Politics & Government

Rep. Cory Mason Moving to Run in New 66th Assembly District

Now that the redistricting issues are pretty much settled, Mason said he's going to move into the new 66th Assembly District to step into Rep. Bob Turner's seat. Turner on Wednesday announced he is not seeking re-election.

Rep. Cory Mason (D-Racine) announced today that he will run for the newly created 66th Assembly seat in the City of Racine.

Mason right now represents the 62nd District, which comprises part of the city, most of Mount Pleasant and the whole of Sturtevant. Rep. Bob Turner (D-Racine) also issued a statement saying he is not going to run in the new 66th District.

While Mason does not currently live in the 66th District, he told Patch this afternoon that the family will move.

Find out what's happening in Mount Pleasant-Sturtevantwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"When we bought our two-bedroom bungalow seven years ago, it was perfect for two people," he said with a chuckle. "But our family has expanded so we need a new house anyway."

But more seriously, Mason said that the new district boundaries place nearly half his current constituents in the 66th so the move makes sense on that level as well. He said state residents will probably see more representatives making these decisions this election cycle.

Find out what's happening in Mount Pleasant-Sturtevantwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"A lot of people were asking me about running, and I got a lot of encouraging feedback so that helped make the decision easier as well," he added. "I do think we'll see more of these decisions around the state."

More, Mason said two projects on which he remains focused are the redevelopment of the Root River corridor and reducing infant mortality.

"Both of those subjects are pretty heavily focused in the City and this move will allow me to continue that work," he stated.

Mason was and his name was floated as a candidate for Lietenant Governor, but he said he feels like he can make a more direct difference to undoing some of the laws Republicans passed by staying in the Assembly.

Here is the full press release from his campaign:

Today State Representative Cory Mason (D—Racine) announced his intention to run for the 66th Assembly District this fall.  The new 66th is approximately half of the constituents Mason represents in the old 62nd Assembly District.  The new districts are created every ten years under the Constitution to reflect population changes. Mason made his announcement today after State Representative Bob Turner (D—Racine) announced he would not be seeking re-election.

“I would like to start by commending Bob Turner for his decades of service to the Racine community. He has been a mentor to me and his voice will be missed, especially around issues concerning veterans, criminal justice, and urban affairs,” said Mason.

The newly created 66th Assembly District is a combination of the old 62nd and 61st Assembly Districts. Mason currently represents the old 62nd Assembly District; Turner currently represents the 61st Assembly District.

“While I am humbled by those who have asked me to consider running statewide, I want to continue my work in the state Assembly and as an advocate for the Racine community.  It is in the Assembly that we will have to fight to undo the damage done by Walker against our workers and their rights, our kids and their schools, and our citizens and their democracy.  It is as a Racine Representative I can continue my work to redevelop the Root River and address the infant mortality crisis,” Mason continued.

Mason was first elected to the state Assembly in 2006 and was re-elected in 2008 and 2010.  He currently serves as the ranking Assembly Democrat on the Joint Committee on Finance and on the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Mount Pleasant-Sturtevant