American politician (born 1952)
Gae Leila Magnafici (née Wycoff; born July 14, 1952) is an American nurse and politician, currently serving in the Wisconsin State Assembly , representing Polk County and part of St. Croix County . A Republican , she was first elected in 2018.
Early life and career
Magnafici was born in Amery , Polk County, Wisconsin, and raised on a farm in the neighboring community of Deronda . She graduated from Amery High School and earned her Associate degree in Applied Science from Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, Illinois . She became a registered nurse in 1982.[ 1]
Prior to receiving her RN certification, she worked for twelve years caring for developmentally disabled patients. Since that time, she worked for 35 years as a pediatric nurse , most recently at Children's Minnesota in Saint Paul, Minnesota , before retiring in 2017.[ 2]
Wisconsin State Legislature
In 2018, she ran for Wisconsin State Assembly to replace Adam Jarchow , who was not seeking another term.[ 2] She was unopposed in the primary election and went on to defeat her Democratic opponent in the general election, carrying 59% of the votes.[ 3]
In 2020, Magnafici was re-elected to a second term, defeating Democrat Kim Butler in a rematch of the 2018 election.[ 4]
In 2021, Magnafici proposed legislation to prevent the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Technical College System from requiring on-campus students to be vaccinated or regularly tested against COVID-19 in order to access campus buildings.[ 5]
On January 5, 2021, Magnafici was one of 15 Wisconsin state legislators, all Republican, who signed on to a letter asking then Vice President Mike Pence to delay the counting of electoral votes on January 6.[ 6]
In 2022, Magnafici was re-elected to a third term, defeating former Democratic state senator Patty Schachtner .
In 2024, Magnafici was moved into the 75th district as a product of redistricting, and declined to seek re-election. In the primary she endorsed Duke Tucker, who went on to defeat two other Republican opponents and will face Jane Kleiss in the general election.[ 7] [ 8] [ 9]
Personal life and family
Magnafici sits on the board of the Polk County, Wisconsin , board of supervisors as a Citizen Member.[ 10]
Gae is married to Thomas Magnafici, they reside and own a small business in Dresser, Wisconsin . They have two adult children.[ 2]
Electoral history
Wisconsin State Assembly (2018–2022
Year
Election
Date
Elected
Defeated
Total
Plurality
2018
General[ 11]
Nov. 6
Gae Magnafici
Republican
14,441
59.01%
Kim Butler
Dem.
10,028
40.98%
24,473
4,413
2020
General[ 12]
Nov. 3
Gae Magnafici (inc)
Republican
21,678
63.93%
Kim Butler
Dem.
12,230
36.06%
33,911
9,448
2022
General[ 13]
Nov. 8
Gae Magnafici (inc)
Republican
16,494
62.48%
Patty Schachtner
Dem.
9,901
37.51%
26,397
6,593
References
^ Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau (2019). "Elected officials: Legislature" . Wisconsin Blue Book 2019-2020 (Report). Madison, Wisconsin : State of Wisconsin. p. 51. ISBN 978-1-7333817-0-3 . Retrieved May 9, 2020 .
^ a b c Lindgren, Suzanne (March 1, 2018). "Dresser Republican throws hat in ring for Assembly District 28 seat" . The Osceola Sun . Retrieved May 9, 2020 .
^ Canvass Results for 2018 General Election - 11/6/2018 (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin Elections Commission . February 2, 2019. p. 16. Retrieved May 9, 2020 .
^ "Magnafici campaign: Wins second term in State Assembly" . WisPolitics . November 4, 2020. Retrieved October 20, 2024 .
^ Kremer, Rich (2021-05-12). "Republican Bill Would Ban UW System, Tech Colleges From Requiring COVID-19 Testing Or Vaccinations" . Wisconsin Public Radio . Retrieved 2021-05-13 .
^ Conklin, Melanie (January 14, 2021). "GOP State Legislators Asked Pence to Not Certify Election" . Wisconsin Examiner . Retrieved October 20, 2024 .
^ "Rep. Magnafici: Announces retirement after distinguished service as Wisconsin state representative" . WisPolitics . March 18, 2024. Retrieved October 20, 2024 .
^ Marsten, Greg (March 28, 2024). "Sapik, Magnafici retiring; Tucker, Calhoun and Kline throw hats in" . Burnett County Sentinel . Retrieved October 20, 2024 .
^ Marsten, Greg (June 13, 2024). "Democrat Jane Kleiss files papers for 75th Assembly seat" . Amery Free Press . Retrieved October 20, 2024 .
^ "Polk County, WI, County Board of Supervisors - Members" . Polk County, Wisconsin . Retrieved October 20, 2024 .
^ Canvass Results for 2018 General Election - 11/6/2018 (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin Elections Commission . February 22, 2019. p. 16. Retrieved October 20, 2024 .
^ Canvass Results for 2020 General Election - 11/3/2020 (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin Elections Commission . November 18, 2020. p. 14. Retrieved October 2, 2024 .
^ Canvass Results for 2022 General Election - 11/8/2022 (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin Elections Commission . November 30, 2022. p. 15. Retrieved October 2, 2024 .
External links
106th Wisconsin Legislature (2023–2025)