Dianne H. Hesselbein is a Democratic State Senator representing District 27 in the Wisconsin State Senate, a position she has held since 2023. Born and raised in Dane County, she lives in Middleton with her husband Bob, a retired airline pilot and Wisconsin National Guard veteran, and their three children: Will, Annika, and Katie. Notable achievements include serving as Senate Democratic Leader since December 2023, the highest position in the Senate Democratic Caucus, and previously as Assistant Democratic Leader and the highest-ranking woman in the State Assembly. She has also held leadership roles such as Minority Caucus Vice-Chair in the Senate and Assistant Minority Leader in the Assembly.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Attended LaFollette High School; graduated from UW-Oshkosh; Master's Degree in Religious Studies from Edgewood College.
• Political Experience:
  • Middleton-Cross Plains Area School Board .
  • Dane County Board of Supervisors , where she chaired the Budget Committee and served on committees including Public Protection and Judiciary, Economic Development, and University Extension.
  • Wisconsin State Assembly, District 79 .
  • Wisconsin State Senate, District 27 .
  • Current committee roles: Agriculture and Tourism, Financial Institutions and Sporting Heritage, Health, Joint Legislative Audit, Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children and Families.
  • Additional positions: Member of Disability Board, Legislative State Supported Programs Study and Advisory Committee, Presidential Preference Selection Committee, Wisconsin Center District Board, Wisconsin Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, and Wisconsin-Ireland Trade Commission.