton, Wisconsin. He was a member of the Wisconsin Senate for eight years, representing Wisconsin's 19th Senate district from 2015 to 2023, and was president of the Senate during the 2017–2018 and 2019–2020 legislative terms. Before serving in the Senate, he was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly for two terms.

He was the Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin in the 2022 election, and ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for U.S. House of Representatives in Wisconsin's 8th congressional district in 2024. His uncle, Toby Roth, was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for nine terms.

Early life, education, and career before politics

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Roth was born in Appleton, Wisconsin on February 5, 1978.[1] Roth graduated from St. Mary Central High School in Neenah, Wisconsin in 1996 and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh in 2001.[1][2] He was a member of "Students for Bush" while in college, and also worked on Tommy Thompson's reelection campaign.[2] Prior to entering politics, Roth worked for his family's homebuilding business.[2] In 2003, Roth joined the Wisconsin Air National Guard; he served four tours of duty during the Iraq War, doing F-16 maintenance.[2]

Political career

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Roth in 2009

Roth was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly as a Republican from 2007 to 2011.[1] He supported a resolution backing a Republican lawsuit challenging the Affordable Care Act, the federal health care reform legislation signed into law by President Barack Obama.[3] Roth called for the repeal of the ACA.[4]

In 2010, Roth sought the Republican nomination for the U.S. House of Representatives seat from Wisconsin's 8th congressional district, seeking to challenge incumbent Democratic Representative Steve Kagen.[4] However, Roth was defeated by Reid Ribble in the Republican primary election.[2][5]

In the 2014 election, Roth ran for the Wisconsin State Senate against Penny Bernard Schaber in the 19th state Senate district to replace longtime incumbent Michael Ellis, who retired after holding the seat since 1982.[2] The seat covered Appleton and a large portion of the Fox Valley.[2] Roth won the November 2014 election.[6][7] Roth was reelected to the state Senate in 2018, defeating Democratic nominee Lee Snodgrass.[8] Roth considered seeking the 2016 Republican nomination to fill the U.S. House seat held by Ribble, who decided not to seek reelection.[9] However, Roth ultimately chose not to run.[10]

In 2017, Roth introduced legislation in the state Senate that would abolish the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources permitting system for wetland filling, allowing developers to fill state wetlands without oversight. Fellow Republican Jim Steineke introduced a companion bill in the state Assembly. The bill was opposed by environmental and conservation groups.[11][12] The bill was unsuccessful.[13]

As Senate president, Roth opposed proposals to legalize marijuana in Wisconsin.[14]

In January 2019, Roth falsely claimed that Wisconsin Republicans did not curb the powers of the incoming Democratic administration of Governor Tony Evers and State Attorney General Josh Kaul, during the lame-duck session. In fact, after Evers and Kaul unseated Republicans in the 2018 election, the Republican-majority state legislature passed, and outgoing Republican Governor Scott Walker signed, an array of last-minute bills transferring various powers from the executive to the legislature.[15]

In 2020, Roth proposed a resolution in the Wisconsin Senate, condemning human rights abuses and atrocities by the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party, including the occupation of Tibet, persecution of Uyghurs, harvesting of organs from Falun Gong practitioners and other political prisoners, and restrictions on religious freedom and freedom of speech; the resolution criticized Chinese propaganda efforts and accused the Chinese government of sustained intellectual property theft.[16]

In January 2021, amid a campaign by President Donald Trump to subvert his defeat by Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election, Roth opposed a resolution in the Wisconsin Senate to affirm Biden's victory and condemn the U.S. Capitol attack.[17]

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges, Roth blocked the Evers' nominees to the state technical college system board; years into Evers' governorship, the committee had refused to confirm Evers's nominees while allowing Walker's appointees to continue to serve even though their terms were expired.[18]

In 2021, Roth and fellow Republican Shae Sortwell proposed an amendment to the Wisconsin state Constitution to eliminate elections for the state superintendent, state treasurer, and secretary of state (all positions currently held by Democrats). Roth and Sortwell's proposed amendment would convert these positions into appointed posts filled by the governor with confirmation by the state Senate.[19]

Run for lieutenant governor (2022)

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Main article: 2022 Wisconsin gubernatorial election

On February 27, 2022, Roth announced his campaign for Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin, with a sizeable funding lead compared to his opponents.[20] On August 9, 2022, he won the primary alongside Trump-endorsed gubernatorial candidate and businessman Tim Michels. On November 8, 2022, the pair lost to the Democratic ticket of incumbent Governor Tony Evers and State Representative Sara Rodriguez in the general election.[21]

Run for U.S. House (2024)

