Don Vruwink

Donald James Vruwink (born June 12, 1952) is an American educator and Democratic politician from Rock County, Wisconsin. He is the current Wisconsin commissioner of railroads, appointed by governor Tony Evers in 2023. He previously served three terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 43rd Assembly district from 2017 to 2023, and served on the city council and school board of Milton, Wisconsin.

Early life and education Don Vruwink was born in Auburndale, Wisconsin, and raised on his family's dairy farm near Auburndale. He graduated from Auburndale High School in 1970, and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. Vruwink was a popular local baseball pitcher, and was part of the Auburndale High School team which won the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association state championship in 1970, and continued playing at UW–Stevens Point. He earned his bachelor's degree in social studies and political science in 1975, with a minor in coaching. He went to work teaching at Bowler High School in Bowler, Wisconsin, where he also coached their baseball and football teams.

About 1980, he moved to Milton, Wisconsin, where he remained for the rest of his teaching career. He taught history for the next 30 years at Milton High School, and coached football, baseball, and softball. While teaching, he continued his own education at University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, earning his M.A. in history in 1986.

Personal life and family Don Vruwink is one of six children born to Donald Lewis Vruwink and his wife Helen ( Ashbeck). The elder Donald Vruwink owned a farm in the town of Milladore, and served as town assessor; he also served as treasurer of the National Farmers Organization. Amy Sue Vruwink, who also served in the Wisconsin State Assembly, is a first cousin of Don.

Don Vruwink married Beth Jean Virgil on November 25, 1978, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bangor, Wisconsin. They have one adult son.

Electoral history Wisconsin Assembly, 43rd district (2016, 2018, 2020) Year Election Date Elected Defeated Total Plurality 2016 Primary Democratic 3,038 57.92% Dem. 2,207 42.08% 5,245 831 General Democratic 16,179 54.56% Rep. 13,427 45.28% 29,651 2,752 2018 General Democratic 16,241 61.14% Rep. 10,288 38.73% 26,564 5,953 2020 General Democratic 17,643 55.24% Rep. 14,263 44.66% 31,939 3,380

Wisconsin Assembly, 33rd district (2022) Year Election Date Elected Defeated Total Plurality 2022 General Republican 13,709 50.40% Dem. 13,462 49.49% 27,202 247