Rick Rose (Wisconsin)

Rick Rose is a member of the Dane County Board of Supervisors in Wisconsin, representing District 16. He assumed office on April 19, 2022. His current term ends on April 21, 2026.

Rose is running for re-election to the Dane County Board of Supervisors to represent District 16 in Wisconsin. He is on the ballot in the general election on April 7, 2026. The primary for this office on February 17, 2026, was canceled.

Biography

Rick Rose was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He earned a high school diploma from Northland Pines High School, a bachelor's degree from Beloit College in 1988, and a graduate degree from Kansai International Language Institute in 1983. Rose's career experience includes working in television, film, streaming, storytelling, and government.^[1]^[2]

Elections

2026

General election

The general election will occur on April 7, 2026.

General election for Dane County Board of Supervisors District 16

Incumbent Rick Rose (Nonpartisan) and Goodwill Obieze (Nonpartisan) are running in the general election for Dane County Board of Supervisors District 16 on April 7, 2026.

		Candidate
		Rick Rose (Nonpartisan)
		Goodwill Obieze (Nonpartisan)

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
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Nonpartisan primary

The primary scheduled for February 17, 2026, was canceled. Incumbent Rick Rose (Nonpartisan) and Goodwill Obieze (Nonpartisan) advanced from the primary for Dane County Board of Supervisors District 16 without appearing on the ballot.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.

2024

Wisconsin State Assembly

General election

General election for Wisconsin State Assembly District 48

Andrew Hysell defeated Lisa Rubrich in the general election for Wisconsin State Assembly District 48 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Andrew Hysell (D)	67.3	23,816
	Lisa Rubrich (R)	32.5	11,509
	Other/Write-in votes	0.2	54

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 35,379
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Wisconsin State Assembly District 48

Andrew Hysell defeated Bill Connors, Avery Renk, Goodwill Obieze, and Rick Rose in the Democratic primary for Wisconsin State Assembly District 48 on August 13, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Andrew Hysell	32.1	3,423
	Bill Connors	26.3	2,805
	Avery Renk	21.5	2,296
	Goodwill Obieze	14.5	1,544
	Rick Rose	5.5	591
	Other/Write-in votes	0.1	16

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 10,675
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Wisconsin State Assembly District 48

Lisa Rubrich advanced from the Republican primary for Wisconsin State Assembly District 48 on August 13, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Lisa Rubrich	99.7	2,294
	Other/Write-in votes	0.3	7

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,301
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Campaign finance

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Rose in this election.

Dane County Board of Supervisors

General election

General election for Dane County Board of Supervisors District 16

Incumbent Rick Rose won election in the general election for Dane County Board of Supervisors District 16 on April 2, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Rick Rose (Nonpartisan)	98.8	2,398
	Other/Write-in votes	1.2	30

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,428
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election

The primary election was canceled. Incumbent Rick Rose advanced from the primary for Dane County Board of Supervisors District 16.

Campaign finance

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Rose in this election.

2022

General election

General election for Dane County Board of Supervisors District 16

Rick Rose won election in the general election for Dane County Board of Supervisors District 16 on April 5, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Rick Rose (Nonpartisan)	99.1	1,363
	Other/Write-in votes	0.9	13

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,376 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= 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.

Nonpartisan primary election

The primary election was canceled. Rick Rose advanced from the primary for Dane County Board of Supervisors District 16.

Endorsements

To view Rose's endorsements in the 2022 election, please click here.

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

Rick Rose has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. Send a message to Rick Rose asking him to fill out the survey. If you are Rick Rose, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey?

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You can ask Rick Rose to fill out this survey by using the button below or emailing rickroseforwisconsin@gmail.com.

2024

Wisconsin State Assembly

Rick Rose completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Rose's responses.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Serving my second term as Dane County Supervisor, I have sponsored 248 pieces of successful legislation. I live in Madison on the edge of Sun Prairie and value rural and urban communities equally and have a proven record of building sustainability in these areas of Wisconsin facing population growth and shifts. I listen and make room in spaces and at table for those with living experience when decisions affecting them are at play. We need more democracy and equal representation and less bureaucracy and political egos, and I will continue to fight for that. With a family heritage of farmers and teachers from Dodge County that goes back 5 generations, I am ready to represent Dodge residents in AD48 from day one as well as those in Dane County as my current Supervisoral District uniquely falls within AD48.

