Ben Brist

Ben Brist served in the U.S. Army from 2017 to 2024. He earned a bachelor's degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2017 and a graduate degree from Harvard University.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised here in Wisconsin. I’m a sixth-generation Wisconsinite and the son of two public servants. Growing up, I learned that public service isn’t about titles or politics. It’s about offering up, working hard, and helping your neighbors when they need it most.

My parents were deeply involved in our community, and they taught me about a tradition of Wisconsin leadership that put working people first. Those values stuck with me, and they’re part of what led me to choose a life of service.

After high school, I attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, and I was commissioned as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer. I served for seven years on active duty, first as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and later as a Company Commander in the 4th Infantry Division. I deployed twice to the Middle East, serving in Kuwait and Iraq.

While serving, I met my wife, Hannie, also an Army Officer. After finishing my military service and graduate studies in policy, I returned to Wisconsin because this is where we want to build our lives and give back. I care deeply about this state and the people who live here.

I’m running for the State Assembly because I believe government works best when it’s close to the people it serves. Wisconsin is worth fighting for, and I’ll bring the same sense of duty, honesty, and accountability to Madison that guided me in uniform.

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?

I am running to build a better Wisconsin. Right now, for too many people, opportunity feels out of reach. Folks are struggling to afford gas, childcare, and prescription medications. The Republican Legislature created these problems. They’ve weakened protections for workers, cut public investment in healthcare, and underfunded public education — leaving school districts under stress and pushing property taxes higher than they’ve ever been.

We can build a better Wisconsin: one where it’s easier to live, work, and raise a family. One where no child goes hungry and no one goes bankrupt because they get sick. One where a good public education isn’t an empty promise but the birthright of every childIn the Army, I served with every kind of American: kids from rural Louisiana to the Bronx, NY. We had different ideas, news and media sources, and politics; Red, Blue, and everything in between. Leading those soldiers taught me that when you’re digging a foxhole in the middle of the night, it doesn’t matter if your teammate votes along the same party lines or calls God by a different name. Instead, what matters is whether you share a mission and whether you show up for each other.

That sense of common purpose is sorely lacking from our politics these days. And that’s why I’m running.My wife and I chose to move home to Wisconsin after the Army and graduate school, because this is where we want to put down roots, have kids, and start our family. These issues are personal to me; our Legislature should be making it easier, not harder, to get a good job, own a home, and raise a family. Our state government should be doing more to ensure good jobs stay here in Wisconsin and to make it more affordable to own a home, raise kids, and stay in your home if you're retired.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Affordability: Whether housing, gas, or a trip to the grocery store, costs are unsustainably high. I will fight to bring down costs for normal folks.

Public Education: I believe that a good education is the birthright of every child. I will work to fully fund our public schools, ensure that school buildings are safe and comfortable, and recruit and retain qualified teachers.

Healthcare: Healthcare is too expensive for too many people. I will fight to bring down healthcare costs and expand access.

Conservation: I grew up fishing, hiking, and camping with my dad. As an Eagle Scout and an avid outdoorsman, I will protect Wisconsin’s parks, lakes, rivers, and campgrounds for future generations.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

AFT Local 212, Sheldon Wasserman, Don Schwartz, Joe Czarnezki