Chester A. Gerlach

Chester A. "Chet" Gerlach (born June 26, 1947) is a retired American educator, lobbyist, and Democratic politician. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly for five terms, representing Oak Creek and South Milwaukee from 1975 through 1984. After leaving the Assembly, he worked for many years as a lobbyist to the state government.

Early life and education Gerlach was born on June 26, 1947, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He graduated from Don Bosco High School and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from St. Norbert College in 1969. He then received his teaching certification from University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 1972 and worked as a teacher.

Career Gerlach was first elected to the Assembly in 1974, after he defeated incumbent state representative William P. Atkinson in a Democratic Party primary challenge. He was subsequently re-elected in 1976, 1978, and 1980. Following the court-ordered redistricting in 1982, he was elected to a fifth term in what was then the 3rd Assembly district. While serving in the Assembly, he was elected as assistant majority leader for the 1981–1982 session.

After leaving office, Gerlach spent much of the next 30 years as a political consultant and lobbyist to the state government. He subsequently moved to Elkhart Lake, in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, where he retired in 2019. Binsfeld ultimately prevailed in the 2022 general election with 64% of the vote.

Personal life and family Chester Gerlach lives with his wife Barbara in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. They have three adult children.

Wisconsin Assembly, 3rd district (1982)

Wisconsin Senate (1984)

Wisconsin Assembly, 27th district (2022)