| Justin Sargent is a 30+ year resident of Dane County. He attended Madison’s Falk Elementary School, Orchard Ridge Middle School, and graduated from James Madison Memorial High School in 1987. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. | New: League of Women Voters Questions for Candidates - A response by Justin Sargent |
Growing up, Justin camped, canoed and hiked across the United States through Scouting trips. Justin earned the rank of Eagle Scout in Madison Boy Scout Troop 628. He also earned Explorer Scouting's top honors, The "E" Leadership Award and the Bronze Bighorn Award. Years later Justin returned to scouting to serve on the Venture Crew Leadership Board.
Upon graduation from the University, Justin began work in the Wisconsin State Senate where he worked on environmental, labor and transportation issues.
After years of recreational diving enthusiasm including serving as the President of both the Hoofer’s SCUBA club and Dane Counties 4 Lakes SCUBA Club, Justin successfully completed his training to become a PADI SCUBA instructor. Shortly after becoming a professional instructor, Justin left public service to manage the dive shop in Fontana Sports Specialties, a locally owned outdoor sports shop, an icon on Madison’s State Street.
After working to build the Fontana Dive Shop business and instructional offerings, Justin returned to public service in the State Senate, working for Senator Judy Robson D-Beloit. Senator Robson, a nurse from Rock County, is passionate about healthcare reform, ethics reform, and opening up the legislative process to the public. Justin served as Senator Robson’s Chief of Staff when she became Senate Minority Leader and since the Democrats have gained the majority in the Senate he has served as Director of Outreach and Operations.
Given Justin’s solid public service experience and knowledge of the legislative process, The National Conference of State Legislators recently invited him to present to legislators and staff from across the nation in two seminars during their annual conference in Boston, MA.
Justin is also a tenacious community activist, volunteering for numerous local and state political campaigns as well as being involved in a number of community based organizations in Dane and Rock Counties. In 2007 Justin was recognized by a number of Rock County Labor Unions for his service and efforts to improve the quality of life in Wisconsin for working families. Justin was also recognized by the Rock County Democratic party for his service to Southern Wisconsin.
In the August edition of Madison’s In-Business, Justin was featured as one of the magazine's 40 under 40, a select group of young professionals who stand out in their fields for their enthusiasm and excellence.
Justin met his wife, Melissa Sargent, at the University of Wisconsin Memorial Union. Melissa grew up on Madison’s East side, together they got to the Northside as quickly as possible. Melissa is a small business owner. They have three children, Devin, Bailey, and Keanan. They also have 2 Shiba Inu dogs.
To reach Justin, email him at sargentforassembly@sbcglobal.net or call him at 608-220-2342.
