As District 78's assemblyman and one of few Democrats securing office after the Republican takeover, Mark Pocan's progressive voice gains the title of one of Madison's most influential figures. Representing downtown Madison and the capitol area, Pocan will remain one of the loudest democratic voices in the legislature. His new position as a minority in office will give him a dissenting voice among the Republican majority throughout his upcoming term.
Through his tenure, Pocan has been the Assembly Chair of the Joint Finance Committee and been an active member of the Legislative Council. His strides in office have given him a leftist reputation for state budget and correctional reform, making him a strong advocate for the allocation of stimulus money toward criminal justice programs.
Pocan's progressive work in office has successfully filled the shoes his predecessor, U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin D-Wisconsin, left for him. And while Pocan will not hold the majority seat throughout his next term, the opportunity to speak out against the Republican legislature and stand up for Democratic policy lays ahead of him.
—Samantha Witthuhn
