Larson Bows Out As Senate Minority Leader

MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ State Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, will not seek another term as leader of Democrats in the Wisconsin state Senate.

Larson posted a message on his Facebook page on Tuesday morning announcing his decision.

Larson faced a challenge from Sen. Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse, to serve as Democratic minority leader after last week’s election in which Democrats lost a seat in the Senate.

Republicans now hold a 19-14 majority.

Larson, of Milwaukee, had served as minority leader since 2013. Larson says he will now back Shilling for the post.

Neither Shilling nor Larson immediately returned messages seeking comment.

Assembly Democrats planned to meet Tuesday afternoon to vote on whether to keep Rep. Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, as their leader or switch to Rep. Evan Goyke, D-Milwaukee.

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