Vote April 5th for Safety, Justice and Equality! Join Molepske For Judge!
DA Louis Molepske, Jr. is running for Br. 2 Circuit Court Judge. Louis has the Experience, Leadership and Integrity we need!

DA Louis Molepske, Jr. is running for Br. 2 Circuit Court Judge. Louis has the Experience, Leadership and Integrity we need!
I am running for Judge for my children, your children and all the children and vulnerable people in Portage County. I pledge to work hard everyday to keep them safe and to make fair and impartial decisions based upon the rule of law found in our Constitution and statutes and the facts of the case. Politics will not steer my decisions - only the law and the facts will influence my decisions.
For the past nine years, I have worked with law enforcement to protect the public and ensure victims' rights were honored in my decisions as Portage County's District Attorney. I filed and tried the most complicated felonies to jury trials. I tried four straight trials and received convictions in each in the beginning of 2022 consisting of two child sex offenses tried together, a 1st degree sexual assault of a woman, an attempted homicide and an aggravated battery. All of these cases demanded a high degree of competence and compassion for the victims involved. Under my leadership, we have filed approximately 9000 cases since I became DA.
Workload - I have 233 open criminal felony cases in my own caseload. I manage approximately 2000 matters annually as the DA in Portage County. A judge must manage a branch, my current job helps me to be ready to manage branch 2 in Portage County. I also currently manage 13 employees and a budget of over $1 million dollars.
I have over 20 years of legal experience working in Portage, Wood, Marathon, and Waupaca Counties. I have eleven years practicing law with clients in civil matters where I worked on commercial development matters, landlord/tenant matters, family matters, estate matters, and took a limited amount of defense cases.
I represented Portage County residents in the Legislature between 2003 and 2013 where I drafted and passed laws that my constituents asked me to work on. I worked on several matters including drafting and placing in the state budget UWSP's enabling legislation for a nursing degree, and I also helped save Skyward jobs that ultimately led to a new World Headquarters in Stevens Point. I fought to protect worker rights to be heard in the workplace by opposing Act 10 changes, and I helped businesses grown their workforce and profitability by voting to create tax and regulatory changes. I have visited every part of Portage County to speak to its citizens because I wanted to know what people need from their government.
Some Current Issues:
Bail in criminal cases: I support denying bail to violent offenders or issuing high cash bail to protect the public and ensure defendants appear in court. I am currently supporting a change to our constitution to allow judges the ability to deny bail or set high cash bonds when the seriousness of the alleged crimes demands it to protect the public.
Diversion: I believe in working with young or first time offenders in non-violent cases to offer offenders the chance to earn their case being diverted from the traditional court process to a monitored process in the DA office with our Diversion Coordinator (an ex probation agent) and our Diversion Case Manager (an ex police officer). These two DA Office employees identify why a young or first time offender is committing a crime in the first place to identify any treatment needs first and any underlying issues like trauma or mental health issues to get a person back on track to living their life crime free. The offender must voluntarily agree to be in our program, pay a fee and abide by the rules. If the rules are violated the person goes back to traditional court to be sentenced or the case continues.
Alternative Courts: I support veteran courts, drug courts and alcohol courts to stop criminal recidivism by treating the underlying reason a person may be committing crimes. For example. If a defendant has drug dependency issue our County under a program I helped create voluntarily enters into treatment with daily check-ins with staff and weekly meetings with the court to ensure compliance with a drug free lifestyle. The goal of drug court, veterans court and alcohol court is to stop substance abuse which is leading to criminal activity before the offender hurts someone or hurts or kills themselves. As DA and Judge, I want to keep people alive by providing treatment that they are unlikely to get in Prison. The offender has a choice, get clean in the community or go to prison. I am so proud of the many people that have chosen to get clean in our Drug Court and turn their lives around.
“In 2013 my family and our community suffered an unspeakable loss. As District Attorney, Louis Molepske, Jr. placed our victims’ rights and privacy as a priority throughout the prosecution process. DA Molepske showed Compassion, Attentiveness and Availability as he helped us navigate some of the darkest days. There is no doubt Louis Molepske, Jr. will make an outstanding Circuit Court Judge in Portage County.”
