Terry Katsma to face Democratic paper candidate

SHEBOYGAN — Representative Terry Katsma confirmed this week he’ll seek a third term to the Wisconsin State Assembly.

Katsma, a Republican from Oostburg, was first elected in 2014 and re-elected to a second term in 2016. “I look forward to continuing to represent the citizens of the 26th Assembly district in the upcoming fall election,” Katsma said. “The reforms and policies that I have advocated and voted for are having a positive effect on Sheboygan County and the State of Wisconsin.”

While Katsma, 59, is highly favored to be elected to a third term, he’ll face a Democratic paper candidate in the November election. Rebecca Clarke announced her second attempt to unseat Katsma on February 25th at The Duke of Devon.

The 42-year-old Democrat last challenged Katsma in 2016 and was handily defeated. She resides in Sheboygan with her husband Kirk Obear, a criminal defense lawyer. When asked about Clarke’s campaign, Katsma said he looks forward to a positive campaign dialogue. “I thought in the last election she ran a fair campaign, she did not misrepresent my positions.”

Clarke declined to comment for this story.

Katsma has a campaign warchest with nearly $40,000 cash on hand as of January while Clarke had just $124.54 in her last report filed with the State of Wisconsin.