Alex Joers

Alex Joers was born in Madison, Wisconsin. Jones graduated from Middleton High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, in 2015. His career experience includes working as an associate director and a full-time legislator. Joers has been affiliated with the New Leaders Council and the Young Elected Officials Network.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Middleton is where my story began and where I grew up. It is where I learned the value of hard work, service, and community, and those lessons have guided every step of my life in public service.​ At 14, I started working at my family’s small business, The Little Gym. Over the next 17 years, I saw every side of running a small, family-owned business and worked closely with parents, kids, and employees every day. That experience shaped my understanding of the real challenges working families and small business owners face. I earned a dual degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, where I worked throughout college and stayed active in student government and Get Out the Vote efforts. While there, I met my wife, Katie. We were married in 2018 and are now raising our two kids, Blake and Emerson, in the Waunakee area. In 2020, I was elected to the Dane County Board and re-elected in 2022. Then in 2022, I ran for the Wisconsin State Assembly and I have been serving in this role since 2023.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Education is the key to success and I want Wisconsin to invest in our kids from cradle to career. That means reestablishing support for childcare and making sure young parents can afford quality early education. That means fixing our K-12 public school financing so that we can end the cycle of referenda, reduce the property tax burden, and ensure every student has access to a great school. That also means supporting our colleges and universities so that students aren’t priced out of advancing their skills and knowledge and we can attract and retain people in Wisconsin.We have to protect our environment for future generations. The Republican-led legislature recently ended 30 years of bi-partisan success with the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund. We must restart that essential program that provides crucial investments to local communities for parks, trails, recreation, and more that makes Wisconsin special. That also means protecting our water and air and addressing a changing climate on a local-level to prevent and prepare for extreme weather that is becoming more frequent and causing more damage with flooding, hail, heat, and increased energy prices.We must build an economy that works for everyone. Wisconsin should be number 1 in small business creation. We should raise wages, restore workers’ rights, and reduce corporate control over our daily lives. The cost of everything is going up and government has a responsibility to make sure things are fair because if you’re doing everything right and playing by the rules it should be so hard to get ahead.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

When I ran for office, I promised to show up, do the work, and fight for the people of this district every day. That commitment continues to guide my service. My priorities for the next term are improving lives through paid leave and childcare, protecting our rights and freedoms, strengthening public schools, supporting small businesses and farmers, and ensuring government works for people rather than the billionaires. My qualifications are rooted in a proven record of delivering results in a challenging political environment. Even in one of the previously most gerrymandered legislatures in the country, I have built bipartisan relationships, found common ground, and advanced meaningful policies that improve people's lives.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Wisconsin Conservation Voters, National Association of Social Workers - Wisconsin Chapter, Wisconsin Education Association Council.

Alex Joers did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Wisconsin State Assembly

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Alex went to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse before graduating in 2015 with a dual degree in Political Science and Public Administration. Alex worked throughout college, first in the Athletic Department, then as a Resident Assistant, and a Building Manager for the Recreational Sports Department. He was continually involved in Get Out the Vote efforts and student government throughout his time at UW-L. Alex met the love of his life, Katie, at UW-L and they were married in Windsor, Wisconsin in 2018.

Alex went on the be a Policy Aide for progressive champions like Senator Melissa Agard, Senator Jennifer Shilling, and most recently Representative Dianne Hesselbein. Through this work, Alex developed legislation related to common-sense gun safety reforms, student debt relief, environmental protection, strengthening the UW System, and promoting fair redistricting. These efforts are critical to moving our state forward in the future.

Alex was elected to the Dane County Board in 2020 and re-elected in 2022. In this capacity, he served on the Public Protection & Judiciary Committee, Personnel & Finance Committee, Public Works & Transportation Committee, UW Extension Committee, and Youth Commission. On the County Board, Alex elevated issues of land conservation, flood mitigation, small business recovery, public health, and affordable housing. Alex wants to advance these proposals at the state-level with the experience he gained as a local official.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Reproductive Freedom: Having an abortion is a deeply personal decision, and it’s a decision that politicians should have absolutely no part of. Striking down Roe v Wade is extremely dangerous and Wisconsin has a 173 year old criminal abortion ban on the books. That’s unacceptable. Alex will support the Abortion Rights Preservation Act and fight to keep abortion legal.Common Sense Gun Safety: An overwhelming majority of Wisconsinites support common sense gun safety laws. We must reinstate the 48-hour waiting period on gun purchases that existed prior to Legislative Republicans stripping that protection away. This “cooling off” period could prevent suicides as well as shootings. This coupled with stronger extreme risk protection orders would give families the ability to alert law enforcement before dangerous acts occur. Alex will take action to protect our communities by supporting these measures.Environmental Protection: Wisconsin has a rich history of environmental conservation and we must work to ensure our natural resources are preserved for generations to come. During his first term on the Dane County Board, Alex sponsored resolutions to conserve over 400 acres of land for flood mitigation and recreation. He pushed for $1 million in the 2022 budget to connect the North Mendota Trail from Middleton to Westport and beyond. Alex promoted the county’s sustainability and renewable energy efforts as we work to drastically reduce our carbon footprint across the county. Alex also supported efforts to hold polluters accountable by pursuing companies that contaminated our waterways with PFAS chemicals.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Nearly two decades ago Alex’s family started a small business right here in the 79th District. Having been a part of it since the beginning, he knows how challenging but rewarding operating a small business can be.

