He has been an unswerving loyalist of former President Donald J. Trump. He has bickered with his party’s elected leaders. He has voted against aid to Ukraine and against keeping the government open. He still maintains that the 2020 election was stolen. Such stances are not especially controversial to Republican primary voters.
But among archconservative House members, only Mr. Perry must sell those same views to voters in a politically competitive district this November.
Melotik currently represents District 24, but with new legislative maps being adopted before the 2024 fall election, he will now be in District 22.
"Serving in the State Assembly has been an honor and a privilege," said Melotik, in the release. "I am excited to continue my service within the boundaries of the new maps."
District 22 includes the town and village of Grafton, town and city of Cedarburg, town and city of Port Washington, Town of Germantown, parts of the village of Germantown and parts of Mequon.
"My family and I have been blessed to enjoy the benefits of living in Menomonee Falls for almost 30 years, and we know the importance for families of having a strong community," said Brandtjen in the release. "After consideration, I will once again be humbly asking for the support of Menomonee Falls, Butler, Lannon and Germantown residents in my run to represent them in the 24th Assembly district."
State Sen. Dan Knodl, R-Germantown, previously announced his candidacy in District 24, so the two Republican candidates will face each other in a primary election on Aug. 13, with the winner moving on to the Nov. 5 general election. Brandtjen is currently the representative for District 22, but after new legislative maps were drawn for Wisconsin ahead of the 2024 fall election, Brandtjen was drawn into District 24, which includes Menomonee Falls, Butler, Lannon and Germantown.
Harmon County is losing people faster than any other Oklahoma county.
Data from the US Census Bureau shows that between July 2002 and July 2003, Harmon County lost 55 residents, or 1.8% of its population.
The loss drops the county down to a population of 3,053, barely enough to support some school programs in the area.
Major County, also in western Oklahoma, was second in population loss, losing 1.4% of its population. Harper County was third losing 1.2% of its population.
All the counties are rural and west of Interstate 35. They are part of growing trend of dwindling population in rural areas.
