By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Editor
WISCONSIN – Local Republicans emerged victorious in each competitive race on the ballot in Lincoln County on Tuesday, Nov. 3, and although President Donald J. Trump received the majority of votes in the county, Joe Biden ultimately won Wisconsin on his way to winning the White House.
Lincoln County, City of Tomahawk turnout
16,572 ballots were cast in the Nov. 3 General Election in Lincoln County, an increase of 1,756 from the 14,816 that were cast in 2016.
The City of Tomahawk saw 1,706 ballots cast, totaling 84% of its 2,091 registered voters. 147 people registered on Election Day, according to Clerk/Treasurer Amanda Bartz.
“851 people voted in person at SARA Park on the day of the election, and 909 voters were absentee ballots,” Bartz stated.
President of the United States
President Donald J. Trump garnered 10,017 votes (60.64%) in Lincoln County, while Joe Biden tallied 6,260 votes (37.89%). Biden narrowly defeated Trump by roughly 20,000 votes statewide, winning Wisconsin and its 10 electoral votes.
Trump’s 23,000-vote win in the Badger State in 2016 was a key Electoral College victory in defeating Hillary Clinton on his way to the White House.
Biden ultimately emerged victorious in the presidential election, making Trump the first incumbent president to fail to win reelection in over 30 years.
7th Congressional District
After defeating Democrat Tricia Zunker in a special election in May, Republican Representative Tom Tiffany, who formerly represented Wisconsin’s 12th Senate District, successfully defended his 7th Congressional District seat from Zunker, tallying 10,123 votes (62.25%). Zunker earned 6,128 votes (37.68%).
“Thank you to everyone in Northern and Western Wisconsin who voted in today’s election,” Tiffany said in an election night statement. “In particular, I want to thank all of our supporters and volunteers for all the work they put into all 3 of our campaigns this year. None of our victories would have been possible without you. In just the few short months that I’ve served as your Congressman, we have already been able to get some great things done, and I am excited to jump right back into the work and continue getting things done for the people of the 7th District.”
12th Senate District
Former 35th Assembly District Representative Mary Felzkowski (R-Irma) defeated Minocqua Democrat Ed Vocke 10,540 votes to 5,566 (65.39% to 34.53%) in the race to represent the state’s 12th Senate District.
“I am honored and humbled to have been selected by my Northwoods neighbors to serve as your voice down at the Capitol,” Felzkowski said in an election night statement. “I want to thank everyone who supported my campaign and volunteered their time and efforts to make sure our common sense, conservative principles prevailed. I want to thank every single constituent who voted for either candidate, for doing your civic duty and participating in our democracy. I look forward to representing every single one of you.”
35th Assembly District
Tomahawk Republican Calvin Callahan came away with a victory over Merrill Democrat Tyler Ruprecht in the 35th Assembly District race. Callahan garnered 10,073 votes (62.58%), while Ruprecht tallied 6,005 votes (37.31%).
“Thank you to all the voters of the 35th Assembly District that cast their ballots in today’s election,” Callahan, who also serves as a Lincoln County Supervisor and Town of Wilson Supervisor, said in an election night statement. “And a huge thank you to all my supporters who worked so incredibly hard to make tonight’s decisive victory possible. Throughout this campaign, one thing was made clear: there should be no reason why your kids, grandkids, and great-grandchildren can’t raise their families here at home in Northern Wisconsin.”
School District of Tomahawk referendum
The School District of Tomahawk’s referendum, which asked taxpayers for $3.5 million per year beginning with the 2021-2022 school year and ending with the 2024-2025 school year, was narrowly defeated.
For more information on the referendum’s defeat, view the story at https://tomahawkleader.wpengine.com/2020/11/05/school-district-of-tomahawk-referendum-defeated-by-razor-thin-margin/.