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August becomes state Assembly's youngest member

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Photo by Terry Mayer

Republican Tyler August gives his victory speech after winning the 32nd Assembly race.

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FONTANA — Republican Tyler August will become the youngest representative in the state Assembly, beating out Democrat Doug Harrod and two independents to secure the 32nd District seat.

August, the chief of staff for incumbent Rep. Thomas Lothian, campaigned on the need to corral the state's growing deficit, which included scrutinizing new programs and pensions for state employees.

The 27-year-old greets the Assembly as its most junior member. Kelda Helen Roys, 81st District, is currently the youngest at 31.

August said he wasn't concerned his youth would serve as a disadvantage with his colleagues. He told potential voters at a debate earlier this month he's already become recognized among lawmakers in Madison.

"Maybe most 27-year-olds would have that kind of challenge," August said, "but I've been working with these folks for the last eight years."

August used Congressman Paul Ryan as an example of a politician making an impact at an early age.

"I'm not saying I'm (Ryan)," he said, "but it proves there can be very effective people that have been involved and know their way around."

August captured 58 percent of the vote and more than twice as many votes as runner-up Harrod. Daniel Kilkenny finished third, and Rick Pappas was fourth.

August emerged as the GOP's frontrunner after a lengthy recount in September's primary. Adam Gibbs of Burlington initially was declared the winner by four votes, but August pulled ahead a week later, 1,760-1,757.

Tuesday night was a celebration for August, but he's already looking ahead to January. The state is facing a projected $2.4 billion deficit and unemployment continues to be a struggle across Wisconsin.

"We're ready to get to work," August said. "Because the situation we're facing is so dire, and we can't afford to sit here and be happy about the election too long."

Lothian was among August's supporters Tuesday at the Abbey Resort in Fontana and introduced August before he gave his victory speech.

August planned to spend today retrieving his yard signs. He said next week he'd be in Madison for the leadership elections in the state Assembly.