“DA Louis Molepske is a proven leader and an experienced trial attorney. As a lifelong resident of Portage County, he has spent his career writing, defending, and prosecuting the law. As a judge, I know what it takes to manage a courtroom and make difficult decisions, while at the same time treating all litigants with dignity, fairness, and respect. Louis has the experience, the temperament, and most of all the compassion to treat all people fairly and impartially. For these reasons, I am confident Louis Molepske will make a great judge, and I support his candidacy for Portage County Circuit Court, Branch 2.”
"I'm proud to endorse Louis Molepske for Portage County Judge. I've worked with Louis in his capacity as Portage County District Attorney for the last decade, and in that time, he's been a fierce advocate for victims' rights and public safety. When the state kept placing Sexually Violent Persons (SVPs) in Portage County, Louis stepped up to protect our rural communities and champion our residents' safety. That's why I trust Louis to continue working for us as Portage County Judge."
“As a practicing attorney for 26 years, I support DA Louis Molepske for Portage County Judge as he has the experience, character and temperament necessary to be a great judge. I have worked with Louis and know firsthand that he knows the law, is well prepared and treats people fairly. Join me in voting for Louis Molepske on April 5th.”
“As Marathon County's District Attorney, I understand what it takes to manage the criminal justice system and keep the public safe. DA Louis J. Molepske, Jr. has the demonstrated criminal justice experience, leadership skills and integrity to be a great judge for Portage County. Louis has been at the forefront of Portage County’s and Wisconsin’s criminal justice needs. He has the rare combination of extensive trial experience, legislative work and leadership as President of the Wisconsin District Attorneys’ Association. Louis has the qualities it takes to be an excellent judge for Portage County and he has my support. Louis has the integrity to uphold his oath to keep the public safe while protecting the constitutional rights of all.”
"I support Louis Molepske, Jr. for Circuit Court Judge because of his proven record of thoughtful decision making, trustworthiness, and an unwavering commitment to improve our community through his years of public service.
"Stevens Point Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 484 is proud to endorse Louis Molepske, Jr. for Portage County Circuit Judge, Branch 2. It is important to vote for experience, strong leadership, and someone who will work hard to ensure integrity is held to the highest standard, which Louis holds in high regard. Louis is someone who was raised in Portage County and has continued to serve his community as Portage County District Attorney. Louis will execute the law and have a steady hand, that will guide Portage County through the actions in the court. Louis has the knowledge and experience to listen and treat every person fairly without bias. Portage County has a long history of putting citizens first, a tradition that Louis will protect and cherish to keep all Portage County citizens safe. We encourage you to vote for Louis Molepske, Jr. on April 5th."
March 23, 2022
To the Editor-
Louis Molepske has strong roots in our community.
Louis has worked tirelessly and effectively to serve the citizens of Portage County. As our former State Assembly representative, Molepske drafted and supported state legislation that protected our good quality of life and public resources.
As our current district attorney, Molepske has been an effective prosecutor and victims’ rights advocate. He has strong leadership skills, listens to both sides, and will make the right decision.
He will be an honest judge. Molepske will keep the scale of justice balanced.
Mike and Jean Bablitch
Plover
March 30, 2022
To the Editor- I’ve known Louis Molepske for many years and over that time I have known him in many roles. I’ve known him as a father to his children and a partner to his wife. I’ve known him as a grandson and son. He has shared stories about his family that exhibit the pride and love he holds for them, along with the humor that goes with those stories. I have known Louis as an advocate for victims of mental health, drug addiction, and abuse. He knows full well that these things are not always treated best with a jail sentence and confinement, but instead programming that can help give hope for a second chance. In his role as district attorney, I have known him as a protector of the public who fights to keep his community safe from those who are unwilling to change their destructive behaviors and disregard for their family and neighbors. I know Louis as a friend, who when I am working through some difficult personal situations that life sometimes throws at all of us, will reach out to ask, “How are you doing?” and will offer to do what he can to help. And yes, I’ve known Louis as a politician, defined as “a person who is professionally involved in politics, especially as a holder of or a candidate for an elected office.” For 10 years, he served as state legislature for the 71st District, when he worked tirelessly, fighting for laws that could make the lives of his constituents better and the community we lived in healthier and more economically sound. I’ve known Louis Molepske in all of these ways and am proud to support him and hope to soon be able to say, “I know him as our judge.”
