'There will be no one like him': How lawmakers reacted to Speaker Vos announcing his retirement

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- What was supposed to be a hectic day at the state Capitol turned into an historic date Thursday, Feb. 19, when Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) announced he will retire at the end of this legislative session.

Vos, the longest-serving Assembly speaker in Wisconsin history, shared his plans in an often-times emotional address before the final scheduled Assembly floor date of 2026.

Vos revealed he suffered a heart attack last fall, and his doctor advised him to avoid stress moving forward.

Vos was first elected to the Legislature in 2004, and he's been speaker since 2013.

"Thank you for placing your trust in me time and time again over the past two decades. I am deeply humbled by the confidence in my ability to serve Racine and Walworth counties," Vos said on the Assembly floor before getting choked up. "To my friends and neighbors who stood with me from the very beginning and every step since, no matter with me recall or whatever, your faith has been something that means more to me than I can say."

Vos has become the most powerful lawmaker in the Legislature, and he's one of the most influential figures in state politics this century.

Since 2018, he's clashed with Democratic Gov. Tony Evers over four different biennial state budgets, as well as fights over elections laws and COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

"He has been a phenomenal leader," State Rep. Cindi Duchow (R-Town of Delafield) said. "We have held the majority because of him."

Some Republicans were wiping away tears during Vos' speech, and they credited him with keeping most GOP lawmakers on the same page on the most high-profile issues.

"Honestly, I got a little choked up. It's the end of an era," State Rep. Barbara Dittrich (R-Oconomowoc) said. "I've had plenty of disagreements with Robin, but I'm always up front with him. He's always up front with me."

Vos is also one of the most controversial figures in state political history. He was publicly criticized by President Donald Trump, and right-wing groups unsuccessfully tried to recall him in 2024 over their belief he didn't do enough to overturn Wisconsin's 2020 election results.

Democrats often expressed disgust with Vos' opposition to expanding government assistance programs, as well as his longstanding rule that no bill would come up for a vote in the Assembly unless at least 50 Republicans were in favor of it.

"He was a very effective speaker for the Republicans," State Rep. Christine Sinicki (D-Milwaukee) said. "And now, it's time to move on."

The vastly differing views of Vos were also reflected in the responses issued by the state's two major political parties.

Brian Schimming, chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, said he believed Vos was the 'most consequential speaker in Wisconsin history.'

Meanwhile, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Devin Remiker said Vos 'spent his career shoveling dirt on the grave of the American Dream to do the bidding of the most wealthy and powerful.'

"The speaker had an unfortunate stance on expanding 'welfare,'" State Rep. Francesca Hong (D-Madison), who is also running for governor, said. "I don't believe he thought helping Wisconsinites who were struggling and needed social insurance programs were worthy of government support."

Vos said he will remain speaker until the next legislative session begins next January.

Until then, the one remaining big order of business is negotiating with Evers on how to use the state's projected $2.5 billion surplus.

Lawmakers adjourned late Thursday night without finishing their calendar. They're set to return on Friday to cast their remaining votes.

By next year, Wisconsin will have two entirely new faces of state politics as Vos will be out of the picture and Evers announced last summer he will not seek a third term as governor.

"If this institution remains strong, Wisconsin will remain strong," Vos said at the end of his speech. "I'll miss the clowns but not the circus."