Representative Elijah Behnke

Elijah Behnke is a Republican state representative serving Wisconsin's 6th Assembly District. He was born in Oconto Falls and is a resident of the Town of Chase. Behnke is married to Ashley and has two daughters, Ayla and Aletheia. He is an active member of Life Bridge Christian Church and operates a hobby farm in addition to his legislative responsibilities.

Education

Behnke graduated from Oconto High School. Following high school, he attended bible college in Georgia, where he studied scripture and Christian theology.

Political Experience

Behnke was first elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in April 2021 through a special election. He was subsequently reelected in the 2024 general election, defeating both incumbent Peter Schmidt in the Republican primary and Democratic challenger Shirley Hinze in the general election.

The 6th Assembly District covers all of Menominee County, as well as parts of Shawano, Oconto, Waupaca, and Brown counties, including small cities such as Clintonville and Shawano.

Notable Positions and Achievements

As a state representative, Behnke serves on three committees and the Speaker's Task Force on Childhood Obesity. He is a small business owner who operated a cleaning business and has been an advocate for small business protection, religious freedom, and Wisconsin's agricultural community. Behnke emphasizes transparency in the political process and has positioned himself as a defender of everyday Wisconsinites against what he views as governmental overreach.