Quick Facts
LibraBiography
Dave Heaton is an American businessman and politician and was a Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly. He, his wife, and three children live in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Background
Dave Heaton grew up in a family of 15 siblings. After high school, he joined the Air National Guard where he served from 1990–1996 while simultaneously working his way through college. In 1998, Heaton earned his law degree from DePaul University and worked as a prosecutor in Cook County, Illinois. Heaton's career then moved into the private sector as he transitioned from the practice of law into business roles. He currently works as a reinsurance consultant for a company in Wausau.
Elective office
On April 24, 2014 Heaton announced has candidacy for Wisconsin's 85th Assembly District. Heaton was unopposed in the August Republican primary and on November 4, 2014 Heaton defeated incumbent Mandy Wright by 85 votes out of the over 22,000 cast. After the completion of the final canvass of votes his opponent conceded the tight race. Heaton is the first Republican to represent Wausau in the Assembly in over 50 years.
Electoral history
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ± | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Dave Heaton | 11,167 | 50.19% | +3.68 % | |
| Democratic | Mandy Wright | 11,082 | 49.81% | +0.06 % | |
| Republican gain from Democratic | |||||
2015–2017 Legislature
On January 5, 2015, RepresentativeHeaton was sworn into the Wisconsin State Assembly as member of a 63 member Republican majority the largest in more than 50 years. For the 2015–2017 Session he serves on the Assembly Committees on Consumer Protection, where he serves as Vice Chairman, Children and Families, Judiciary, and Veterans and Military Affairs.Heaton was also appointed to serve as a member of the Speaker's Task Force on Urban Education.
On November 17, 2015 the national advocacy organization, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) recognized Representative Heaton as one of their 2015 Legislators of the Year in Wisconsin. Heaton was recognized for his work on Assembly Bill 266 and Senate Bill 222 that would strengthen the state's ignition interlock law.