I am hardworking and will get the job done effectively and efficiently. This is what sets me apart from my fellow equally qualified candidates in this race. I have spent years traveling all 72 counties of Wisconsin as host and producer of TV and Streaming’s DISCOVER WISCONSIN, listening to stories and sharing them, from real Americans like you and me. When I do something, it’s done right and it’s respected, proven with by the 21 Emmy Awards I have been honored with over 35 years of work.

Lastly, I am a moderate progressive and have advocated for the disadvantaged for my entire life while being fiscally responsible for all citizens.

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?

Safety and security for all
Sustainable communities
Strong schools and educational diversity

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Equity, sustainability, public safety, access to health care, fair wages, child care assistance, education, better and fair government

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

My great grandparents Laura Birkhardt and George Wheeler whose parents settled Mayville and Beaver Dam in Dodge County with their parents who came from England and Germany for a better life. He ran for Dodge DA and specialized in divorce cases, rarer then, providing fair resolutions for all parties and thinking of the children first. She was a dedicated home maker, knew the birthdays of all her kids, grands, greats and great greats and providing love, leadership and amazing delicious food.

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

Currently, ORIGINS the movie based on the book CASTE. It shows how we got where we are with inequality and resistance to equity offering hope to move through this and build a better, fairer world. It’s based on the experience and writings of the first black woman Pulitizer winner.

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

Integrity, being a listener and balancing all voices while building consensus not compromise, authenticity (I am the real deal and you’ll always know where I stand and why), compassion and brevity to get things done efficiently and breaking down barriers (there are way too many currently existing)

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

As a people connector, a middle child and someone who cares and listens and learns from all perspectives, I have always found myself in mid management positions in my professional work. I listen from those with their feet in the street and to leaders equally, building on their commonalities and not fueling their differences.

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

Equal representation and transparency

What legacy would you like to leave?

A sustainable community and economy for the next generations so they can more readily and fully do the same for those who follow them.

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

The assassination attempt of President Reagan and the shorting of James Brady when I was 16. Our principal came to each room to make sure we felt safe and could have healing conversations. From this I learned the value of care and communication as a child of a Republican home who admired our President. I also saw good schools at work. Similarly from that day I saw the importance of gun control which drives my work today in this arena. Growing up in a household that has always owned and appreciate guns for hunting and safety in the Northwoods, I know we can find safer ways to own and handle guns while not jeopardizing second amendment rights.

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

At 13, I accepted my first job as at the local Ben Franklin in Eagle River, WI where I was responsible for cleanliness and safety of fish and small critters. I have worked hard every day of my life since then making sure those around me have similar environments. I know the value of hard work.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Essays of Joan Didion which I read during my informative years between high school and college. She introduced a wider more inclusive world to me and alternative ways to think, having grown up in a town of 1200 people who all looked much like me.

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

The real people of the world are my heroes and heroines. I work as hard as I can to feel what it’s like to be in their skin and have lived their lives. It inspires me far more than fiction and guides me to do the work I do.

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

Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter followed by all songs by Chappel Roan, for real.

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

As an empathetic personality, I have always been a mentor, a motivator, a voice and advocate for those who need a lift. It is humbling and rewarding at the same time. It can also be draining and finding ways to fill my vessel more fully and regularly can be challenging. Yoga, a healthy prayer life and a solid faith community at Heartland of Sun Prairie have recently been so good for the souls.

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

It needs to be respectful with all parties listening to one another and building consensus not at the cost of those who elect and trust us. The current system in Wisconsin must end.

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

Sustainability in each and everything Congress and the Governor have before them. Strong schools, clean safe communities, health systems that work and are equitable and of course budgets. It is time we look deeply at the core of our problems and find solutions that will carry future generations of Wisconsinites to better, secure lives so they can more easily do this for the generations to follow them.

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

Beneficial yes. Necessary no. I love when people step up and run for their first office and have a solid track record of supporting folks like these especially when they represent voices not at the table presently.

A differentiator in the race to be voted in by our fellow residents as the first assembly leader for the new, more balanced AD48 is my 3 years serving as an elected official for a county which means I have had the joy of learning state government and constitutional law.

