Steven Patrick Doyle (born May 21, 1958) is an American lawyer and Democratic politician from La Crosse County, Wisconsin. He is a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 94th Assembly district since May 2011. He is also a member of the La Crosse County Board of Supervisors—since 1986—and was chairman of the board from 2002 through 2011.
Early life and career Steve Doyle was born and raised in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He graduated from La Crosse's Aquinas High School in 1976 and went on to the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1980, majoring in public administration and political science. After graduating, Doyle served an internship in the Washington, D.C., office of U.S. representative Alvin Baldus, then remained as a staffer for Baldus until he left office in January 1981.
Returning to Wisconsin, Doyle entered the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison, Wisconsin, and began working as a full time legislative aide in the Wisconsin Legislature for state representative Joseph Andrea (D–Kenosha). He completed his J.D. in 1986. Doyle practices law in La Crosse, specializing in family law and mediation. He also taught local and state government and the American legal system at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.Steve Doyle bio on La Crosse County website Retrieved August 21, 2019.
Political career While still attending law school, Doyle made his first run for Wisconsin State Assembly in 1984. Doyle sought to succeed state representative Virgil Roberts, who was vacating his seat to run for state Senate. In 1984, Wisconsin's 94th Assembly district comprised most of La Crosse County—excluding the city of La Crosse—and also included the southwest quarter of neighboring Monroe County. Doyle faced two opponents in the Democratic Party primary—truck driver Karl Krueger and former school board member Donald Bina. Doyle prevailed in the primary, taking 46% of the vote, and went on to a general election against La Crosse County supervisor Sylvester G. Clements. Doyle lost the general election by 769 votes, taking 48% of the vote.
A year later, Doyle entered the race for a seat on the Board of Supervisors, and won the seat at the 1986 Spring election. That summer, he declared another run for Wisconsin State Assembly, seeking a rematch with Clements. At the primary, however, former state representative Virgil Roberts—who had lost his election for state Senate in 1984—returned to run again for his former Assembly seat. Doyle lost the primary to Roberts, but received a respectable 45% of the vote.
Doyle has continued as a member of the county board of supervisors up to the present. He was elected chairman of the board of supervisors in 2002 and continued until resigning his chairmanship after his election to the Assembly in 2011.
On May 3, 2011, Doyle was elected to the Assembly in a special election to replace Republican Michael Huebsch. Doyle defeated John Lautz 54% to 46%. He has been re-elected seven times and, most recently, defeated Michael Huebsch's son, Ryan, in the 2024 general election.
Personal life and family Steven Doyle is one of six children born to Patrick and Elaine ( Herman) Doyle. Steve's parents were small business owners, running the electronics store for more than 40 years.
Steve Doyle married Gloria Lynne Wicker on August 8, 1987. They have two adult daughters and reside in Onalaska, Wisconsin. In their private time, the Doyles raise alpacas.
Electoral history Wisconsin Assembly (1984, 1986) Year Election Date Elected Defeated Total Plurality 1984 Primary Democratic 1,150 45.89% Dem. 879 35.08% 2,506 271 Dem. 477 19.03% General Republican 10,959 51.82% Dem. 10,190 48.18% 21,149 769 1986 Primary Democratic 1,280 55.12% Dem. 1,042 44.88% 2,322 238
Wisconsin Assembly (2011–present) Year Election Date Elected Defeated Total Plurality 2011 Primary Democratic 4,699 53.64% Dem. 4,059 46.33% 8,761 640 Special Democratic 8,369 53.66% Rep. 7,219 46.29% 15,596 1,150 2012 General Democratic 18,566 60.59% Rep. 12,068 39.38% 30,644 6,498 2014 General Democratic 13,670 54.06% Rep. 11,617 45.94% 25,287 2,053 2016 General Democratic 16,721 52.63% Rep. 15,049 47.37% 31,770 1,672 2018 General Democratic 17,498 60.20% Rep. 11,567 39.80% 29,065 5,931 2020 General Democratic 19,186 52.44% Rep. 16,526 45.17% 36,590 2,660 Ind. 868 2.37% 2022 General Democratic 14,826 51.29% Rep. 14,070 48.67% 28,907 7562024General Democratic18,43650.29% Rep.18,21949.70%36,657217
Notes
References
External links Rep. Steve Doyle's Homepage official government website Doyle for Assembly official campaign website