Sen. Bernier will not seek a new term

Senator Kathy Bernier (R-Chippewa Falls) announced on Friday she will not seek re-election, and, ending a 12 year career in the state legislature, retire.

“The choice to retire was a difficult one to make, but I have been contemplating this decision for some time now and I decided ‘now is the time,’” she said.

Bernier, who served 12 years as Chippewa Falls County clerk, has made headlines recently stating her support for the Wisconsin Elections Commission and her frustration with former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman continuing an “audit” of the 2020 presidential election.

She said her decision to retire was not prompted by backlash to her public statements.

“As I go,” she emphasized, “I want to make it perfectly clear that no one has forced me out and politics has not played a role in my decision.”

Bernier, who will be 66 in April, said she has worked hard for her entire life and wants to spend the next years enjoying the things she didn’t have time for during her career. She plans on traveling, creating art and most importantly spending more time with family. “My grandchildren are growing up so fast,” said Bernier, “I want to spend as much time as possible with them.”

Following Bernier’s announcement, Fall Creek insurance agent and self-described “conservative activist” Brian Westrate said he would be a candidate to replace the senator.

“As a father, I feel it is my duty to stand up for liberty and the rule of law,” he said. “Governor Evers’ policies have curtailed our freedoms, hurt our state and made it harder for people to pursue their American dream. I’m running to shrink government, expand liberty and promote policies that affirm life and our ability to make an honest living.”

Westrate has been endorsed by former Gov. Scott Walker.