Politics & Government

North Shore Republican Launches Congressional Campaign

Janet Hinz, an adjunct college instructor, will run against Dan Sebring in a Republican primary battle to challenge Democratic incumbent Gwen Moore, who now represents Shorewood.

(This story was updated at 3:07 p.m. May 2 to include Dan Sebring's candidacy for the 4th District Congressional seat.)

Whitefish Bay's Janet Hinz will face off against fellow Republican candidate Dan Sebring in a primary battle to challenge five-term incumbent Democrat Gwen Moore in the November 2014 election.

Hinz, 42, is an adjunct instructor in the Business and English Department at Cardinal Stritch University. She and her husband Jason have lived in Whitefish Bay for 12 years with their three children, Molly, Clark and Clara.

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Hinz characterizes herself as a moderate Republican, and said she is fed up with extreme points of views dividing the nation.

“America needs critical thinkers, and the people of Wisconsin’s 4th Congressional District need it especially," Hinz said in a news release. "We need a representative in Washington who is willing to apply creativity, civil discourse and critical thinking to solve the real issues we face in this country – and not use those issues to bash the opposition. We need someone dedicated to doing the work of the people.”

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Hinz earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations with a minor in English from Marquette University, and a Master’s degree in Writing from Johns Hopkins University. She began her career working for Rep. Steve Gunderson on Capitol Hill and then worked for an agriculture association when the congressman announced his retirement. About three years ago, she founded a blog called Critical Thinking in the Real World.

Although the election is 18 months away, Hinz said she is already starting to build her ground game by getting involved in the community and meeting as many voters as possible.

"One of the reasons I'm announcing this so early is that I'm serious about meeting with voters in the 4th district and hearing their concerns, because they're really going to be the ones that are driving this campaign," she told Patch. "Far too many voters have abandoned the political process. They are disillusioned with gridlock and party entrenchment, and yet, hungry for change." 

Hinz will face off against fellow Republican candidate Dan Sebring in an April 2014 primary election. Sebring is the owner of a local auto repair shop and the 1st Vice Chairman of the Milwaukee County Republican Party's south branch.

Sebring has unsuccessfully challenged Moore in the past two election cycles, but when announcing his candidacy in March, said he has run a more successful campaign in the 4th District than any other Republican in over six decades.

"We have the endorsement of nearly every Republican legislator at the state and local level," he said in a news release. "We have the knowledge and experience and the right message to win in 2014.”

Moore's chief of staff has confirmed to the Journal-Sentinel that the congresswoman will seek a sixth term in office and looks forward to a spirited debate.

The 4th Congressional District encompasses parts of Milwaukee County, including much of the North Shore stretching north to Bayside, northwest to the borders of Menomonee Falls. It also includes the city of Milwaukee, and suburbs Cudahy, St. Francis, South Milwaukee, West Milwaukee, and a portion of West Allis. The district was reshaped in the most recent redistricting process. 


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