Van Wanggaard is a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, representing District 21. He assumed office on January 5, 2015. His current term ends on January 4, 2027. Wanggaard ran for re-election to the Wisconsin State Senate to represent District 21. He will not appear on the ballot for the Republican primary on August 11, 2026. Wanggaard previously served in the Wisconsin State Senate, representing District 21 from 2010 to July 2012. Wanggaard lost the seat to John Lehman in a recall election in 2012. He served as a member on the Racine County Board of Supervisors, District 7, from 2002 to 2011.