Assembly District 53 - Competitive Race
+4.4 Dem prediction, but Dean Kaufert (R) won .9% or 365 votes in 2024.
Republican David Daniels
From his website:: David is a dedicated family man, Air Force veteran, successful business owner, and committed community leader who has called Neenah home since 1993.
Married to his wife Lucy for 38 years, David and Lucy are proud parents of five grown children. Together, they enjoy traveling, kayaking, daily walks, spending time with friends and family, and working out. For the past 30 years, David and Lucy have been active members of Christ the Rock Community Church, where they have volunteered extensively across multiple departments and causes.
David proudly served in the United States Air Force. After his military service, he built a distinguished career in radon mitigation and environmental safety. He is the current owner of Radon Safe Homes and Compassion Homes. Previously, he owned Radon Specialists of WI, which he successfully sold in 2019. Recognized nationally for his expertise, David served on the national board of the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST), where he held leadership roles including Vice President and President.
I saw on his campaign facebook page he was looking for door knockers paying $20 per hour.
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There were a few Democrats who filed but only one emerged, Nichols comes off a recent 2024 Menasha Mayoral Race (a very close one).
Democrat Becky Nichols announced her candidacy for the 53rd Assembly District. Nichols served on the Menasha Common Council from 2013-2025 and was a County Board member from 2022-2024. Nichols has been heavily involved in the Menasha community, working as a music teacher, childcare worker, and currently works as a teachers aide. Nichols released the following statement:
"I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for the 53rd Assembly District. For too long, our communities have been left behind by the legislature. I am running to be a strong voice for Neenah-Menasha in the Assembly.
"Too many families in our area and across our state are being squeezed by rising costs. Our schools are starved for vital resources and we need someone who is willing to do the hard work to get things done. I am running to be a responsive voice in Madison and be a strong advocate for working families around the district.
“I love this community and I am proud to raise my family here. I am excited to talk to my neighbors and voters around this district to hear their concerns and share my vision for supporting our schools, families, and communities.”
Becky Nichols announces her candidacy with an early endorsement from Lauri Asbury. “Becky is a proud advocate for our public schools and has served this community with distinction. She’ll be responsive and an excellent advocate for all our community members. I am proud to endorse her for the 53rd Assembly District,” Asbury said.
At the time of this post I could not find a campaign website for facebook page for the Democrat Rebecca Nichols.
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Independent is in the mix, this should make this race even more competitive, depending on the lien of the Independent. Her name is Rachael Dowling. Her campaign Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DowlingForDistrict1/
From her campaign website: I’m Rachael Dowling, a County Board Supervisor in Winnebago County and a community advocate based in Menasha, Wisconsin. I’m also a multi small business owner, with nearly two decades of experience in operations, client service, project management, and communications. In addition, I work professionally as an FAA Part 107 licensed drone pilot, providing aerial documentation and imagery used for inspection, safety, and marketing purposes.
My public service background includes work on local and county committees, including Parks & Recreation and Information Technology, along with additional community leadership roles. I’m committed to practical, transparent government and focused on solutions that improve daily life for the residents I represent.
My husband and I have been married for 18 years, and we homeschool our four boys here in Menasha. We stay involved in our community with our boys playing on the Menasha Football team (Menasha track team in the off season), and by organizing community events in our neighborhood. My husband Joshua works locally at Habitat for Humanity.
Learn more about me on the blog: Click Here
Public Service
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Winnebago County Board Supervisor (2022–present)
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East Central WI Regional Planning Commission (Appointed 2026)
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Winnebago Health & Human Services (Appointed 2026)
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Winnebago County IT Committee (2022–2024)
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Winnebago County Parks and Recreation Committee (2022–present)
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Winnebago County Diversity Affairs Committee (2022–2023)
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Menasha Parks and Recreation Board (2020–2023)
Professional Experience
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Multi small business owner (2007–present)
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FAA Part 107 Licensed Drone Pilot (commercial UAS operations). Aerial photography and videography, documentation for inspections and reporting, and project-based visual communications.
Community Involvement
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Hart Park Neighborhood Group Admin (2019–present)
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Valley Home Schoolers Board Member (2024–present)
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Menasha Football Volunteer (2024 - Present)
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HBBA Secretary (2019–2020)
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NWTC Academic Advisor (2019–2023)
Where is the AD 53?
Geo: Located in eastern Wisconsin, the district comprises pars of northeast Winnebago County and southern Outagamie County. It includes the city of Neenah, the portion of the city of Menasha in Winnebago County, and the portion of the village of Fox Crossing east of the Fox River, along with part of southern Appleton.
