Madison: Enlightened and Politically Aware

As the center of state and county government, Madison offers a dynamic political environment characterized by innovative ideas, lively public debate, and creative collaboration between the private and public sectors.

Government is a major Madison-area employer – providing jobs for more than 68,000 residents – about one-third of the greater Madison workforce. The University of Wisconsin alone employs over 30,000 people in virtually every imaginable field.

State, county and city government offices are all located in downtown Madison. State government activity centers in and around Madison's majestic State Capitol building, situated at the head of bustling State Street – a shop- and restaurant-lined thoroughfare that connects the scenic downtown to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Hundreds of legislators and lobbyists share the downtown with businesspeople, shoppers and students, creating a stimulating, eclectic environment that's unique to Madison.

The Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce is a vigorous advocate for public policy that supports enlightened economic growth. Learn more about our public policy activities here.

Federal

U.S. Senator Russell Feingold (D)
U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (D)
U.S. Representative Tammy Baldwin (D) – District 2

State

Governor Jim Doyle (D)
Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton (D)
Secretary of State Douglas LaFollette (D)
State Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass (D)
Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen (R)

Senate

Scott Fitzgerald (R) – District 13
Mark Miller (D) - District 16
Fred Risser (D) – District 26
Jon Erpenbach (D) – District 27

Assembly

Andy Jorgensen (D) - District 37
Gary Hebl (D) – District 46
Keith Ripp (R) – District 47
Joseph Parisi (D) – District 48
Terese Berceau (D) – District 76
Spencer Black (D) – District 77
Mark Pocan (D) – District 78
Sondy Pope-Roberts (D) – District 79
Kelda Helen Roys (D) – District 81

Dane County

Kathleen Falk, County Executive

Dane County residents elect a county executive to administer county services. In addition, 37 supervisors are elected to represent the 37 districts in the county. Over 45 committees, boards and commissions are in place to address countywide issues.

City of Madison

Dave Cieslewicz, Mayor

The City of Madison operates under the mayor/aldermanic form of government. City residents elect a mayor and alderpersons to represent 20 districts in the city. Over 60 committees, boards and com-missions play an instrumental role in the decision-making process. Other Communities in Dane County in addition to the City of Madison, Dane County includes 8 cities, 19 villages and 34 towns. Many of these communities have become small industrial centers and are home to commuters to Madison. Residents in these areas elect representatives at the local level