MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Democrat has been elected to represent a traditionally conservative Wisconsin senate district where voters overwhelmingly supported President Donald Trump in 2016, in an upset that Democrats suggest could lead to more Republican losses in the state. Patty Schachtner’s victory in the 10th Senate District late Tuesday could be a sign of hope for Democrats, who have been pushed to the brink of irrelevancy after seven years of Republican control of both legislative houses and the governor’s office. Schachtner, who entered the race in northwestern Wisconsin as the clear underdog, said her win suggests voters are tired of negative politics. “People sent a message tonight we don’t want to be negative anymore,” she said. “Change it up. I ran a positive campaign. … My message has always been be kind, be considerate and we need to help people when they’re down.” Schachtner’s victory doesn’t change the balance of power in the state Senate. Republicans will go into the fall campaign season with an 18-14 majority and one vacancy.
