Representative Renuka Mayadev

Renuka Mayadev is a Democratic member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing District 77, which covers parts of Madison, including the University of Wisconsin campus and areas extending southward. A native Midwesterner and child of immigrants, she was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up in a family tradition grounded in hard work and fairness. Mayadev has dedicated her professional life to public service, particularly for children, working families, women, and communities of color.

Before serving in the legislature, Mayadev worked extensively in advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and state government. She has held leadership positions focused on children’s welfare, maternal and child health, and early childhood education, all of which have informed her approach to law and policy. She moved to Madison when her husband was appointed dean of the University of Wisconsin Law School and subsequently joined the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, where she worked in maternal and women’s health initiatives. Her legislative agenda emphasizes reproductive freedom, public education, healthcare for all, climate justice, gun violence prevention, and racial equity.

Education

Renuka Mayadev attended Thomas Worthington High School in Ohio. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Northwestern University, with a concentration in Spanish. She then completed her law degree at the Georgetown University Law Center, becoming a licensed attorney. Her legal training has supported her work in policy analysis, advocacy, and legislative drafting.

Political Experience

Renuka Mayadev was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in the fall election for District 77, running unopposed in the general election after winning the Democratic primary in a district that included no Republican challenger. Upon being sworn in, she became the first South Asian person to serve in the Wisconsin State Assembly, a notable milestone in the chamber’s history.

In the Assembly, Mayadev serves on the Committee on Health, Aging, and related policy groups, reflecting her longstanding focus on healthcare and well-being. Her legislative priorities center on improving children’s and family outcomes, expanding access to high‑quality early childhood education, advancing maternal and women’s health programs, reducing racial disparities in health, and strengthening public education and social services. She continues to advocate for systemic reforms that address inequities and expand opportunity for Wisconsin’s most vulnerable residents.