About Kevin Knoke
Raised with Midwest Values and a Passion to Serve Others
Why I'm Running for State Assembly
I am running for the Wisconsin Assembly because I believe our state needs practical, principled leadership that puts people ahead of politics and problem-solving ahead of partisanship. My life experiences—as a teacher, veteran, outdoorsman, and parent—have shaped a clear understanding of what works, what doesn’t, and what Wisconsin families actually need from their government.
I identify as a Democrat, but I have long believed that both sides of the aisle are made up of good people with legitimate concerns. Spending my childhood summers on a family farm taught me that hard work, responsibility, and respect for the land are not partisan values. That perspective drives my belief that government should be thoughtful, limited, and effective—stepping in where it truly helps and staying out where it doesn’t belong.
I am fiscally conservative and socially progressive. I believe government should stay out of people’s wallets as much as possible and out of their personal lives entirely. I am unequivocally opposed to shifting taxes onto working families or squeezing the middle class, which I see as the engine of Wisconsin’s economy. Every tax dollar must be spent wisely and transparently.
Education is deeply personal to me. As a schoolteacher, I have seen firsthand how declining enrollment and underfunding strain public schools across Wisconsin—especially special education services. I am committed to strengthening public education through smarter resource allocation, expanded mental health services, early screening and intervention, and broader access to early childhood education. I believe public education is the most effective and cost-efficient investment Wisconsin can make, and I have serious concerns about private school vouchers undermining funding equity and evading accountability.
My commitment to veterans is personal. During my deployment in 2002, I saw firsthand the sacrifices Americans make every day to protect and serve our country. My father-in-law, a Vietnam veteran and dairy farmer, died from Agent Orange exposure. That loss reinforced my belief that Wisconsin must honor veterans not just with words, but with real support and accountability.
My connection to Wisconsin’s land and water runs deep. My family owns hunting land in Cumberland and actively participates in the DNR’s DMAP program. My wife and I spend much of our time on Beaver Dam Lake, which makes water quality and conservation issues personal, not theoretical. I believe the DNR should be guided by expert science, public input, and legislative oversight—while remaining mindful of the financial realities faced by small municipalities.
I am running for the Wisconsin Assembly to help move our state forward—by building consensus, respecting differences, protecting freedoms, and ensuring government works for the people it serves.
Kevin Knoke was a former member of the United States Army Reserve. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the United States Army, the Department of Defense or any branch of U.S. government.
Kevin Knoke is proud to receive the endorsement of 314 Action. 314 Action is the only national organization working to elect scientists across all levels of government—from the Senate down to local school boards. The organization is powered by a grassroots community of over six million people
supporting scientists, doctors, and STEM professionals who will use science and facts to address our most pressing issues like climate change and health care.
Climate Cabinet has endorsed Kevin Knoke for WI Assembly District 30. Climate Cabinet is a U.S. nonprofit that uses data-driven analysis to identify high-impact state and local elections, supporting pro-climate candidates and policymakers to advance clean energy, reduce emissions, and improve affordability. They recognize Kevin's commitment to the environment.
Kevin Knoke is very proud to receive the endorsement of LiUNA. LIUNA Wisconsin, formally the Wisconsin Laborers’ District Council, represents about 10,000 construction laborers, advocating for higher wages, benefits, workplace safety, apprenticeship training, and skilled workforce development across Wisconsin’s infrastructure and construction industries.
Kevin is grateful for the support of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee. The DLCC Target Races are a core part of our national strategy to protect, expand, and build Democratic principled leadership across America’s state legislatures. The DLCC view this race as one of the most important state legislative races across the country.