Jan Way Town of Hull Supervisor
March 24, 2022
To the Editor
It is an honor to be asked to write a recommendation of support for Louie Molepske, Jr., who is running for Portage County Circuit Judge.
Louie has been a good friend and associate of mine for several years. I have watched him grow and flourish in his career. As a native of Central Wisconsin, he understands the legal issues and needs of our fine community.
Personally, as a medical-legal consultant, I have had the opportunity to work with him on a few cases through the District Attorney’s Office. He is professional, fair, and a good critical thinker. We need a jurist with those capabilities who can execute the law swiftly and fairly.
Thus, I ask that you give strong consideration to voting for this fine young man on April 5, 2022.
Randal F. Wojciehoski, D.P.M., D.O.
President/CEO
Medical Topics Unlimited, LLC
Stevens Point
March 24, 2022
To the Editor-
We are writing in support of Louis J. Molepske, Jr.’s candidacy for Circuit Court Judge, Branch II.
Louis cares deeply for his home community, as evidenced by his service first representing the 71st District in the Wisconsin State Assembly for 10 years and since then as Portage County District Attorney. This same experience and strength of character also make him uniquely qualified to be a circuit court judge.
We know Louis to be a person of great integrity and empathy. He is intelligent, observant, a good listener, and a thoughtful decision-maker—all important qualities for an excellent judge. We have been impressed by Louis’s dedication to both victims’ rights and to diversion programs to reduce criminal recidivism—a holistic approach that comes from his compassionate commitment to the overall well-being of individuals and our community.
We believe Louis’s distinguished record speaks for itself. We know Louis’s fair and respectful character will make him an ideal judge for our community. Please join us in voting for Louis J. Molepske, Jr. for Portage County Circuit Court Judge, Branch II on April 5.
Judi Carlson
Kristin Carlson
Katie Carlson
Erik and Autumn Carlson
Stevens Point
March 31, 2022
To the Editor-
I have been acquainted with Louis (John) Molepske since he was a small child but got the privilege to work with him in the district attorney’s office from 2013 until 2016 when I eventually retired.
I also worked with him during his service as a special prosecutor in 2002. During the time I worked with Louis, it was obvious that he is a caring, thoughtful and honest person. Louis likes to think things through carefully and doesn’t make snap decisions. He wants what is best for everyone concerned.
I’ve always felt there were certain people that would make a good judge. I previously have worked with many district attorneys in my 40-plus years of work in the DA’s office. I have the highest respect for several of these district attorneys who have since gone on to serve as Portage County Judges. These individuals treated EVERYONE with fairness and respect and were very well respected by all.
I feel DA Molepske has the same characteristics and will make an excellent judge for Portage County. A judge who will treat every person that enters his courtroom with the utmost respect and fairness.
I am supporting Louis Molepske for our next Portage County Circuit Court Judge and ask that you do the same.
Jacki Cisewski
Town of Hull
March 28, 2022
To the Editor-
I first met Louis Molepske when he was elected as Portage County District Attorney in 2012.
I was employed as an Assistant District Attorney in that office at the time, and I worked under Louis until 2018. I have continued to practice in Portage County since then, and over the last ten years, I have gained a good sense of Louis’ qualifications as an attorney and as a judicial candidate.
As I’ve followed the race to fill the Portage County Circuit Court Branch II vacancy, I’ve read the many letters of endorsement highlighting Louis’ fairness, ethics, compassion, and legal knowledge, as well as his accomplishments as district attorney, including the successful prosecution of high profile cases, development of an effective diversion program, and advocacy for crime victims. I agree with these points and believe that they demonstrate why Louis will make an excellent judge.
