Voters in Vilas and Oneida counties will decide representation for Wisconsin’s 34th Assembly District on Tuesday, Nov. 3, while also weighing three statewide constitutional amendments.

The Assembly contest features incumbent Republican state Rep. Rob Swearingen of Rhinelander and Democratic challenger Merlin Van Buren of Rhinelander.

Swearingen has represented the 34th Assembly District since 2013 and is seeking his eighth term in office. A small-business owner and long-time operator of the Al-Gen Dinner Club in Rhinelander, he serves as chairman of the Assembly Committee on State Affairs. He earned his diploma from Rhinelander High School.

Swearingen’s platform focuses on fiscal conservative management, supporting tourism and small businesses, reducing income and property taxes, and backing law enforcement agencies.

Swearingen emphasizes direct support for Northwoods economic drivers, including expanding state funding for local road repairs under the General Transportation Aids program, increasing state DNR timber harvests, protecting traditional hunting and outdoor recreation, and opposing regulations that impact local resort and tavern operations.

Van Buren is a purchasing agent, school bus driver, and member of the Rhinelander School District Board.
Raised on a dairy farm near Waupun, he earned a bachelor’s degree in entomology from UW-Madison and a teaching certificate from Northern Illinois University.

Van Buren focuses on fully funding public education, increasing state shared revenue for municipalities, expanding affordable healthcare access, and protecting groundwater quality.

He prioritizes increasing state financial support for rural public school districts, expanding broadband infrastructure in unserved rural townships, addressing local workforce housing shortages, and expanding state environmental testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in local waterways and private wells.

Voters in portions of Oneida County will choose between candidates Calvin Callahan, Republican incumbent, and Democrat Elizabeth McCrank in a contest for the seat in Assembly District 35.

Uncontested races, MHLT referendum

Meanwhile in Vilas and Oneida counties, two county positions will see no opposition.

Running uncontested on the ballot in Vilas County are Sheriff Gerard Ritter, and Clerk of Circuit Court Beth Soltow. In Oneida County, Sheriff Grady Hartman and Clerk of Circuit Court Brenda Behrle have no challengers.

Also in Oneida County, voters will decide on a school referendum to exceed the revenue limit by $3.5 million beginning with the 2027-28 school year.

Voters in the Minocqua J1 School District (Minocqua, Hazelhurst, and Lake Tomahawk, MHLT) will consider a recurring operational referendum. This marks the first time in 20 years that the district has asked voters to approve a referendum.

The requested funds are earmarked for operational expenses, facility and capital maintenance priorities, debt service, maintaining current staffing and class sizes, and preserving traditional district programs.

Like many Wisconsin public school districts, MHLT board leadership notes that state-funding formulas have not kept pace with inflation, leading to operational budget shortfalls. More information can be found on the district’s website at mhlt.org/district/announcments.cfm.