Chris Larson was born and raised in Milwaukee County. Chris graduated from Thomas More High School, where he was captain of the Cross Country team and learned to love Wisconsin’s unique beauty by running every inch of the south side. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and graduated with a degree in Finance and a minor in Political Science.
Chris managed a sporting goods chain specializing in running, consulting with amateurs and professionals to help them improve their training. In 2008, he successfully ran for Milwaukee County Supervisor on a platform of fully funding our parks and transit system.
After defeating an entrenched incumbent from his own party during the 2010 Fall Primary, Chris was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate on November 2, 2010. Just two years later, he was elected by his colleagues to serve as Senate Democratic Leader for the 2013-2014 Legislative Session. He is currently serving on the following committees: Committee on Senate Organization, Joint Legislative Council, Joint Committee on Employment Relations, and the Joint Committee on Legislative Organization.
Chris previously served as Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Review of Administrative Rules. He also previously served as a member on the following Committees: Joint Committee on Finance; Joint Committee on Audit; Senate Committee on Education; Senate Committee on Education and Corrections; Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Tourism; Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Environment; Senate Committee on Housing and Insurance; Joint Committee on Information Policy and Technology; Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Commission; and the Special Task Force on UW Restructuring and Operational Flexibilities.
Chris is active in his community as a member of numerous neighborhood groups, including: South Side Business Club of Milwaukee, Airport Area Economic Development Group, Coalition for Advancing Transit Steering Committee, WI, League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, Young Elected Officials, Humboldt Park Watch, South Shore Park Watch, Bay View Neighborhood Association, Bay View Historical Society, Bay View Lions Club, Lake Park Friends, Thomas More Alumni Club, Arbor Day Foundation, Badgerland Striders, Tri-Wisconsin and MPTV Friends.
Chris owns a house in Bay View with his lovely wife Jessica and their son Atticus.
An avid runner, Chris has completed 22 marathons and he has a long-term goal of running a marathon in every state.