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Main article: 2024 United States House of Representatives elections in Wisconsin § District 8

In February 2024, Wisconsin's 8th congressional district incumbent, Mike Gallagher, announced he would not run for re-election. Within hours, Roth announced his campaign to succeed Gallagher in the U.S. House of Representatives.[22] The open seat in the Republican-trending district attracted several prominent Republicans to consider bids, but ultimately only two others entered the race—state senator André Jacque and gas station chain owner Tony Wied. After trying to distance himself from Donald Trump in his 2022 campaign, in 2024 Roth endorsed Trump and sought his endorsement. Trump, however, endorsed the political newcomer, Wied. Trump then went on to attack Roth, saying, "Tony is running against RINO Roger Roth, who is a 'clone' of Paul Ryan, and no friend to MAGA — He should drop out of the Race NOW." Despite Trump's attacks, Roth maintained his support Trump. Wied prevailed in the primary, receiving 41% of the vote to Roth's 34%.[23]

Personal life and family

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Roger Roth Jr. is the second of four sons born to Roger Roth Sr. and his wife Karen (née Schaefer).[24] Roger Roth Sr. is a retired realtor and a younger brother of Tobias Roth, who served 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Wisconsin's 8th congressional district.[2]

Electoral history

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Wisconsin Assembly (2006, 2008)

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Year Election Date Elected Defeated Total Plurality
2006 Primary[25] Sep. 12 Roger J. Roth Jr. Republican 3,411 60.41% Jeanne A. Krueger Rep. 1,134 20.09% 5,646 2,277
Bob Wallis Rep. 1,098 19.45%
General[26] Nov. 7 Roger J. Roth Jr. Republican 15,472 59.04% Susan Garcia Franz Dem. 10,722 40.91% 26,208 4,750
2008 General[27] Nov. 4 Roger J. Roth Jr. (inc) Republican 20,971 59.66% Susan Garcia Franz Dem. 14,144 40.24% 35,149 6,827

U.S. House (2010)

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Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District Election, 2010[28]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Primary, September 14, 2010
Republican Reid Ribble 38,521 47.95%
Republican Roger Roth 25,704 32.00%
Republican Terri McCormick 14,107 17.56%
Republican Marc Savard 1,968 2.45%
Scattering 25,704 32.00%
Plurality 12,817 15.95%
Total votes 80,336 100.0%

Wisconsin Senate (2014, 2018)

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Year Election Date Elected Defeated Total Plurality
2014 General[29] Nov. 4 Roger J. Roth Jr. Republican 41,628 57.17% Penny Bernard Schaber Dem. 31,135 42.76% 72,815 10,493
2018 General[30] Nov. 6 Roger J. Roth Jr. (inc) Republican 43,493 53.23% Lee Snodgrass Dem. 42.76% 38,179 81,701 5,314

Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor (2022)

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Wisconsin Gubernatorial Election, 2022
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Lieutenant Governor Primary, August 9, 2022[31]
Republican Roger Roth 178,972 30.08%
Republican Patrick Testin 109,374 18.38%
Republican Cindy Werner 80,953 13.61%
Republican Jonathan Wichmann 79,166 13.31%
Republican Will Martin 54,790 9.21%
Republican Kyle Yudes 32,051 5.39%
Republican David C. Varnam 30,640 5.15%
Republican David D. King 27,443 4.61%
Scattering 1,612 0.27%
Plurality 69,598 11.70%
Total votes 595,001 100.0%
General Election, November 8, 2022
Democratic Tony Evers (incumbent)
& Sara Rodriguez 		1,358,774 51.15% +1.61pp
Republican Tim Michels
& Roger Roth 		1,268,535 47.75% −0.69pp
Independent Joan Ellis Beglinger (withdrawn) 27,198 1.02%
Write-ins 1,983 0.04% +0.04pp
Plurality 90,239 3.40%
Total votes 2,656,490 100.0%
Democratic hold

U.S. House (2024)

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Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District Election, 2024[23]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Primary, August 13, 2024 (unofficial results)
Republican Tony Wied 41,937 41.33%
Republican Roger Roth 34,344 33.85%
Republican André Jacque 25,186 24.82%
Plurality 7,593 7.48%
Total votes 101,467 100.0%

