The Republican from Marinette representing Wisconsin’s 89th District and co-chair of the state’s Joint Finance Committee says he’s stepping down from the Wisconsin State Assembly effective today. Representative John Nygren announced his resignation Tuesday. During his time in the Assembly he championed the HOPE agenda- a series of more than two dozen bills which sought to curb the state’s opioid epidemic and related issues. He was also a strong proponent of the growth and expansion at Marinette Marine. However, he says the decision to exit the Legislature allows him to pursue career opportunities in the private sector.

Nygren has sat in the Legislature for 14 years and was most recently re-elected in November. He served as the budget committee co-chairman for four sessions, which ties him for the longest tenure in the committee’s 109-year history. He cited a sense of responsibility to see the state’s finances through the coronavirus pandemic as motivation to run in the 2020 election, but says he’s been pleasantly surprised with how the budget has weathered the storm. Still, Nygren admits, there is work on other major issues that’s being left undone.

Nygren and his wife own a home locally and says his family intends to remain in the area. Nygren’s resignation will necessitate a special election in the 89th District to fill the now-vacant Assembly seat.