Behnke takes oath as new Assemblyman

When Elijah Behnke of rural Oconto took the oath of office April 28, he attained something not seen in nearly 50 years.

“What a great day for Oconto County: We have a representative in the state Assembly,” Judge Michael T. Judge said after he was introduced to administer the oath to Behnke, who won the April 6 special election to succeed former Rep. John Nygren.

The last member of the Assembly who lived in Oconto County was the late Milton McDougal, of Oconto Falls, who served from 1965 to 1972. The county is now split between the 36th and 89th districts, whose representatives have been from adjoining counties over the years. The county’s other current rep, Jeffrey Mursau, was born in Oconto Falls but lives in Crivitz in Marinette County.

Behnke was sworn in at his alma mater, Oconto High School, where he was a member of the class of 2001.

Sheriff Todd Skarban noted that the motto of the Oconto Unified School District is “Leaders and Learners, Today and Tomorrow.”

“I think that’s what we’re looking at today,” Skarban said.

The sheriff said he and Behnke have a lot of values in common, adding to laughter, “Of course, my education was better because I went to Suring High School.”

Skarban pointed out that all three branches of government were represented at the ceremony — executive, legislative and judicial — “and when they work together, that’s when you get things done.” He praised Behnke for his “willingness to step in and do it the right way.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher said Behnke is an example of the citizen legislator, “the heart of the founding of America,” people who set aside their everyday occupations for a time to serve the public before returning.

Behnke, whose daughter, Ayla, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, said he depends on principles of hard work, honesty and faith, and he credited family and friends for his reaching this stage in his life.

“My parents raised me right,” Behnke said. “I have a loving wife who supports me, and friends who were willing to go out and say, ‘Go vote for Elijah.’ I couldn’t have done this myself.”

He briefly touched on themes from his campaign, including clean water, reopening schools and supporting small businesses.

Also in attendance were state Sen. Eric Wimberger, R-Green Bay, whose district includes the 89th, and former state Reps. John Gard and Cate Zueske.

“Both John and I were first sworn in at our high schools,” said Zueske, a Shawano graduate who also served a term as state treasurer. “It’s such a special time.”

The special election was called after Nygren unexpectedly resigned Dec. 1, one month after winning an eighth two-year term, to become the new executive director of the Wisconsin Association of Health Plans. Behnke, who won a five-way Republican primary, went on to defeat Democrat Karl Jaeger for the right to fill the term through the end of 2022.