Russ Decker


Russell Decker was a Democratic member of the Wisconsin Senate, representing the 29th District from 1991 to 2011. He served as Majority Leader from 2007 until being removed by his colleagues during a floor session on December 15, 2010 after casting the deciding vote against ratification of state employee contracts.
Born in Athens, Wisconsin, Decker graduated from Athens High School, afterward attending Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, Wisconsin as an apprentice bricklayer. He now lives in Schofield, Wisconsin.
Decker was first elected to the Senate in 1990. The day after passage of the 2007-2008 state budget, the Senate Democratic Caucus elected Decker to replace Judy Robson as Majority Leader.
On November 2, 2010, Republican Pam Galloway defeated Decker in his reelection bid.

Committee assignments

In April 2005, Decker was arrested and charged with OWI. He pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of driving with a prohibited blood alcohol content and had to give up his driver's license for six months.