Robin Vos, the Wisconsin State Assembly speaker, announced his retirement on Thursday, effective at the end of the year. Vos is currently in his 22nd year in the Assembly and his 14th year as speaker.
Vos's tenure makes him the longest-serving speaker in the state's history.
Political Career Highlights
Vos led Republicans in Wisconsin during a period marked by significant political activity. Key actions during his tenure include:
- Supporting the 2011 Act 10 law, which significantly limited collective bargaining for most public workers.
- Advocating for multiple tax cuts, a "right to work" law, and a voter ID requirement.
- Blocking much of Democratic Governor Tony Evers’ policy agenda since 2018, including efforts to limit the governor’s powers in a lame-duck session in 2019 and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Leading a lawsuit that resulted in a court invalidating a governor’s coronavirus restrictions, making Wisconsin the first state to do so.
Conflicts and Controversies
Vos faced criticism from both political opponents and some within his own party.
Former President Donald Trump criticized Vos for his handling of the investigation into the 2020 election results in Wisconsin. Vos hired a former conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court justice for the investigation but later fired him, stating the hiring was his "biggest mistake."
Vos's political opponents viewed him as influential in advancing a conservative agenda and limiting Democratic initiatives.
Retirement Details
Vos, 57, cited a mild heart attack in November as a factor in his decision, though he stated it was not the sole reason for his departure. He stated it was "unlikely" he would run for office again but did not definitively rule it out.
Reactions
Governor Tony Evers commented that Vos's retirement "marks the end of an era in Wisconsin politics," acknowledging disagreements but respecting Vos's candor and passion.
U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan described Vos as a "formidable opponent" and an intelligent, strategic Assembly speaker.