Gearing-Lancaster makes a run for state representative
By Ken Luchterhand
Desiree Gearing-Lancaster made a run for the Democratic ticket for District 92 State Assembly, but was defeated by Rob Grover. However, she edged out another opponent, Max Hart.
In the Aug. 14 general election, Grover received 2,650 votes to Gearing-Lancaster’s 1,572 votes. Hart received 1,224 votes. Grover will be representing the Democrat Party in the Nov. 7 General Election, going up against incumbent Treig Pronschinske (R) of Mondovi.
Four years ago, Gearing-Lancaster began working for the Ho-Chunk Nation Social Services. She was program manager for the Coordinated Services Team, working with at-risk families. She helped to provide educational opportunities, mental health services, and AODA treatment.
Now she works for the Children and Family Services as an investigative case manager. She does initial interviews, investigations and follow-ups on intakes with certain issues.
Gearing-Lancaster has always had a passion for politics, even at an early age. Born and raised on a Taylor dairy farm in Jackson County, she graduated from Taylor High School, as had her father.
She attended University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and graduated with a major in political science and a minor in psychology. Adding a year of education, she received a certification in secondary education for grades 7-12. Gearing-Lancaster was a student teacher for the Osseo-Fairchild School District for a semester, teaching political science, psychology, and civics.
Then, she had the opportunity to work as an assembly page for the Assembly Majority Leader, so she worked in that position for three years. Her boss retired and became a lobbyist, so she looked for other challenges.
Gearing-Lancaster ran for Assembly in 1984 and she won in a four-way primary, but lost in the General Election to Republican Terry Musser.
Working for two years in the Community Support Program at the Trempealeau County Health Care Center, she helped people with disabilities to learn life skills as a case manager.
Gearing-Lancaster then took on the duties at Western Dairyland Community Action in Independence, Wis. She helped people with employment and training. In Jackson, Trempealeau, and Buffalo counties. Through her, people were able to obtain pre-employment and motivational training. She worked at Western Dairyland for 15 years.
State Probation and Parole in Jackson County was next on her list, working more with the social aspects. She did that for 10 years, and then worked for the Collaborative Justice Coordinating Council for approximately two years.
In late April, she decided to run for Assembly in the 92nd District, a seat now occupied by Treig Pronschinske of Mondovi.
“Because I still have the passion, a Republican holds the seat, and he is a first-term representative, I figured this would be the best time to try,” she said. “I tried before, but now I am older and more experienced, so I thought I’d give it another shot.”
Gearing-Lancaster is the vice chairman of the Jackson County Democratic Party and has been president in the past, of which she has been a member for more than 30 years.
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