Who’s excited about politics these days? Um, yeah. Well, how about local politics? That’s more like it. Even if you’re doing your best to avoid national politics, local politics remain incredibly important, and have a super-duper direct impact on our lives. Concentrate on the local, Milwaukee. It’s about the only thing we can do for the next four 8,000 years.

Which brings us to the crowded race for Milwaukee’s 3rd District Alderperson. The Common Council seat—whose occupant represents the city’s East Side and Riverwest neighborhoods—was previously held by Jonathan Brostoff. Following Brostoff’s death in November 2024, a special non-partisan election was called to fill the vacant seat.

A primary election is set for Tuesday, February 18. It will feature eight candidates. After that, the top two candidates will face off in a general election on Tuesday, April 1. April Fools’ Day. Bummer.

The eight candidates are (in alphabetical order):

Josh Anderson
“Josh grew up in Cudahy, Wisconsin. He was raised by working-class parents, who instilled in him the values of fairness and compassion. Josh is a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and a dedicated member of the Riverwest community. Currently running for Alderperson in Milwaukee’s 3rd District, Josh brings a diverse background from working in the service industry to corporate training, and leadership in customer operations.”

Alex Brower
“My name is Alex Brower, and I am a union president, community leader and executive director of the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans. As a Riverwest resident of over 10 years, I look forward to serving both my neighborhood and all Milwaukee’s residents on the Common Council, as well as continuing to organize workers and communities for a better world. As a democratic socialist, I believe in a just society, democratic economy, and sustainable environment.”

Daniel Bauman
“‘Daniel Bauman has the vision and determination to create real change for Milwaukee. I’ve worked alongside Daniel and seen his passion for tackling the toughest issues, from reckless driving to community development. His leadership on the Common Council will benefit residents across the district and the city as a whole.’ – Mayor Cavalier Johnson”

Frank Ferrante
“Reckless driving is a major problem in Milwaukee, and while the ‘complete streets’ program has made some progress in reducing speeds, we must have larger conversations about transportation. Connecting North to South and East to West through comprehensive transportation infrastructure must be a long-term goal of ours.”

Ieshuh Griffin
From Urban Milwaukee: “Ieshuh Griffin is a perennial candidate for office in Milwaukee and first made headlines in 2010 when she attempted to run for an Assembly seat with the slogan of ‘NOT the whiteman’s bitch.’ She ran against Brostoff in April 2024, receiving 16% of the vote. In the same election cycle, she also ran for County Executive, Mayor and the 15th District council seat, for which she was removed from the ballot in a contested decision.”

Bryant Junco
“My care for my community, neighbors, and city runs deep. Our beloved East Side is great. Our people are even greater and continuously striving to make our city as a whole, even better. I am a firm believer in standing up and fighting for what is right. That is why, over this past summer, I took it upon myself to create a one person neighborhood watch when our neighborhoods were being terrorized by individuals with a complete disregard for our property and vehicles that we work so hard for. That is why I choose to run to be your next Alderman. I fought in the streets for neighbors I didn’t know and I will fight even harder for all in City Hall.”

Alexander Kostal
“Alexander is passionate about making a difference in his lifelong home: our East Side. He’s been here since the start—and he wants to advocate in our city for the community that made him who he is. Alexander has been active in civic organizations his whole life. He will continue to be an advocate for you at the city level. Alexander has a passion for change and public service. These are matched by his experience and deep understanding of our state and local government.”

Nas Musa
“Stopping crime and safety isn’t just about policing; it’s about creating environments where people can thrive. Compassionate, highly visible leadership and addressing root causes of violence and crime will cut down criminality at its roots. As a leader coming from Milwaukee’s black and brown community, Nas will demand mutual respect and accountability from all stakeholders.”

We’ll have a more detailed voting guide ahead of the February 18 primary. For now, here’s information on three upcoming 3rd District Aldermanic Candidate Forums. (We missed one that took place at Zao MKE Church Thursday night. Sorry!) Again, concentrate on the local, Milwaukee.

Monday, February 3

Vivarium (1818 N. Farwell Ave.) 6 p.m.
Hosted by the Brady Street Area Association (BSAA) in partnership with the Brady Street Business Improvement District #11 (BID)

“The evening will consist of opening statements from each participating candidate, before a question-and-answer session moderated by [Douglas Savage, BSAA Vice President]. A moment of silence will also be held for the late Alderman Brostoff. Seating will be available on a first-come basis, and members of the public can RSVP to the event on the BSAA’s Facebook page.

“To accompany the live Q&A, participating candidates will answer a questionnaire regarding their background, platform goals, and stances on issues that affect the neighborhood. The candidates’ responses will be published in full on the BSAA website ahead of the forum and physical copies will be made available at the event.”

Tuesday, February 4

Gordon Park Pavilion (2828 N. Humboldt Ave.) 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Hosted by the Gordon Park Friends and Riverwest Radio (104.1)

“If interested in submitting one question for the candidates, you may do so with this link: https://forms.gle/gbpWhRpmHRTyLugZA

“Please keep your questions within the following criteria: 1. Each question will be asked of every candidate (questions may NOT be directed to specific candidates); 2. Please make sure that your question falls within the responsibilities of Milwaukee alderpersons.”

Tuesday, February 11

St. Mark’s Church (2618 N. Hackett Ave.) 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Hosted by the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association, Historic Water Tower Neighborhood, Cambridge Woods Neighborhood Association, Mariners, East Bank Neighborhood Association, and Greenwich Friends

“The forum will run for approximately 90 minutes and will be presented in person with a virtual option. Pre-selected questions will be presented by a moderator with candidates having timed responses. The audience cannot participate and only the candidates and the moderator can speak during the event. There will be an opportunity to meet the candidates after the forum concludes.

“Questions for the candidates will be submitted as time allows and address issues important to Third District voters such as the Milwaukee’s Growing MKE zoning initiative, reckless driving and traffic calming, crime and safety, city budget concerns and housing development projects.”

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About The Author

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Co-Founder and Editor

Matt Wild weighs between 140 and 145 pounds. He lives on Milwaukee's east side.