Andre Jacque

André M. Jacque (born October 13, 1980) is an American consultant and Republican politician from De Pere, Wisconsin. He is a member of the Wisconsin Senate, representing Wisconsin's 1st Senate district since 2019. He previously served four terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly (2011–2019). He was a candidate in the 2024 Republican primary for United States House of Representatives in Wisconsin's 8th congressional district.

Early life and career

Jacque was born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin on October 13, 1980, and graduated from Green Bay Southwest High School. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2003 and received a graduate certificate from the Madison's Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs. He worked as a transit planning coordinator, communications director and a grant-writing consultant before beginning his political career. On May 15, 2018, he won the Republican primary election for the vacant seat for the 1st Senate District but was narrowly defeated in the June special election by Democrat Caleb Frostman. He later defeated Frostman in November 2018, winning a full four-year term in the Wisconsin State Senate. Jacque was awarded the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce's "Future 15" award in 2011 and again in 2018. He was awarded the 2019–'20 Legislator of the Year award by the Wisconsin VFW for his close work with them.

Political positions

COVID-19 pandemic

In 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jacque was outspoken against vaccine mandates and authored legislation that would bar government officials or business owners from requiring Wisconsinites to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or show proof of vaccination to access services. Jacque also opposed the statewide mask mandate implemented by Gov. Tony Evers and joined legislation to end it. He tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalized with pneumonia in August.

On August 17, 2021, it was reported that he was "tired but in good spirits." On August 20, 2021, State Rep. Shae Sortwell stated in a Facebook post that Sen. Andre Jacque: "is in serious need of your prayers. [...] He is in the hospital with Covid induced pneumonia." On August 25, 2021, Jacque was placed on a ventilator, but was listed in stable condition. In addition, Jacque's brother Pierre fired back at Sortwell, stating: "I am praying that you shut the hell up and f*** off." Sortwell, like Jacque, has opposed vaccine mandates and wearing face masks. Pierre Jacque went on to say in his post: "Go get the vaccine. Or at least be honest and let your flock know that the 'choice' they are making is between effective scientifically backed preventative medicine, or choking on a vent ..." On August 30, 2021, Jacque's wife pleaded: "that those individuals who are eligible and able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine please consider placing their trust in the medical professionals who recommend it."

On September 21, 2021, Jacque was transferred from the hospital to a care facility after being on a ventilator for almost a month. It is unclear what type of facility and whether Jacque was vaccinated. His office did not clarify when asked. He returned to work the second week of October 2021 and reported that he was still using a walker but feeling better every day. He started a meeting by thanking everyone who had supported him during his battle with the disease, including medical professionals helping him through his recovery. On November 8, 2021, Jacque returned to the Senate floor, calling himself "very blessed that God's not done with me yet."

Asked on whether his time in the hospital and months-long physical therapy had changed his views on how Wisconsin could handle public health issues, he said he would not comment on COVID-19 but that he did have some "insights" from his months-long stay in hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

Electoral history

Wisconsin Assembly (2010–2016)

Wisconsin Senate (2018–present)

U.S. House (2024)