Based on my own personal experience and observation, I would like to add the following in support of Louis’ candidacy: his work ethic, leadership, and commitment to the wellbeing of the citizens of Portage County.
The position of district attorney is unique because of the sheer amount of power a DA has to make his or her job easier or more difficult. A DA can easily dismiss charges or plead them down to avoid having to go to trial. Alternatively, a DA can stick to their guns and fight for what he or she believes is right. But this comes at a cost, which is the time and effort of prolonged litigation and a jury trial. Doing the just thing can mean doing the difficult thing, and making that choice takes character, leadership, and a willingness to work hard.
Over the past 10 years, I have seen Louis time and time again choose to take the just, but difficult, path. Certainly, Louis negotiates reasonable plea agreements when possible. But when it’s not, Louis fights for what he believes to be fair and appropriate, even if it means working long hours, nights, and weekends preparing for trial. I have seen Louis pursue difficult prosecutions, file charges, take them to trial and risk the possibility of acquittal because he believes it’s the only way to obtain a just result.
I have seen Louis personally assign himself an extensive caseload of a wide variety of files, often challenging, that will never make the news because the other attorneys in the office were overworked or overwhelmed. I believe that this shows work ethic, leadership, and ultimately, a commitment to our community’s wellbeing and safety – all vital traits for a circuit court judge.
Our county has been fortunate to have a long succession of judges who, without exception, demonstrate the highest level of integrity, fairness, legal knowledge, and devotion to this community. Louis Molepske has these same attributes and will continue this tradition of judicial excellence in Portage County into the future.
Cass Cousins
Stevens Point
March 28, 2022
To the Editor-
I’m proud to write this letter of endorsement for District Attorney Louis Molepske for Portage County Circuit Court Judge Branch II on April 5.
My wife Shana and I have known Louis personally and professionally for more than 25 years and find his integrity, objectivity, and intelligence to be second to none. Louis’ compassion and his ability to weigh extremely controversial and detailed issues, will allow for a comforting sense of rational deliberation, bringing balanced and common-sense decisions to flow from the bench. Something that is so desperately needed today.
Service to those who cannot serve themselves has been a hallmark of Louis’ dedication, for the complete and total extent of his professional career. Most recently, over the last 10 years as district attorney, fighting with all of his ability for victims of crimes; not for those who commit them, indeed, standing up for those wronged, not those who would intentionally harm.
Additionally, being a legislator is something that is truly remarkable. It is a process that allows a chance for citizens, to be able to participate in making the law and writing law; which is a core principle of participatory government.
As a legislator, writing the law allows for a human perspective and a true understanding of the reasons and the rationale for a law’s purpose. This perspective is extraordinarily valuable for a judge when being called upon to make objective decisions on the rule of those very laws. This unique perspective allows for a total balance of the issues presented. Being a “politician” who has written law is not a negative, it is in fact one of the greatest differences that separate Louis Molepske from his competition.
I know Louis’ competition. I appointed him to the Community Development Authority for the City of Stevens Point. He is a good man. However, the differences between these two candidates could not be clearer.
A key example: According to public records, Louis has 232 active cases in Portage County, directly managing some of the most controversial and difficult cases himself. In Portage County, his opponent has only three active cases. I know what it takes to balance the time commitments and management needs of a public office. Louis has what it takes.
For the entirety of his career, Louis has championed major changes for justice and for victims, for veterans, and for those who are cursed with chemical dependence; it’s time for him to continue his dedicated service, objectively weighing cases for our collective good.
Please join me in supporting Louis Molepske for Portage County Judge.
Andrew J. Halverson
Stevens Point
Louis with his wife Raquel and children.
Join Louis on his campaign for Justice and Accountability.
The Election is fast approaching on April 5, 2022 so help out as you can!
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To my friends, family and supporters, I am so humbled by your trust in me to become Portage County's next Judge in Branch 2. Thank you!
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