Jim Ott

Jim Ott (born June 5, 1947) is an American politician and former television meteorologist. A Republican, he was a seven term member of the Wisconsin State Assembly representing assembly district 23, serving from 2007 to 2021. Before being elected to the Assembly, he was a broadcast meteorologist in Milwaukee for Journal Communications's WTMJ-TV and WTMJ-AM radio.[1][2]

Jim Ott
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
from the 23rd district
In office
January 3, 2007 – January 4, 2021
Preceded byCurt Gielow
Succeeded byDeb Andraca
Personal details
Born (1947-06-05) June 5, 1947
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)Carol
ChildrenJohn, Chris
ResidenceMequon, Wisconsin
Alma mater
ProfessionMeteorologist, politician
WebsiteOfficial website
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Army
Years of service1970–1973
UnitU.S. Army Security Agency
Battles/warsVietnam War
Awards Vietnam Campaign Medal

Early life and career

Jim Ott was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and graduated from Milwaukee's Washington High School in 1965.[1] He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 1970, and then joined the United States Army. He served three years in the Army with the U.S. Army Security Agency, including a tour in Vietnam in 1971–72.[3] Following his Army service, he returned to school at UW–Milwaukee and obtained his master's degree in 1975.[1]

After earning his master's degree, in 1976 he went to work as an on-air meteorologist for Journal Communications on their WTMJ-TV television and WTMJ-AM radio stations. He worked there for 30 years, leaving only when he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2006. During his time at Journal Communications, he became a member of the unit holders' council, chairperson of stock and information committee, and employee representative on the board of directors.[3]

He returned to school and obtained his J.D. from Marquette University Law School in 2000.[1]

While working as a meteorologist, he also served as adjunct faculty at University of Wisconsin–Parkside, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Cardinal Stritch University, Carroll University, and Marquette University Law School.[3]

Political career

Following the April 2006 announcement that incumbent state representative Curt Gielow would not seek re-election in 2006, Ott declared his candidacy for office.[4] In the Republican primary, Ott defeated John Wirth and went on to win the general election with 56% of the vote over Democrat Stanley F. Teplin.[5] He went on to win re-election six times.

He was defeated for reelection by Democrat Deb Andraca on November 3, 2020.[6][7]

Personal life and family

Jim Ott is married with two adult sons, he and his wife reside in Mequon, Wisconsin. He has been a member of the Lumen Christi Catholic Parish in Mequon since 1986. He is a member of the American Legion and the American Meteorological Society.[3]

Electoral history

Wisconsin Assembly (2006, 2008)
Wisconsin Assembly, 23rd District Election, 2006[8][5]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Primary, September 12, 2006
Republican Jim Ott 3,170 67.12%
Republican John Wirth 1,553 32.88%
Plurality 1,617 34.24%
Total votes 4,723 100.0%
General Election, November 7, 2006
Republican Jim Ott 13,284 56.09% -42.62%
Democratic Stanley F. Teplin 10,394 43.89%
Plurality 2,890 12.20% -85.22%
Total votes 23,682 100.0% +19.01%
Republican hold

Wisconsin Assembly (2018, 2020)
Wisconsin Assembly, 23rd District Election, 2018[9]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
General Election, November 3, 2020
Republican Jim Ott (incumbent) 18,321 51.93% -43.64%
Democratic Liz Sumner 16,939 48.01%
Scattering 21 0.06%
Plurality 1,382 3.92% -87.22%
Total votes 35,281 100.0% +31.35%
Republican hold
Wisconsin Assembly, 23rd District Election, 2020[6]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
General Election, November 3, 2020
Democratic Deb Andraca 21,052 51.59% +3.57%
Republican Jim Ott (incumbent) 19,728 48.34% -3.59%
Scattering 30 0.07%
Plurality 1,324 3.24% -0.67%
Total votes 40,810 100.0% +15.67%
Democratic gain from Republican Swing 7.16%

References
  1. "Representative Jim Ott". Wisconsin Legislature. Retrieved May 2, 2017.
  2. "Former meteorologist Jim Ott has best wishes for John Malan". WTMJ-TV. February 20, 2017. Retrieved May 2, 2017.
  3. "About Jim". Jim Ott for State Assembly. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  4. "Gielow won't seek re-election". The Capital Times. Associated Press. April 5, 2006. p. A12. Retrieved December 14, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. Results of Fall General Election - 11/07/2006 (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin State Elections Board. December 5, 2006. p. 19. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  6. Canvass Results for 2020 General Election - 11/3/2020 (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin Elections Commission. November 18, 2020. p. 13. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  7. Schmidt, Mitchell (November 9, 2020). "2020 election again shows lopsided Republican legislative maps". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  8. Results of Fall Primary Election - 09/12/2006 (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin State Elections Board. October 17, 2006. p. 34. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  9. Canvass Results for 2018 General Election - 11/6/2018 (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin Elections Commission. p. 15. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
Wisconsin State Assembly
Preceded by
Curt Gielow		 Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the 23rd district
January 3, 2007 – January 4, 2021		 Succeeded by
Deb Andraca


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