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

100 percent. We all do this in our families, friend groups, churches, volunteer work, schools and work places because it is the right thing to do. It would be senseless to not emulate these effective behaviors in government service work.

I would walk into the Assembly with more than a handful of good working relationships built over time as a resident, fellow elected and someone who is intimate with the government structures and leaders of all 72 counties of Wisconsin over 15 years of telling their stories across broadcast and social channels through my professional career as a producer and writer.

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

Not one in particular, a blend of many. We should all bring a uniqueness to our office, I know I will, while being informed by the good work of those before us and the vision of others seeking office like myself.

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

At this time, I am focused on representing people on a state level having done so on the local level for two terms. I believe like many successful politicians that the closer you are to your people, the more effective you can be.

Meanwhile, I know that folks representing Wisconsin at the US level including Sen Tammy Baldwin and Rep Mark Pocan started in exactly the same office as me. I am qualified, capable and have the desire and drive to follow in their paths.

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?

So many. I drive Uber and Lyft to be a part of our nation’s new economy and to help those out without vehicles and insurance for many reasons. I hear their stories. I see first hand their challenges. These are the residents I will stand for upon my election to the state assembly. These stories are confidential however they are informative and inspire me even more to do this great, needed work.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Laughter is the best medicine sometimes. Comedy on State and other comedy venues around Dane County provide a great creative space for artists who gift us with laughter which is so good for the soul.

I can’t tell a joke better than these people, so I’ll pass and simply send you there way!

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Dependent on the situation, they should have the capability to do so as long as it is also able to be scrutinized and critiqued by those who elected us.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Red flag law - it’s long overdue and provides safety and security, immediately deescalated a heated situation, gets a gun out of the hands and replaces it with the opportunity to overcome a challenge for someone who is showing us they need help while also saving lives. There is such important opportunity through such a law we have the ability to pass and enforce. It has circled around the Capitol for far too long.

What committees interest you?

I am open to the discretion of those who make those important decisions based on my experience, passions, and common goals of AD48.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I served on Personnel and Finance for the 2024 Dane County budget and know the process well - the good, the bad, the ugly. Every piece of proposed legislation comes with a fiscal note. I commit the hard work of always digging into those to do the most for the least among of investment - best value if you will.

Recently, I asked for an amendment which was unanimously approved by the Board to move $800,000 from a “fentanyl kills” advertising campaign and create a subcommittee of those working in life saving measures and those with lived experience who worked tirelessly over 3 months to create a model for a drop in harm reduction center that would include testing of drugs and safe use supplies as well build a community where people aren’t stigmatized and isolated as they heal together.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

All aspects and sides of this important tool must be considered. I am not informed enough yet but am working on I being ready to have a fair and balanced answer by the time I’m in the House. I am doing this as I do all issues by conversing with fellow residents and current legislators.

Fellow residents of AD48 please reach out to me if you have something to share.

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.

Dane County Board of Supervisors

Rick Rose did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

2022

Rick Rose completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Rose's responses.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Rick Rose is an Emmy award winning producer and director who has worked three decades in television, stage, and film. He is also a social activist and entrepreneur. Born, raised, and educated in Wisconsin, Rick is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Beloit College, after starting his college career at Bennington College following his senior year of high school in Osaka, Japan. Fluent in Japanese, German, and English, he is an active fighter for equality, children’s, and women’s rights and against AIDS, addiction, abuse, and cancer. He was appointed to and serves on the State of Wisconsin’s Statewide AIDS Planning Committee. And previously co-chaired the Dane Co. Opioid Commission. His vast professional experience includes development, directing, writing, and producing in cities he has lived in including New York City, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Hannibal, Mo., Shreveport, La. and now Madison. Rick has long been committed to community service wherever he has lived from Milwaukee, WI to Hannibal, MO from Quincy, IL to Shreveport, LA most recently. He has also spent time working with all 72 counties in Wisconsin through his family business, Discover Wisconsin, and he know how important the role local government plays in our everyday life. Moving to Dane County 4 years ago, Rick continued his work as a CASA (court appointed special advocate) and legal guardian of children and youth who are removed from their homes due to neglect and abuse.

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?

