The Latest: Republican challenger denies Trump motivation

A state representative who challenged Jim Steineke for Assembly majority leadership says the move had nothing to do with Steineke's criticisms of Donald Trump early this year.

Rep. Kevin Petersen of Waupaca challenged Steineke for the majority leader position Monday in Assembly Republicans' first postelection meeting.

The two Republicans who nominated him, Adam Jarchow and Jim Ott, made no mention of Trump during their nomination speeches during a caucus meeting Monday.

Republicans voted unanimously to give Vos the position during a meeting Monday afternoon in the state Capitol.

Assembly Democrats lost a seat in last week's election to go into the new legislative session with only 35 members compared with Republicans' 64, the GOP's largest majority since 1957.

A state representative from Waupaca is vying to replace the Assembly's majority leader.

Kevin Petersen circulated a letter to his fellow Republican members last week saying he was challenging Majority Leader Jim Steineke.

Petersen didn't mention Trump in his letter and didn't immediately return a message asking if his decision to challenge Steineke is tied to Steineke's criticism of Trump.

Wisconsin Assembly Republicans are set to choose their leaders for the upcoming legislative session following their resounding Election Day victories in the chamber.