By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Co-Editor
WISCONSIN – Former Tomahawk City Council President Don Nelson announced his campaign to represent Wisconsin’s 35th Assembly District on Tuesday, May 5. He will run as a Republican.
Rep. Mary Felzkowski (R-Irma), who currently holds the seat, is running for State Senate.
In a release from his campaign, Nelson thanked Felzkowski and State Senator Tom Tiffany (R-Minocqua) “for their leadership and tireless efforts to fight for what’s right for our area.”
“I will continue their legacy of defending our precious liberties and freedoms, being a strong voice promoting economic opportunities for our area – instead of just Madison and Milwaukee – and championing common sense conservative principles and ideas for a brighter future for all our families,” Nelson stated.
Nelson was born and raised in Tomahawk, with four generations of his family having lived in the area. His parents owned and operated Nelson’s Supermarket. He and his wife Jackie have been married for over 30 years and have two adult children.
“Don has a strong record of local government public service experience which will help him hit the ground running as a State Representative,” the release says.
Nelson was a member of the City of Tomahawk Common Council from 1989 to 2015, and served on the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors from 2012 to 2015. He has also been “actively involved” as a member of the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce, the release states.
Nelson has over 38 years of experience in the forestry industry and is currently the fiber procurement manager at the Domtar paper mill in Rothschild.
“Don is also actively involved in his community as a member of numerous civic organizations including: The National Rifle Association (Lifetime Member), the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, the Ruffed Grouse Society, Delta Waterfowl, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Trees for Tomorrow, Log-A-Load for Kids, Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association, Forest Industry Training Alliance, Experimental Aircraft Association, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association,” the release says. He has also served as a Scout Master of Troop 548 and volunteered as the Tomahawk High School girls’ hockey coach.
According to his campaign website, www.nelsonforthenorth.com, Nelson is “a conservative Republican who believes in promoting faith, freedom and economic opportunity.”
On the website, Nelson lists his top focuses as a candidate as “(fighting) against the tax and spenders in Madison,” “(cutting) red tape and wasteful spending in state government,” and “(working) to make sure that the Northwoods doesn’t get the short end of the stick when it comes to state funding for roads, schools and economic development.”
“The fact is that we could use a lot more Northwoods common sense in Madison these days,” Nelson said. “I know my private sector business experience, as well as my time serving as a local elected leader, will allow me to represent our area as a strong, fiscally conservative voice for the North.”
Nelson will face Lincoln County District 13 Supervisor Calvin Callahan on the Republican ticket. Callahan, a Tomahawk resident, announced his candidacy in early March.