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Senator Roger Roth: Senate District 19 (R-Appleton), Wisconsin State Legislature.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Nick Penzenstadler (October 26, 2014). "Politics runs deep for Roger Roth". Post-Crescent Media/USA Today Network. Appleton, Wis.
  3. ^ Katherine Kehoe, Obama signs health care bill, Badger Herald (March 24, 2010).
  4. ^ a b Larry Sandler, 3 vying to take on Kagen, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (August 27, 2010).
  5. ^ Craig Gilbert, Ribble wins race to oppose Kagen, Wisconsin Journal Sentinel (September 15, 2010).
  6. ^ 'Republicans fend Democratic attempt at control, keep majority in Wisconsin state Senate', Minneapolis Star Tribune, Todd Richmond, November 5, 2014.
  7. ^ Maureen McCollum, Republican Marklein Wins Schultz's Open Seat In Senate: Victory Cements GOP's Retention Of Senate Control, Wisconsin Public Radio (November 5, 2014).
  8. ^ Mica Soellner, Wisconsin election: Roger Roth retains Senate seat with victory over Lee Snodgrass, Appleton Post-Crescent (November 7, 2018).
  9. ^ Four consider run at Reid Ribble's seat, Appleton Post-Crescent (February 1, 2016).
  10. ^ Madeleine Behr, Roger Roth won't run for Reid Ribble's seat, USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin (February 4, 2016).
  11. ^ Environmental group rips GOP wetland permit bill, Associated Press (October 2, 2017).
  12. ^ The Latest: Wetland exemption authors promise easier process, Associated Press (December 21, 2017).
  13. ^ Todd Richmond, Wisconsin GOP revises wetland permit exemptions bill, Associated Press (January 29, 2018).
  14. ^ Doug Schneider, Legalizing marijuana: No quick action likely in Wisconsin despite overwhelming support at polls, Green Bay Press Gazette (November 7, 2018).
  15. ^ Eric Litke (January 10, 2019). "Roth veers from party line with lame-duck action impact". PolitiFact.
  16. ^ Alexandra Ma. "China is attempting to win political points from the coronavirus with 'mask diplomacy' — but it mostly isn't working". Business Insider.
  17. ^ Beck, Molly. "Wisconsin Senate Republicans block resolution condemning U.S. Capitol assault and affirming Biden victory". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved 2021-01-13.
  18. ^ Kelly Meyerhofer. "GOP hasn't confirmed most of Gov. Tony Evers' picks to UW Regents, tech college board". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved 2022-01-10.
  19. ^ Molly Beck, Wisconsin GOP lawmakers want superintendent, treasurer and secretary of state appointed, not elected, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (September 29, 2021).
  20. ^ Jason Zimmerman, Wisconsin Senator Roger Roth running for Lieutenant Governor, WBAY News Staff (February 27, 2022).
  21. ^ Ben Baker, Democrat Sara Rodriguez and Republican Roger Roth win lieutenant governor primaries to join governor tickets Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (August 9, 2022).
  22. ^ Andrea, Lawrence (February 10, 2024). "GOP's Roger Roth announces candidacy hours after Mike Gallagher said he's not seeking re-election". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  23. ^ a b Schulz, Joe (August 13, 2024). "Tony Wied wins GOP primary for 8th Congressional District". Wisconsin Public Radio. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  24. ^ "Schaefer-Roth". The Post-Crescent. May 28, 1974. p. 30. Retrieved June 22, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ Results of Fall Primary Election - 09/12/2006 (Report). Wisconsin State Elections Board. October 17, 2006. p. 54. Retrieved February 14, 2024 – via Wisconsin Historical Society.
  26. ^ Results of Fall General Election - 11/07/2006 (Report). Wisconsin State Elections Board. December 11, 2006. p. 30. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  27. ^ Results of Fall General Election - 11/04/2008 (Report). Wisconsin State Elections Board. December 1, 2008. p. 28. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  28. ^ Results of Fall Primary Election - 09/14/2010 (Report). Wisconsin Government Accountability Board. October 4, 2010. p. 9. Retrieved February 14, 2024 – via Wisconsin Historical Society.
  29. ^ Canvass Results for 2014 General Election - 11/4/2014 (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin Government Accountability Board. November 26, 2014. p. 7. Retrieved February 14, 2024 – via Wisconsin Elections Commission.
  30. ^ Canvass Results for 2018 General Election - 11/6/2018 (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin Elections Commission. February 22, 2018. p. 8. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  31. ^ Canvass Results for 2022 Partisan Primary (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin Elections Commission. August 26, 2022. p. 2. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
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Party political offices
Preceded by Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin
2022 		Most recent
Wisconsin State Assembly
Preceded by Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the 56th district
January 1, 2007 – January 3, 2011 		Succeeded by
Wisconsin Senate
Preceded by Member of the Wisconsin Senate from the 19th district
January 3, 2015 – January 3, 2023 		Succeeded by
Preceded by President of the Wisconsin Senate
2017–2021 		Succeeded by
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