In 2025, Wisconsin will be one of only two states represented in the U.S. Senate by both a Democrat and a Republican. They have an equal vote on the future president's cabinet nominations. There is not much Wisconsin's senators can agree on when it comes to the big controversies.

Republican senators are pouring cold water on the idea that President-elect Trump could force the Senate into an extended recess next year so that he would be able to fill key positions in his Cabinet without going through the Senate confirmation process.

Senate Republicans have a new headache as they weigh Donald Trump’s more divisive Cabinet picks: Their prospects in 2026 rest on defending incumbents — and those same incumbents could face primary threats from the right if they don’t vote yes.