Wisconsin State Assembly District 55 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in Wisconsin, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Wisconsin State Assembly District 55 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

• Click here to see candidates and election results.
• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Wisconsin State Assembly District 55

Nate Gustafson defeated Stefanie Holt in the general election for Wisconsin State Assembly District 55 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Nate Gustafson (R)	54.5	15,098
		Stefanie Holt (D)	45.4	12,571
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	17

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 27,686
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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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.

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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?

Nate Gustafson (R)

As a staunch fiscal conservative, I will fight to make sure that every dollar our state government spends is spent wisely. ​As times have gotten tough, I want to ensure you have the money you earned in your pocket as you will know better how to spend it than the government.

I am a firm believer in people keeping medical decisions between themselves and their doctor. Government is not here to dictate lives or livelihoods, nor should that be the case in the healthcare field.

Though the government should not be overburdening companies with stringent regulations, providing a baseline to protect our data is crucial. I also support boosting incentives for cybersecurity awareness and education.

Stefanie Holt (D)

Public Education is critical to a strong labor force and innovation and entrepreneurships. I encouraged the Neenah Joint School District to work with the community, families, and businesses to understand their needs and develop partnerships to deliver relevant curriculum. In addition, with my background in Finance I'm able capable of leading in modernizing our public education system.

I decided to run for state assembly when I learned of the leaked draft SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. I feel strongly that women must be equal partners in our society, that our businesses and schools are better off when our workforce is diversified, and that women are better able to get the medical care they need when reproductive decisions are left between a woman and her doctor. Government has no role in the doctor appointments and medical records of anyone.

Bigger issues including climate change, access to health care, our democracy, and returning to civility require tackling by people who care about Wisconsin and are willing to work hard to ensure the people of our state are protected. Difficult problems can and will be solved together when people are represented and when our representatives are accountable to the people of our state.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Nate Gustafson (R)

Cybersecurity will be a pivotal area of policy when I'm elected to office. Our world is advancing at exponential speeds in the terms of technology and we need to ensure everyone's personal data is protected both from foreign and internal cyber threats. This is a bi-partisan issue that we all can agree needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Stefanie Holt (D)

Public Education

Education Finance Reform Budget development Womens' Health

Access to Health Care

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

Nate Gustafson (R)

Humility and embodiment of servant leadership. We are not mightier than those who chose to elect us and I think a lot of politicians forget this after being elected.

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

Nate Gustafson (R)

To represent their constituents as best as they can.

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

Nate Gustafson (R)

I was 6 years old when 9/11 happened. Though I wasn't old enough at the time to comprehend the full weight of that day, I do recall the reaction from the adults in my life and knew something big had happened. As I have lived the vast majority of my life post 9/11, the more aware I have become of how impact of the events of that day has changed the course of history and our everyday lives.

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

Nate Gustafson (R)

I started as a cart pusher/bagger at Festival Foods in Neenah back in 2012. I continued to work for Festival Foods for 4 1/2 years as I went to college. I was able to climb to the title of Produce Assistant Manager during my time there.

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

Nate Gustafson (R)

Sea Shanty 2

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

Nate Gustafson (R)

I think we have an ideal relationship now in our state between the governor and legislature; it is the embodiment of the separation of powers that keep each other in check as the founding fathers had intended.

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

Nate Gustafson (R)

Correcting our economy through less government intervention. We have too many government entities that dipping their hands in the cookie jar of taxpayer funds for nonessential spending. Lower taxes, remove red tape for small businesses, and ensure the people have the money they deserve as they know how to spend it best.

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

Nate Gustafson (R)

Partially to learn the process, but it's not necessary if they are quick learners. More fresh perspective is desired than not.

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

Nate Gustafson (R)

Trust in politics can be almost impossible, but it can be built. I think it's essential to have a good working relationship with all legislators as we move our state forward.

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

Nate Gustafson (R)

I am focused on the task at hand which is getting elected to the state legislature.

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?

Nate Gustafson (R)

A gentleman I met shared his story about becoming a felon and the redemption arc that led him to be a follower of Christ as well as a productive member of society. This story has led to an incredible friendship and has influenced my policy stances around criminal justice reform.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Nate Gustafson (R)

I understand to get the mile long of policy I would like to implement I must first start with the inch I can get through compromise.

See also

More about these elections:

• Wisconsin State Assembly elections, 2022

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