The closed-door vote came two days after Democrats won control of the state Senate, according to election results, ending Republican dominance of the chamber. The GOP also lost its Assembly majority, giving Democrats unified control of the Legislature and the governor's office for the first time since 2010.

Bradley, who represents a district spanning parts of Waukesha and Milwaukee counties, acknowledged the shift in a statement released after the caucus vote.

"Tuesday's results changed the math in the Senate, but they didn't change what we believe or who we work for," Bradley said. "Wisconsin families still want safe communities, good jobs and a government that lives within its means."

He added: "Leading this caucus is a responsibility I don't take lightly."

Bradley was first elected to the Senate in 2020 after serving as a Franklin alderman and Milwaukee County supervisor. He has focused on tax policy, public safety and workforce development during his time in the Legislature.

As minority leader, Bradley will be tasked with holding together a caucus that is now smaller and navigating a legislative agenda largely controlled by Democrats. He will also serve as the GOP's chief messenger on the Senate floor and in budget negotiations.

The new legislative session begins in January. Democrats have said they plan to prioritize abortion access, gun safety measures, climate resilience and expanded childcare support, among other issues.

Republicans will have limited leverage in the minority, but Bradley's selection signals the caucus intends to remain engaged on fiscal and public safety issues rather than cede the debate entirely.

"We will be a constructive opposition," Bradley said in the statement, though he did not elaborate on specific legislative priorities.

The leadership vote was conducted by secret ballot among Senate Republicans, according to a person familiar with the caucus meeting who spoke on condition of anonymity because the vote was private. The final tally was not released.

Bradley succeeds Sen. Devin LeMahieu of Oostburg, who did not seek the leadership post after Republicans lost the majority. LeMahieu had led the caucus since 2017.

Senate Democrats, meanwhile, are expected to caucus later this week to select their new majority leader. Sen. Dianne Hesselbein of Middleton, the current minority leader, is widely seen as the frontrunner.

For voters in Bradley's district, the promotion means their senator will take on a higher-profile role in state politics. Bradley said he plans to continue holding listening sessions across the district and will maintain offices in both New Berlin and Madison.

The election results that flipped the Senate were driven by strong Democratic turnout in suburban districts around Milwaukee and Madison, along with gains in the Fox Valley. Republicans had held the Senate majority since 2011.

Bradley's selection was first reported by local media outlets covering the caucus meeting at the state Capitol.