I am Chris Unterberger.
We are community.

Chris is a small-town kid with big ideas to transform South Central Wisconsin. He is running as a pragmatic progressive combining fiscal responsibility with policies to ensure Wisconsin continues to be a leader in public education, a champion of healthcare rights, and has the infrastructure necessary to support a growing future.

The Small-Town Kid

Chris Unterberger's roots rest in Adams-Friendship, a small community north of his Wisconsin Dells home where his early years were filled with exploring the natural beauty of the area alongside his siblings. However, the backdrop to these memories was a challenging family life. His father, a self-supported carpenter, grappled with alcohol use. Chris’s mother, despite her deep love for her children, battled drug addiction. The 2008 financial crisis dealt a heavy blow, eventually leading to his father entering rehab and his mother's incarceration.

Despite this period of economic hardship for many families, the community stepped up to support Chris. The Wikman family and later the Kierstyn family, embodying community support, opened their homes to Chris and his siblings. A stable home, combined with continued community support, paved the way for Chris's academic achievements. He played football and basketball and ran track throughout south central Wisconsin; worked in the Dells washing dishes, lifeguarding, and as a bellman; attended Badger Boys State in Ripon; and graduated as salutatorian from Adams-Friendship High School in 2013.

Studying With a Purpose

Chris had the drive to give back and knew education would be his path forward. He proudly attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse studying biomedical sciences. He later delved deep into pharmaceutical research, earning a Ph.D. from UW-Madison, all while focused on how his education could serve his hometown.

Chris interacted with state lawmakers during his education which led to his belief that government should be led by individuals with varied experiences rather than career politicians. At the same time, Chris channeled his expertise into community service by writing science articles for the local Adams-Friendship Times-Reporter, speaking to students at his former high school, organizing a class scholarship, and establishing a non-profit dedicated to distilling science to rural communities.

After his education, Chris quickly returned to the area, working remotely in his current role as a science advisor at a law firm. Throughout his time away, he saw the power of the state government and the ability it has to help his hometown provide quality public education, increase access to healthcare, and develop infrastructure, but he could see career politicians are unable to understand the issues affecting his community.

Returning Home For A Difference

Driven by a vision of transformative leadership, Chris is running for Wisconsin’s 14th Senate District which comprises Sauk, Columbia, Richland, Dane, Juneau, and Adams Counties. His motivation stems from the observed lack of proactive state-level leadership for communities like his own.

Chris champions multiple causes, from individual rights and universal education to healthcare access and fiscal responsibility. He firmly believes that policies centered on the middle class have a ripple effect, uplifting society as a whole. His mission is to create a 14th Senate District where each community can support their people and more. This includes protecting public schools, providing healthcare, and creating jobs through investments in infrastructure.

Identifying as a pragmatic progressive, Chris is committed to his mission that the 14th Senate District is not left behind and receives the support it rightfully deserves. He is poised to challenge entrenched systems and is relentless in his efforts to uplift his community.