Fred Risser

American state senator; attorney

Fred A. Risser (born May 5, 1927) is an American Democratic politician. He has been a member of the Wisconsin Senate, representing the 26th District since 1962.[1] His district includes most of the west side and central neighborhoods of Madison. He was a member of the Wisconsin Assembly from 1957 to 1962. Risser has never lost an election and is the longest-serving state legislator in American political history.[1][2][3]

Fred A. Risser
President of the Wisconsin Senate
In office
July 17, 2012 – January 7, 2013
Preceded byMichael Ellis
Succeeded byMichael Ellis
In office
January 8, 2007 – January 3, 2011
Preceded byAlan Lasee
Succeeded byMichael Ellis
In office
January 4, 1999 – January 6, 2003
Preceded byBrian Rude
Succeeded byAlan Lasee
In office
January 8, 1996 – January 5, 1998
Preceded byRobert P. Knowles
Succeeded byBrian Rude
In office
January 6, 1975 – January 9, 1995
Preceded byRobert P. Knowles
Succeeded byBrian Rude
Member of the Wisconsin Senate
from the 26th district
Assumed office
December 1, 1962
Preceded byHorace W. Wilkie
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
from the 26th district
In office
1957–1962
Preceded byIvan A. Nestingen
Succeeded byEdward Nager
Personal details
Born (1927-05-05) May 5, 1927 (age 96)
Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Nancy Risser
Alma materUniversity of Wisconsin
University of Oregon
ProfessionLegislator
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/serviceUnited States Navy
Years of service1945–1946
Battles/warsWorld War II

Upon the death of New Mexico State Senator John Pinto in May 2019, Risser became the only remaining World War II veteran currently serving as a state legislator in the United States.[4]

References change

  1. 1.0 1.1 Biographical page at State Legislature website.
  2. Frank Bures, "Backstory: The iron man of state politics", The Christian Science Monitor, March 1, 2007.
  3. Sen. Risser outraged that Capitol has become an "armed fortress", John Nichols, The Capitol Times, March 3, 2011
  4. "In Memoriam: New Mexico Senator John Pinto". The NCSL Blog. National Conference of State Legislatures. May 29, 2019. Archived from the original on June 18, 2020. Retrieved July 15, 2019.