American voters flocked to the polls and stared at their TVs Nov. 5, 2024, anticipating the results of the presidential race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris. It wasn’t until 4:38 a.m. CST the next morning when the Associated Press called the race in Trump’s favor.
As for Brienne Brown, her Election Day ended four hours earlier. More than 30,000 steps a day and 10,000 doors later, she could finally rest. She was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly 43rd District seat.
“It was definitely one of those feelings where you’re like, ‘okay, that was worth it,’” Brown said.
Rep. Brown, a Whitewater resident, officially took office Jan. 6, becoming the first District 43 representative from the city since 2013. Since then, she has introduced several pieces of legislation, joined multiple state committees and learned more about different pressing issues.
“Work is always different, which is what makes it really fun,” Brown said. “In general, there are people coming to the office all the time. I have people to meet with.”
Rep. Brown has been first sponsor, first or second author on five bills so far, most recently creating a private cause of action for violations of equal rights by state actors. Her first bill, introduced March 17, prohibits the use of algorithmic software to set retail rates for residential housing. This bill is one of two where Brown has worked with Sen. Kelda Roys, who believes that Brown is one of her most important partners in the legislature.
“One of the things that she and I have in common is that we both represent campus communities, so we think a lot about how to help these communities thrive – the broader communities – and also the students, faculty and staff that are part of the university campuses,” Roys said.
The other bill they have collaborated on is a familiar one. Wisconsin Democrats are looking to expand K-12 gun-free school zones to colleges and universities around the state, making it illegal for anyone to carry a gun including those with concealed carry licenses.
Both Brown and Roys recognize that this bill has been introduced several times before. While the bill will likely need to be signed by a Republican to be considered, it is about creating momentum from past bills and representing Democratic constituents.
“It just seems like college should be a safer place for people, where they don’t wonder if somebody’s got a gun in their bag,” Brown said. “I’m not against guns. I own a lot and I go hunting. I just feel like we need to be a little bit more careful.”
Other goals for Brown include decreasing the cost of daycare, putting more efficiencies into the energy grid and making healthcare more affordable.
She also emphasizes the importance of local identity, constantly looking out for the city she’s resided in for more than a decade. While serving on Whitewater’s Grocery Cooperative and Library Board, she also recently attended the city’s fifth-annual Pride Rally and welcomed members of the 2025 national championship-winning UW-Whitewater baseball team to the state Capitol.
Furthermore, she plans to increase funding for UW-W and provide higher salaries for Whitewater Unified School District teachers.
“I truly do bleed purple,” Brown said. “I live here and this is my community. I think it’s really important for people at the university to know that I’m their representative.”
Brown has adapted well to the office, becoming one of the most likable individuals among her peers. She’s a warm person and is easy to connect to, which is crucial to earn the respect of fellow representatives.
“I’m an extroverted person, and so is Brienne,” Roys said. “We both really enjoy meeting new people and hearing their thoughts and ideas, even if they might not agree with us. And those are qualities that I think really are important if you want to be a good leader.”
Despite being one of the “rising stars in Wisconsin politics” as Roys describes, Brown is satisfied with her position in the Assembly and does not have any immediate plans to move onto anything bigger.
“I’d love to get elected a few more times so I can actually get some stuff done,” Brown said. “I tend to be a perfectionist, and I want to make sure I’m actually being effective at what I’m doing. I love this job, it’s the perfect job for a nerd.”
As Brown continues to develop as a politician, she hopes to influence a generation of participation and democracy. She believes that people need to express their opinions and get that opinion to the right place.
“It could be baking cookies and taking it to your neighbor, it could be getting on the parks and recreation board because you care about trees or bike paths, it’s going outside and picking up trash around your apartment complex without anybody asking you to,” Brown said. “We’re all working together.”
