Senator Melissa Ratcliff ** represents **Wisconsin State Senate District 16, which includes Cottage Grove, Sun Prairie, Fitchburg, Stoughton, Cambridge, Fort Atkinson, Deerfield, Waterloo, Lake Mills, an area on Madison’s far east side, two townships in Dodge County, and communities across eastern Dane County and western Jefferson County. Born in Green Bay and raised in Wausau, she graduated from Wausau East High School in 1995 and earned a Paralegal Certificate from Madison College in 2000. A working mother living in Cottage Grove with her two children, Dan and Adeline, and their dogs Lucy and Ricky, she is known for her volunteerism, including being honored as Ally of the Year in 2024 by the Sun Prairie Colonial Club and serving as a founding member of the Miracle League of Dane County. Notable achievements include championing reproductive freedom, LGBTQIA+ rights and safety, broadband expansion, affordable housing, veteran and senior services, childhood obesity reduction, road funding, public safety, and domestic violence support.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Wausau East High School ; Paralegal Certificate, Madison College .
• Political Experience: Served on the Cottage Grove Village Board and Dane County Board; previously in the Wisconsin State Assembly; elected to Wisconsin State Senate District 16.