State Rep. Joel Kitchens announced his re-election campaign on Tuesday afternoon, highlighting recent legislative work and strong voter support across Door and Kewaunee counties.

Kitchens, who represent Wisconsin’s 1st Assembly District covering Door and Kewaunee counties and portions of Brown County, said he is grateful for continued support from constituents and is focused on advancing policies that benefit local families, farmers and businesses.

In the November 2024 general election, Kitchens secured another term with about 62% of the vote districtwide, including 56.7% of the vote in Door County, reflecting consistent backing in the region. That significance is not lost on Kitchens as he seeks a seventh term.

During the current legislative session, Kitchens led efforts to limit cellphone use in classrooms and supported implementation of the Right-to-Read Act, which emphasizes phonics-based literacy instruction. He also backed tax cuts for retirees, eliminated taxes on natural gas and electricity, and supported increased funding for special education.

Kitchens said he will continue working to direct more funding into classrooms while easing the tax burden on residents in Door and Kewaunee counties.

Kitchens will likely face Democratic challenger Renee Paplham, who also announced her candidacy on Tuesday afternoon. He defeated Paplham in her first general election in 2024.