Tomahawk, WI – Don Nelson, former Tomahawk City Council President and longtime forest industry veteran, has announced his candidacy as a Republican for Wisconsin’s 35th Assembly District. Nelson said he will continue the tradition of fighting for common sense solutions for the Northwoods if elected to the State Assembly.  Nelson acknowledged the strong leadership and dedicated service of State Representative Mary Felzkowski (R-Irma) who is seeking the State Senate seat being vacated by State Senator Tom Tiffany (R-Minocqua).

I want to thank Representative Mary Felzkowski and Senator Tom Tiffany for their leadership and tireless efforts to fight for what’s right for our area,” stated Nelson. “I will continue their legacy of defending our precious liberties and freedoms, being a strong voice promoting economic opportunities for our area – instead of just Madison and Milwaukee – and championing common sense conservative principles and ideas for a brighter future for all our families.”

Don Nelson’s roots run deep in Northern Wisconsin.  Don was born and raised in Tomahawk where his family tree goes back four generations in the Tomahawk area. Don’s parents owned and operated Nelson’s Supermarket where Don first learned the life lessons of running a small family business. Growing up in Northern Wisconsin also instilled in him the importance of faith, family and friendship – values he has carried with him throughout his entire life.  Don has been happily married to his wife Jackie for over 30 years and together they have two children – Kate (28) and Kendall (26). Don also has over 38 years of private sector work experience in the forestry industry. He is currently the fiber procurement manager at the Domtar paper mill in Rothschild.

Don has a strong record of local government public service experience which will help him hit the ground running as a State Representative.  Don served his community for 26 years as a member of the Tomahawk Common Council (1989-2015) and also served our area as an elected member of the Lincoln County Board (2012-2015). In addition, Don has been actively involved as a member of the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“The fact is that we could use a lot more Northwoods common sense in Madison these days,“ stated Nelson.  “I know my private sector business experience, as well as my time serving as a local elected leader, will allow me to represent our area as a strong, fiscally conservative voice for the North.”

Don is also actively involved in his community as a member of numerous civic organizations including: The National Rifle Association (Lifetime Member), the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, the Ruffed Grouse Society, Delta Waterfowl,  Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Trees for Tomorrow, Log-A-Load for Kids, Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association, Forest Industry Training Alliance, Experimental Aircraft Association, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He also proudly served as a Scout Master of Troop 548 and volunteered as the Tomahawk High School girl’s hockey coach.

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