King concedes state Senate race

OSHKOSH - State Sen. Jessica King (D-Oshkosh) has conceded her re-election race to challenger Rick Gudex.

In a statement Tuesday afternoon, King said, "I want to congratulate Senator-Elect Rick Gudex on his election to the state Senate and hope all of our newly elected officials will work for the best interest of the State of Wisconsin by representing all constituents of their respective districts."

Unofficial results from the Nov. 6 election had Gudex, a Republican from Fond du Lac, with a 590-vote lead out of more than 85,000 cast.

Officials in the counties covered by the 18th Senate District began canvassing votes last week to certify the results. The 18th Senate District covers parts of Winnebago, Fond du Lac and Dodge counties. Those counties have until next Tuesday to report the final results to the state Government Accountability Board, which oversees elections.

King was first elected in a recall race in 2011, when she defeated incumbent Republican Randy Randy Hopper.

In thanking her supporters, she said, "I have enjoyed the last 15 months of service and I would not trade this experience for anything in the world. It has been a privilege."

Gudex's win means the Republicans will hold an 18-15 majority in the Senate in the next legislative session, which begins in January.

Gudex released a statement Tuesday afternoon, which read, in part:

"I am thankful to all of the citizens of the 18th State Senate District. I am very eager to roll up my sleeves and get to work. There is much work to do in Madison and I am already busy tackling some of the important issues facing Wisconsin. I am extremely excited for this opportunity and look forward to working together to make Wisconsin and specifically the 18th State Senate District a premier place, to work, live, stay and play."

Gudex plans to hold a news conference Wednesday afternoon to discuss the race further.