Fred Risser

Fred A. Risser (born May 5, 1927) is a Democratic member of the Wisconsin Senate, representing the 26th District since 1962. His district includes most of the west side and central neighborhoods of Madison, including the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He previously served in the Wisconsin Assembly from 1957 to 1962. Risser has never lost an election and is the longest-serving state legislator in American political history, but he is not yet the longest-serving state senator in American history.

Risser was born in Madison on May 5, 1927, into one of the most prolific families in Wisconsin political history. Risser's father (Fred E. Risser), grandfather (Ernest Warner), and great-grandfather (Clement Warner) served at various times as Wisconsin legislators representing part or all of Dane County, although none as Democrats. He was educated in the Madison public schools, attended Carleton College and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (where he earned a B.A.), and the law school of the University of Oregon, becoming a practicing attorney in Madison and is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin and Oregon State Bar. He served in the United States Navy during World War II (1945–46).

Risser was first elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 1956, succeeding fellow Democrat Ivan A. Nestingen (who had resigned in April of that year). He was elected to the state Senate in a 1962 special election triggered by the appointment of Horace W. Wilkie to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. He was elected to a full term in 1964 and has been reelected every four years since.

In his 2004 electoral victory, he received more than 80% of the vote, facing opposition only from a Green Party candidate and no Republican opponent. In the 2007–08 session of the Wisconsin State Senate, Risser was elected as President of the Senate. He held this position on several prior occasions. He also has been President Pro Tempore, Minority Leader (1967–1973) and Assistant Minority Leader in the State Senate. In 2008 and 2012 he was re-elected without opposition.

2011 Wisconsin protests

During the protests in Wisconsin, Risser, along with the 13 other Democratic State Senators, left the state to deny the State Senate a quorum on Governor Scott Walker's "Budget Repair" legislation.

Risser is married to Nancy Risser, a retired Spanish teacher. He has three children and four grandchildren.