Senate District 5 - Competitive Race
Geography: composed of parts of western Milwaukee County, and eastern Waukesha County. It includes the cities of Brookfield, and the villages of Elm Grove and Pewaukee, as well as most of the cities of Wauwatosa and West Allis, and parts of the cities of Milwaukee and Waukesha.
Incumbent Rob Hutton (R) retires, leaving an open seat.
Democrat Robyn Vining (D) was declared to run.
Vining was elected in 2018, former pastor and as a first year assembly representative from Wauwatosa did not sponsor any legislation on marijuana reform in 2019-2020. In 2020-22 legislation session she stepped up the plate and co-sponsored recreational marijuana and had a repeat performance of her co-sponsorship in 2023-24 session. She was absent from co-sponsorship of any legislation in 2025-26.
Robin Vining campaign facebook page and campaign website are live.
Republican Mike Roberts (R):
Roberts Facebook Page and Campaign Website. Mike Roberts holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. From his website: Mike Roberts is a eighth-generation Wisconsinite, a healthcare professional, and a small-business owner who believes our state works best when leaders listen first and bring people together.
Mike and his wife, Lauren — a former school teacher — both grew up in Pewaukee and chose to stay in the community they love, where they now raise their three children. Family, hard work, and service have always been central to their lives.
After graduating with honors from Carroll University with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Mike began his career treating patients in a high-volume practice. Seeing firsthand how rushed, reactive healthcare often fails patients, he knew there had to be a better way.
Current Strategy: Work with Vining to understand the hemp first approach, get statement from Roberts; Pay attention to AD 13 Primary Dem candidates (3) and include Republican Adam Neylon AD 15 in the overall thought process/strategy.
Early blog article about that race was published January 2026
