Speaker Vos: My Decision To Not Seek Another Term

When I first walked into the Wisconsin State Capitol more than two decades ago, I could not have imagined where that journey would lead. I came here with a belief that public service matters, that accountability matters, and that the people of Wisconsin deserve leaders who take that responsibility seriously. Today, as I announce my intention to not seek re-election in November, I do so with deep gratitude and with pride in the work we've done. My decision wasn't easy and I've been thinking about it for most of 2025. But sometimes a sign pushes you in the right direction, and mine was in mid-November when I had a mild heart attack. Luckily, my doctors say I am perfectly fine, but I do need to reduce my stress level. And let me tell you, this job is stressful. It was that sign from God that convinced me I needed to choose a different path. I love this job. I love the people, the process, the negotiating and getting things done for Wisconsin. But now is the time to pass the baton to the next generation of conservative leaders. I was first elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2004 to represent Racine County, my home, my community, and the people who trusted me to be their voice. From day one, I believed government should live within its means, and respect the taxpayers who fund it, and focus on results, not headlines. Those principles guided me as a new legislator and later as leader of this institution. In 2013, my colleagues entrusted me with the responsibility of serving as Speaker of the State Assembly. We had just come off a few tumultuous years of round-the-clock sessions, and we needed to change how we governed ourselves. With my leadership, we negotiated a first-in-the-nation, bipartisan operating agreement that reinforced the idea that all voices matter. I've been honored to be the Speaker, and I never forgot that the gavel does not belong to one person. It belongs to this institution. Serving longer than any Speaker in our state's history was not about longevity. It was about stewardship, protecting the process, respecting the past while thinking of the future, and ensuring the people's house remains strong. Together, we delivered historic tax relief, returning billions of dollars to Wisconsin families and job creators. We expanded educational opportunity throughout Wisconsin. We strengthened accountability and empowered parents to choose what's best for their children. We passed responsible budgets that balance fiscal discipline with tools like Act 10. Since 2011, the reforms from Act 10 alone have saved more than $35 billion, or almost $25,000 in savings for a family of four. The tax cuts we passed each year I've been Speaker saved billions more. We made strategic investments in our roads, our bridges and vital infrastructure, and in our people through modifications to our welfare system and to our local communities through our shared revenue reforms. None of this work was easy. There were disagreements. Long nights. And hard votes. But leadership is not about avoiding tough choices. It's about making them with conviction and with respect for the people we serve. I am especially proud of the role I played in defending the legislature as a co-equal branch of government. When so much of society is looking for a quick answer regardless of how you get there, we must never forget that democracy takes time and good results don't always come the fastest. In moments of pressure and uncertainty, we upheld the rule of law, we respected the Constitution, and we preserved the integrity of Wisconsin's democratic institutions. Strong institutions matter. They outlast any one leader. And I believe I leave this one stronger, more resilient, and prepared for the future. I want to end by thanking my constituents and supporters for their trust and their faith in me during my time in the state legislature. My constituents know that I try to call them back weekly from my home district and have for over two decades. I've called back thousands of supporters and opponents alike and have had meaningful conversations where I listened and learned new facts to those who challenged my thinking. For that, I am so grateful for the people who took the time to engage in representative democracy. I want to thank my fellow elected officials in the state capitol and around the nation, past and present, and the dedicated staff who make this place work. A special place in my heart will be held by the dozens of staffers who work directly with me in Madison. I couldn't have done this job without your counsel, your support, and your incredible hard work. Most of all, I have to thank my family and especially my wife, Michelle, who has been such a trooper. She's gone with me to chicken dinners and pancake breakfasts and more public events than I can count. She has been at my side during hard-fought campaigns year in and year out. Thank you. As I step away from public office, I do so with confidence in Wisconsin's future and faith in those who will carry this work forward. Thank you for the honor of a lifetime.