Jim Holperin

Jim Holperin is an American Democratic politician and administrator.

Holperin served as a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, representing the 12th District in northern Wisconsin from 2009 to 2013. Previously, he was Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism from 2003 to 2007 and a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, serving the 34th District from 1982 through 1994. He is the only state legislator in history to face a recall twice — in April 1990 for supporting Native American treaty rights, and in August 2011 as a backlash against Democratic efforts to thwart Governor Scott Walker's attempt to strip public employees of collective bargaining rights. Holperin retained his seat both times.

Early life, education, and early career

Holperin was born in Eagle River, Wisconsin on December 18, 1950 and grew up there. In 1969, he graduated from Eagle River High School. In 1973, he earned a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He also served for nine years as the director of Trees For Tomorrow, a natural resources specialty school focused primarily on conservation education for young people.