Jayne Swiggum

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Jayne Swiggum

Democratic Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 8, 2022

Education

Bachelor's

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 1999

Personal

Birthplace

Viroqua, Wis.

Religion

None

Profession

Registered nurse

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Personal Facebook

Personal Twitter

Personal LinkedIn

Jayne Swiggum (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Wisconsin State Assembly to represent District 96. She lost in the general election on November 8, 2022.

Swiggum completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Jayne Swiggum was born in Viroqua, Wisconsin. She earned a bachelor’s degree both from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in 1999, and from Viterbo College in 1989. Swiggum’s career experience includes working as a registered nurse and as an English teacher. She has been affiliated with Our Wisconsin Revolution and with Citizen Action.

Elections

2022

See also: Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2022

General election

General election for Wisconsin State Assembly District 96

Incumbent Loren Oldenburg defeated Jayne Swiggum in the general election for Wisconsin State Assembly District 96 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Loren Oldenburg (R)	58.5	14,814
		Jayne Swiggum (D)	41.4	10,483
		Other/Write-in votes	0.0	11

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 25,308
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Wisconsin State Assembly District 96

Jayne Swiggum defeated Mark Fritsche in the Democratic primary for Wisconsin State Assembly District 96 on August 9, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jayne Swiggum	57.8	2,712
	Submit photo	Mark Fritsche	42.1	1,976
		Other/Write-in votes	0.0	1

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,689
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Karen Mischel (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Wisconsin State Assembly District 96

Incumbent Loren Oldenburg defeated Holly Ottesen Liska in the Republican primary for Wisconsin State Assembly District 96 on August 9, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Loren Oldenburg	80.0	5,439
	Submit photo	Holly Ottesen Liska	19.9	1,351
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	6

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 6,796
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2020

See also: Wisconsin State Senate elections, 2020

General election

General election for Wisconsin State Senate District 32

Brad Pfaff defeated Dan Kapanke in the general election for Wisconsin State Senate District 32 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Brad Pfaff (D)	50.3	48,877
		Dan Kapanke (R)	49.7	48,295
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	67

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 97,239
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Wisconsin State Senate District 32

Brad Pfaff defeated Jayne Swiggum and Paul Weber in the Democratic primary for Wisconsin State Senate District 32 on August 11, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Brad Pfaff	62.7	12,631
		Jayne Swiggum	32.6	6,558
	Submit photo	Paul Weber	4.6	934
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	11

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 20,134
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Jennifer Shilling (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Wisconsin State Senate District 32

Dan Kapanke advanced from the Republican primary for Wisconsin State Senate District 32 on August 11, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Dan Kapanke	99.8	13,204
		Other/Write-in votes	0.2	27

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 13,231
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

To view Swiggum's endorsements in the 2020 election, please click here.

Campaign themes

2022

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Jayne Swiggum completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Swiggum's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in Gays Mills, WI, where I live today. I am a registered nurse and my husband is a robotic welder programmer. My husband and I are the caregivers for my 94 year old father who still lives in his own home. As a nurse I have witnessed patients struggling with insurance companies, medication expenses, and medical debt. I firmly believe that healthcare is a basic human right and I am prepared to fight for the people of the 96th Assembly district to legislate change which will make healthcare affordable and universal.

We are in need of campaign finance reforms and term limits. As a candidate, I refuse to accept any contributions from pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, big oil companies, and corporate healthcare. I firmly believe in term limits and pledge to remain in office for no more than four terms as representative.

I have never know a world without Roe V Wade. As a woman, I know that we must get as many progressive, pro-choice women into office in order to keep abortions legal and accessible if Roe V Wade is overturned. Women are 51% of the population and only 31% of Wisconsin's legislature. We deserve equal representation.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Healthcare reform
• Campaign finance reform and term limits.
• Elect women!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a registered nurse I am passionate about healthcare and will fight to legislate meaningful change to decrease the cost healthcare for all.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2020

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released June 27, 2020

Jayne Swiggum completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Swiggum's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a first time candidate running for Wisconsin State Senate District 32. I have been a registered nurse for 20 years and have been a tenacious advocate for patients, their families, coworkers, friends, and family. I pledge to remain in office a maximum of eight years and am taking NO MONEY for my political campaign. I am actually walking the walk of campaign finance reform - not just talking the talk.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Healthcare Reform
• Campaign Finance Reform/Term Limits
• Elect Women!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare reform. It is time to put people and their health before the special interests of private insurance, big pharmaceutical corporations, and big healthcare corporations.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

US Congresswoman Katherine Porter (D) is unafraid to speak truth to power and does so to best represent her constituents.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Handmaid's Tale (TV program on Hulu) is the perfect example of why we need at least 50% representation by women in our legislatures.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Elected officials must be tenacious and prepared to stand up for the people in their district over partisan agendas.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a tenacious advocate for all and any who need my help.

