Meet Melissa

Senator Melissa Ratcliff has deep roots in the new 16th Senate District. The District includes Cottage Grove, Sun Prairie, Fitchburg, Stoughton, Cambridge, Fort Atkinson, Deerfield, Waterloo, Lake Mills, an area on Madison’s far east side, two townships in Dodge County, and communities across eastern Dane County and western Jefferson County.

Senator Ratcliff brings a unique perspective to our work. She has served at multiple levels of government including on the Cottage Grove Village Board, the Dane County Board and in the State Assembly. Her commitment to her local communities is deep and extensive. She is an active volunteer for numerous civic groups…it is a long list! She was honored as Ally of the Year for 2024 by the Sun Prairie Colonial Club and is a founding member of the Miracle League of Dane County. 

Throughout all her public service, Senator Ratcliff has focused on defending reproductive rights, advocating for the health and safety of our LGBTQ+ neighbors, expanding access to broadband, increasing housing affordability, and family friendly policies including access to affordable childcare.

Senator Ratcliff was born in Green Bay, grew up in Wausau and graduated from Wausau East High School. No stranger to hard work, she worked third shift before earning her Paralegal certificate. She lives in Cottage Grove with her two children Dan and Adeline and their two dogs, Lucy and Ricky. After starting a 10,000 step-a-day streak during the fall campaign (a streak that continues!), she gets outside often to hike and enjoys spending time with her family.