(The Center Square) – Wisconsin state Sen. Rob Hutton, R-Brookfield, will not be running for another term in the Senate.
Hutton said “while this decision was very difficult, increasing personal and professional obligations have made it clear that stepping aside is the right decision at this time.”
Hutton owns two industrial coatings firms that serve manufacturers and is a partner in a metal fabricating firm in southeastern Wisconsin, according to a bio on his campaign website.
Hutton’s District 5 includes Brookfield, Elm Grove, parts of Pewaukee and part of West Allis.
He was a Waukesha County supervisor from 2005-2012 before joining the Wisconsin Assembly.
Hutton and his wife recently won a $3.46 billion award from a Waukesha County jury related to a dehumidifier made by a Chinese manufacturer that spontaneously combusted and caused their Brookfield home to catch fire, according to the Waukesha Freeman.
Hutton did not cite the award in his announcement.
“I look forward to continuing to work hard in this final year and beyond to push for more needed reforms that streamline government, address affordability for families, support law enforcement, and increase access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for all Wisconsinites,” Hutton said.
Hutton’s lawyer told the paper that the award was likely the highest ever awarded in the county but said the number was largely symbolic as punitive damages in the case amounted to just more than $1.3 million.