Create a safe, secure place for children and families in need. From day one, I will utilize my strength and experience in working with child welfare organizations and my time as a CASA and legal guardian to focus in on pain-points in Dane County that relate to child safety and family welfare. No child should have to leave their state for foster care because there aren’t enough homes here. No child should be left to fend for themselves on any street or alley in Dane County because there are no beds available at respite facilities within our county borders. Our communities simply cannot face the repercussions of such situations that need immediate assessment and appropriate action.
Reduce our jail population, address social discrepancies, and increase the efforts of restorative justice. A longtime advocate for environments that reduce 1) physical, mental, emotional, and sexual abuse. 2) substance abuse and stigma. 3) public danger created by inaccessibility to afford housing and medications. And 4) public health risks due to lack of education and direct services. I have found the most effective course of action is to acutely focus on both ends of the challenges: the individuals at risk, and the systems which provide them assistance and safety. This focus will be applied in my role as a County Supervisor representing the real people of Dane County District 16.
Address the expansion and development of Dane County and the East side, specifically, and create thoughtful action plans to guide and direct that growth in a healthy, positive way. Growth is a good thing; well-managed growth is a better thing. Working in streaming and broadcast television has equipped me to manifest positive change and to support and nurture growth in a field defined by technology and generational shifts. As a neighborhood gentrifier and a business developer in Milwaukee, Hannibal, Missouri, and Northwest Louisiana, I have managed issues of growth and development alongside city governments, county service providers, Parish zoning and planning commissions, landowners, and sustainability advocates.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Being a voice for each person in my district and working actively within the community to create positive impacts for the county and its residents.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

Nonpartisan. This is something so important especially at the local level.
The ability to show one's neighbors, fellow residents, community members that their thoughts and ideas can be translated and implemented on a local level, often much more than on a higher level of government. It all starts here, locally!

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

I come from a lineage of amazing women. My great grandmother Laura, my grandmother Lorraine and my mother Lolly have inspired me through their own convictions and lives to be the person I am today. I am always thinking, "how can I honor these amazing women" through the actions I take.

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

Non partisanship.

Consensus building.

Sustainability in the projects one launches.

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

Transparency.

Accountability .

Growth-Mindset.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Sustainability in all actions is important to me. I want to leave any community serve a much better one than what it was when I first stepped into it.

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

I recall being in history class in high school, when the Principal came in to our room and let us know that Ronald Reagan was shot. This made politics so real to me, and I have been engaged ever since.

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

At 13 years old, in Eagle River, WI, I was named the pet doctor! It was my job to provide safe homes and proper feeding for all animals for sale at the local Ben Franklin Store. This included gerbils, hamsters, gold fish, tropical fish, parakeets. I knew I was doing a good job, when the creatures seemed happy and could hold their own to allow me to perform my other duty: cutting down all cardboard boxes so they could be properly handled and not take up space. I held this position until I moved to become the first male waiter at the local Country Kitchen at 18 years old, following a year I spent in school in Japan, where my only job was to learn the language and learn from the culture.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Fried Green Tomatoes by Fannie Flag (love it!)

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

An understanding of government and politics is certainly a requirement. Community service and public work is first hand experience that is beneficial for sure.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Consensus building.

Working with county officials in all 72 Wisconsin counties over the years, working in tourism and economic development.

Living and contributing in various diverse and inclusive neighborhoods in the states of WI, FL, NY, CA, MO, IL and LA.

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.

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Rick Rose campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024	Wisconsin State Assembly District 48	Lost primary	$5,840	$2,975
Grand total			$5,840	$2,975
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Election Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 14, 2022
↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 4, 2024

[bio-1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 14, 2022

[2] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 4, 2024

[1]

[2]

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Rick Rose (Wisconsin)

Biography

Elections

2026

General election

General election for Dane County Board of Supervisors District 16

Nonpartisan primary

Endorsements

2024

Wisconsin State Assembly

General election

General election for Wisconsin State Assembly District 48

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Wisconsin State Assembly District 48

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Wisconsin State Assembly District 48

Campaign finance

Endorsements

Dane County Board of Supervisors

General election

General election for Dane County Board of Supervisors District 16

Nonpartisan primary election

Campaign finance

Endorsements

2022

General election

General election for Dane County Board of Supervisors District 16

Nonpartisan primary election

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

2024

Wisconsin State Assembly

Dane County Board of Supervisors

2022

Campaign finance summary

See also

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Footnotes

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