Samantha Kerkman

Samantha Kerkman (née Starzyk; born March 6, 1974) is an American politician. She currently serves as Kenosha County Executive serving since April 2022. She previously represented Kenosha County in the Wisconsin State Assembly, serving since 2001.

Samantha Kerkman
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly
Assumed office
January 7, 2013
Preceded byRobert L. Turner
Constituency61st district
In office
January 1, 2001 – January 7, 2013
Preceded byCloyd A. Porter
Succeeded byCory Mason
Constituency66th district
Personal details
Born
Samantha Starzyk

(1974-03-06) March 6, 1974
Burlington, Wisconsin, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)
Chad Kerkman
​
​
(m. 2001; div. 2016)​
Children2
Residence(s)Randall, Wisconsin
Alma materUniversity of Wisconsin-Whitewater (B.A.)
WebsiteOfficial website

Early life and career

Samantha Kerkman was born Samantha Starzyk in Burlington, Wisconsin. She graduated from Wilmot Union High School and attended the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 1996.[1]

Political career

While in college, Kerkman began working as an intern and legislative assistant in the office of State Representative Cloyd A. Porter, and, after graduating, was named his chief of staff. She also began volunteering with the Randall, Wisconsin, Fire Department Auxiliary.[2]

When Porter announced in 2000 that he would not seek reelection to a 15th term, Kerkman chose to enter the race to replace him.[3] Porter quickly endorsed his former legislative aide, saying, "I think Samantha has made an excellent decision. I am confident that Samantha has the strength, energy, and the dedication to serve the people of the 66th to her full potential."[2] She prevailed in the Republican primary with 85% of the vote and went on to take 61% of the general election vote against Democrat Virgil Gentz.[4][5] Kerkman was subsequently reelected five times in the 66th assembly district, and, after redistricting in 2013, Kerkman has been serving in what is now the 61st assembly district. On April 5, 2022, Kerkman was elected Kenosha County Executive. She assumed office on April 18, 2022.[6]

Personal life and family

Samantha Starzyk took the last name Kerkman in 2001, when she married attorney Chad Kerkman.[7] They have two children and divorced in 2016.[1]

References
  1. "About Me". Representative Samantha Kerkman. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  2. "Staff member to challenge for Porter's Assembly seat". Racine Journal Times. June 3, 2000. p. 11. Retrieved January 8, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. Milfred, Scott (May 27, 2000). "Democrats are feeling their oats". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 15. Retrieved January 8, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. Results of Fall Primary Election - 09/12/2000 (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin State Elections Board. September 27, 2000. p. 49. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  5. Results of Fall General Election - 11/07/2000 (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin State Elections Board. May 10, 2001. p. 31. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  6. Calvi, Jason (April 5, 2022). "Kenosha County executive election; Kerkman defeats Matoska-Mentink". WITI (TV). Retrieved April 6, 2022.
  7. Engels, Dave (September 25, 2001). "True love not limited by party affiliation for Republican Starzyk, Democrat fiance". Kenosha News. p. 17. Retrieved January 8, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
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