WHY I'M RUNNING

I’m Corrine Hendrickson, and I’m running for Wisconsin State Senate District 17 to bring practical, people focused leadership to rural communities across southwest Wisconsin. I am a small business owner, educator, former New Glarus School Board member, and proud mom raising my family in the community my husband and I call home.
My husband serves as a New Glarus volunteer firefighter, and service has always been at the center of our lives. In 2007, I founded Corrine’s Little Explorers, a five star early childhood education program dedicated to helping children thrive and supporting working families. For nearly two decades, I have worked directly with parents balancing rising costs, workforce shortages, and the growing strain on our public schools.


My advocacy extends beyond my classroom. I served as President of the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association, where I worked with providers, parents, and policymakers to strengthen child care access and sustainability across our state. I also co-founded Wisconsin Early Childhood Action Needed, a statewide organization that brings child care professionals, parents, business owners, and community members together to advocate for Wisconsin's children. I have testified before the United States House Small Business Committee and Wisconsin legislative committees, speaking up for small businesses, rural communities, and working families who too often feel unheard.
I previously served as an elected member of the New Glarus School Board, where I focused on strengthening support for students with disabilities, advocating for inclusive classrooms, and ensuring schools had the resources to meet special education obligations. I hold both a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education Policy from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, an Inclusion Credential from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate from the University of Wisconsin Madison. I am currently completing a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education Policy.
I’m running because rural Wisconsin deserves leadership that understands our challenges firsthand. I will fight to fully fund public schools, make child care affordable, lower costs for working families, support small businesses, and protect Wisconsin’s land and water.
Our communities deserve common sense leadership rooted in service, integrity, and hard work.
I’m ready to bring that voice to Madison.