What legacy would you like to leave?

It is more important to represent people than it is to represent the interests of those with money to stuff a re-election campaign.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The last civilian air lift from Viet Nam.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was a tobacco field laborer for two years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek is my favorite book. It breaks down what it takes to care for the people in your charge.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

June in Handmaid's Tale

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

All About the Base

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Being the primary care provider for an aging father has been a challenge which I have assumed for the last 15 years.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

It is likely beneficial, but it is not necessary. Government isn't rocket science.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Political incivility and partisanship are the greatest challenges over the next decade for Wisconsin. Toeing the party line doesn't help the people of Wisconsin and refusing to work together doesn't either.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

Improving the lives of people in Wisconsin must be the common goal and political agendas need to be ignored to do it. The governor and legislature must find common ground.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

It is absolutely necessary to build relationships with other legislators. We must come together with the common goal of helping the constituents.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

The Iowa method.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Fight Bob La Follette was a Republican who worked for the people and often went against his party to better the lives of Wisconsinites.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Not at this point.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

An elderly man lost his wife after Wisconsin shut down from CoVID. Although he has children, only he was allowed in the hospital with his wife when she was dying. Fighting CoVID has led to the loss of our humanity in regard to the ill in hospitals.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Note: Swiggum submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on August 8, 2020.

Show past responsesHide past responses

August 3 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a registered nurse who saw a need for a true champion for the people of Wisconsin. Our current legislature has done nothing to improve the quality of life for Wisconsinites because they are too busy toeing the party line and pushing partisan agendas. I am a proponent of healthcare reform (single payer), campaign finance reform and term limits, and getting women into at least 50% of public offices. I am a tenacious advocate for people and I don't care what your party affiliation is. I will work for all people of the State of Wisconsin!

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Healthcare reform/single payer healthcare
• Campaign finance reform with term limits
• Elect Women!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare. The American healthcare system is profit driven. Private health insurance companies make access "in network" often nearly impossible, have deductibles which are unaffordable, and deny medications and services through criteria they have written. Pharmaceutical companies have no cap on the amount of profit they can make on a drug. It is time for us all to say enough is enough and to demand legislation at the state and federal levels to help Americans get good affordable healthcare.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I think Congresswoman Katherine Porter of California 45th District is amazing. She speaks truth to power and she fights for her constituents.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Simon Sinek's book, Leaders Eat Last, is about what it takes to stand up for people - family, friends, co-workers, constituents. It is the best book on leadership I've read.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official must realize that representing others is not about furthering a political career.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a tenacious advocate for people.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility is to represent the people of the district. The idea that an elected person is a "leader" is what is wrong with our representatives. You are there to do what the constituents need, not to foist your personal beliefs upon them.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want every single person to have access to good, affordable healthcare through a single payer (Medicare 2.0 for All) system which will then eliminate medical debt and bankruptcy from medical debt.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I recall watching the last air lift out of Viet Nam.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked in tobacco as a field hand for my dad for two years as a teenager. He thought we kids were soft and he was right! That was the hardest job I ever had and it made me appreciate what it was like to physically labor.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Arya Stark.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Being the primary caregiver for an elderly parent is pretty darn tough.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Providing good, affordable healthcare is the greatest challenge facing the US as a nation over the next decade.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other senators?

Building relationships with coworkers is absolutely beneficial! Coworkers are hired to do a job and must work together to do it. It is exactly the same in the Wisconsin State Senate. People forget that they are working for the people of Wisconsin - not for the political party to which they are affiliated.

Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Fighting Bob La Follette was a Republican whose political leanings became progressive. He worked to help the people he represented as Governor of Wisconsin and later as a US Senator. He would stand against his party when he disagreed and always kept his constituents as his first priority.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Note: Swiggum submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on August 3, 2020.

July 12 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a registered nurse who has been taking care of people for over 20 years. I am sick to death of partisan politics as usual and am running the only no money campaign in this race. I believe in answering questions outright and I am incapable of blowing smoke. I refuse to participate in any partisan agenda. I will be a fierce champion for the people of Wisconsin. You should expect no less from the person you elect.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Healthcare Reform
• Campaign Finance Reform
• Term Limits

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Congresswoman Katie Porter (D) of California. She's tough, she's smart, and she speaks truth to power.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

She must have the ability to stand up against partisan agendas to get real change for the people of Wisconsin.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a tenacious advocate for people.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I'd like to be known for taking people to task to get some real, meaningful changes for Wisconsin.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The evacuation of Saigon on April 30th, 1975. I was 8.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was a tobacco field laborer for two years. It was the hardest job I ever had.

What is your favorite book? Why?