Our local businesses are the backbone of our community. As a County Supervisor, Alex championed $30 million in recovery grants for small businesses right here in Dane County through the Dane Buy Local program. These grants helped small businesses weather the pandemic, but we have to continue to support them in recovery.

Governor Evers has led the effort statewide to help local shops through Wisconsin Tomorrow small business grants. Alex wants to build on these efforts and advocate for main street shops so they can continue to grow.

At the state level we must close the dark store loophole once and for all. This statutory misstep is costing property taxpayers and small business thousands of dollars every year as big box stores take advantage of this loophole to avoid paying their fair share. Republicans have been shifting the burden onto property taxpayers and small businesses for too long. Let’s get this loophole closed.

Dane County Board of Supervisors

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Alex grew up in Dane County and graduated from Middleton High School. As a student, Alex got involved in his community by coordinating local blood drives with the American Red Cross. He led his fellow students in service projects that benefitted Middleton Outreach Ministry and Koats for Kids. Alex was a Cross Country runner for four years.

The Joers family opened The Little Gym of Middleton in 2004. Being part of a small, family-owned business taught Alex the value of hard work and resilience. He started working at the age of 14, preparing snacks for the children during camp. Over the past 17 years, Alex grew to see every aspect of the business, instructing children from four months old to 12 years. Working in a small business gave Alex a unique perspective to be able to see the challenges small business owners face on a daily basis.

After high school, Alex went to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse before graduating in 2015 with a dual degree in Political Science and Public Administration. Alex worked throughout college, first in the Athletic Department, then as a Resident Assistant, and a Building Manager for the Recreational Sports Department. He was continually involved in Get Out the Vote efforts and student government throughout his time at UW-L.

After college, Alex organized local campaigns across Wisconsin. Alex began working in the Wisconsin State Legislature for seven years and now works for a private company in Middleton.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Economic SecurityEnvironmental SustainabilityHealth Equity

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Climate Resiliency & Environmental Protection

Within the past few years, our community has seen weather events that have shown the challenges we face with climate change. On the west-side of Madison in 2018 residents and businesses faced millions of dollars in damages from historic flooding. Dane County must continue to be a leader in building a climate resilient community, facing climate change head on, and protecting our natural resources for future generations.

During my first term on the County Board, I supported legislation to expand existing park land by 470 acres for recreation and flood mitigation. These include LaFollette County Park, Walking Iron County Park and Wildlife Area, Indian Lake County Park and Ice Age Trail, and Schumacher Farm Park. Notably, I advocated for securing $1 million in the 2022 budget to fund the East Segment of the North Mendota Trail connecting West Madison and Middleton to Westport and Waunakee.

We have a long way to go, I hope to continue developing sustainable practices in county purchasing and work towards lowering our overall carbon footprint throughout the county by investing in renewable energy. Climate scientist have already sounded the alarm and we need to take every opportunity to move towards a 100% renewable and sustainable economy.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I believe it is important to look out for the common good of all individuals in our community. Sometime this means making tough decisions about how resources are allocated, but I know we are better when we are all working together.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I hope to leave my community stronger than it was when I began.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was working at my family's small business in 2007. I began literally mopping the floors and thereafter worked in my different capacities including management, marketing, and operations until 2021.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Obiwan Kenobi - I'm a big Star Wars fan.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Many people are sure of what county government does. We pass an annual budget for public safety, health services, transportation, and environmental protection. We also have oversight for the Airport, Henry Vilas Zoo, Alliant Energy Center, Badger Prairie Health Care Center, and Monona Terrace.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

I think it can be beneficial, but anyone should be able to run for office regardless of their background. Everyone has a unique experience that can broaden the ideas brought to government.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Skills that are critical are an open-mind, an ability to work with others, and a commitment to compromise.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Alex grew up in Dane County and graduated from Middleton High School before completing a dual degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Throughout the his career, Alex organized local campaigns across Wisconsin and worked in the Wisconsin State Legislature. All the while, helping manage his family's small business, The Little Gym, located right here in District 9 for the past fifteen years.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Affordable Living - People of all ages and backgrounds want to make Dane County a place to live, work, and raise a family. We have to work to decrease housing inequality and promote a more affordable living for all Dane County residents.Climate Resiliency - Our community was recently struck by historic flooding. Unfortunately, a changing climate underscores the urgency to address our preparedness for flooding and other climate related emergencies in the future. As a county, we must continue to move forward with plans to reduce risk and take steps towards sustainable development.Transportation Development - As we look into the future, the need for public transportation will only increase. Promoting better transportation options and expanded routes will help connect our community to the places we live, work, recreate, and relax. Making transportation easier and more accessible for the public is something that benefits everyone.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Environmental Protection

Dane County has an abundance of natural resources and we have to do our part to ensure we can enjoy them for generations to come. Clean water and air should be a priority as we look forward towards a more sustainable future.