Why She’s Running
Gillian lives in Wausau with her husband, Ben, where they have raised their six children. She is a recently retired physician who has practiced in Wausau, Marshfield and Madison and is committed to serving the working families, farmers and businesses in Central Wisconsin. She has seen firsthand the struggles Central Wisconsinites face from healthcare access and the rising costs of living to unsafe drinking water, under funded childcare and public schools and crumbling rural roads and bridges. Gillian has worked hard for over 20 years to keep Wisconsin families healthy and she will continue that work as State Senator.
About Gillian
I was raised by my mother and stepfather after losing my dad as a toddler. At a very young age, my sister and I faced the realities of life and how important family and friends are to getting through tough times. My much younger brother was born prematurely and lives with disabilities. Because of him I chose to be a physician. As a physician, I have been inspired by patients, their families and communities as they come together to support each other through health crises and worse.
I married my husband, Ben, in 1995 after meeting in medical school. We have six terrific adult kids who have grown up in Wausau, graduated from public schools and have deep connections here. My husband has been a urologist in Wausau for over 20 years. We have had the honor of serving our communities, and have built lifelong friendships that transcend politics. I am a retired breast radiologist and worked in Wausau, Marshfield and Madison and have a real understanding of the challenges of rural healthcare as well as a sincere respect for the people who live and work here.
I’ve had the opportunity to serve as a board member for various nonprofits including CASA of Marathon County (Court Appointed Special Advocates, a children’s advocacy group,) Medical College of Wisconsin’s Regional Admissions Committee, and just recently, The Monk Botanical Gardens. (These affiliations are listed for identification purposes only and do not imply endorsement of my campaign.)
I am running for State Senate because for over 20 years I have lived and worked in Central Wisconsin, and watched as my friends, family and neighbors have proudly worked and tirelessly fought for their families and their way of life. There is something special about the connectedness of the small community that we have raised our children in and which my family calls home. The same people that you cheer with on the soccer field or that teach your children are your neighbors, friends, and patients. I am proud of the education, healthcare, and beautiful outdoors that calls us to this part of the state. And like my neighbors, I am worried about the future of our small cities and rural communities.
I am running for State Senate to be sure that our children and grandchildren can build their lives right here at home. We need lower prices, affordable healthcare, more good jobs. And we need it now.