To Kill a Mockingbird.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Arya Stark

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Low Rider

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Nope. Experience in any area is experience that can be brought to legislating.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Getting money out of our political system and getting single payer healthcare.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

Working together to better the life of every Wisconsinite.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Youbetcha. Yaaaah! The goal for all is to make life better for every person in the state. We must work together to accomplish this.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

I like the Iowa method - voting districts by counties.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Not at this time.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

A woman pointed out that Medicare for All is not going to work "as is." Local rural hospitals are going under because Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates in no way meet the actual cost of caring for patients. Single payer must be done by revamping Medicare and Medicaid.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Note: Swiggum submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on July 12, 2020.

See also

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Candidate

Wisconsin State Assembly District 96

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Footnotes

[show]

Current members of the Wisconsin State Assembly

Leadership

Minority Leader:Greta Neubauer

Representatives

District 1

Joel Kitchens (R)

District 2

Shae Sortwell (R)

District 3

Ron Tusler (R)

District 4

David Steffen (R)

District 5

Joy Goeben (R)

District 6

Elijah Behnke (R)

District 7

Karen Kirsch (D)

District 8

Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D)

District 9

Priscilla Prado (D)

District 10

Darrin Madison (D)

District 11

Sequanna Taylor (D)

District 12

Russell Goodwin (D)

District 13

Robyn Vining (D)

District 14

Angelito Tenorio (D)

District 15

Adam Neylon (R)

District 16

Kalan Haywood (D)

District 17

Supreme Omokunde (D)

District 18

Margaret Arney (D)

District 19

Ryan Clancy (D)

District 20

Christine Sinicki (D)

District 21

Jessie Rodriguez (R)

District 22

Paul Melotik (R)

District 23

Deb Andraca (D)

District 24

Daniel Knodl (R)

District 25

Paul Tittl (R)

District 26

Joe Sheehan (D)

District 27

Lindee Brill (R)

District 28

Rob Kreibich (R)

District 29

Treig Pronschinske (R)

District 30

Shannon Zimmerman (R)

District 31

Tyler August (R)

District 32

Amanda Nedweski (R)

District 33

Robin Vos (R)

District 34

Rob Swearingen (R)

District 35

Calvin Callahan (R)

District 36

Jeffrey Mursau (R)

District 37

Mark Born (R)

District 38

William Penterman (R)

District 39

Alex Dallman (R)

District 40

Karen DeSanto (D)

District 41

Tony Kurtz (R)

District 42

Maureen McCarville (D)

District 43

Brienne Brown (D)

District 44

Ann Roe (D)

District 45

Clinton Anderson (D)

District 46

Joan Fitzgerald (D)

District 47

Randy Udell (D)

District 48

Andrew Hysell (D)

District 49

Travis Tranel (R)

District 50

Jenna Jacobson (D)

District 51

Todd Novak (R)

District 52

Lee Snodgrass (D)

District 53

Dean Kaufert (R)

District 54

Lori Palmeri (D)

District 55

Nate Gustafson (R)

District 56

Dave Murphy (R)

District 57

Kevin Petersen (R)

District 58

Rick Gundrum (R)

District 59

Robert Brooks (R)

District 60

Jerry O'Connor (R)

District 61

Robert Donovan (R)

District 62

Angelina Cruz (D)

District 63

Robert Wittke (R)

District 64

Tip McGuire (D)

District 65

Ben DeSmidt (D)

District 66

Greta Neubauer (D)

District 67

David Armstrong (R)

District 68

Rob Summerfield (R)

District 69

Karen Hurd (R)

District 70

Nancy VanderMeer (R)

District 71

Vinnie Miresse (D)

District 72

Scott Krug (R)

District 73

Angela Stroud (D)

District 74

Chanz Green (R)

District 75

Duke Tucker (R)

District 76

Francesca Hong (D)

District 77

Renuka Mayadev (D)

District 78

Shelia Stubbs (D)

District 79

Lisa Subeck (D)

District 80

Mike Bare (D)

District 81

Alex Joers (D)

District 82

Scott Allen (R)

District 83

Dave Maxey (R)

District 84

Chuck Wichgers (R)

District 85

Patrick Snyder (R)

District 86

John Spiros (R)

District 87

Brent Jacobson (R)

District 88

Benjamin Franklin (R)

District 89

Ryan Spaude (D)

District 90

Amaad Rivera-Wagner (D)

District 91

Jodi Emerson (D)

District 92

Clint Moses (R)

District 93

Christian Phelps (D)

District 94

Steve Doyle (D)

District 95

Jill Billings (D)

District 96

Tara Johnson (D)

District 97

Cindi Duchow (R)

District 98

Jim Piwowarczyk (R)

District 99

Barbara Dittrich (R)

Republican Party (54)

Democratic Party (45)