Guide to Candidates in Spring Election
State Superintendent, Circuit Court Judge, County Board and School Board races on ballot.
Vote here ward(s) 246, 297, 298. Photo by Jeramey Jannene.
It’s far from a repeat of 2020’s chaotic April election that pitted an intense Wisconsin Supreme Court race alongside COVID-19 and the last gasp of a presidential primary, but April 6th’s Spring Election will still give Milwaukeeans plenty of different choices whether they’re voting absentee or in-person.
Every city resident will have at least two competitive races on the ballot: a contest for Wisconsin’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction and a six-year seat as Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge.
You won’t find any Ds or Rs on the ballot; all the races are non-partisan.
Curious what’s on your ballot or where to vote? Check the My Vote WI website.
Candidates are listed alphabetically, with biographies provided. Urban Milwaukee does not make endorsements. Races where a candidate are running unopposed have been excluded.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Deborah Kerr. Photo courtesy of Kerr For Wisconsin Kids.
Dr. Deborah Kerr brings more than 40 years of educational experience to the campaign trail as she vies for the top Education Job in Wisconsin: State Superintendent of Public Instruction. She most recently served as Superintendent of Brown Deer School District, one of the most diverse K-4 through 12the grade districts in the state of Wisconsin with 1,600 students of which 80% are students of color and more than 50% are students living in poverty.Prior to her 13 years at Brown Deer, Dr. Kerr has served as a middle school principal, an adjunct professor at local universities, an assistant principal, a physical education/health teacher, coach, an athletic director, and a successful girls’ varsity high school basketball coach winning two back-to-back state championships.
Her experience also involves membership and leadership roles in regional, state, and national organizations. She has honed her leadership skills as Presidents of both the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), an international professional organization with over 13,000 educational leaders, and also as the past president of the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators.
Deb is noted for her vision in closing achievement gaps and as a passionate advocate of character education by fostering community partnerships. Her leadership trademark is a commitment to all students with high-quality learning environments, developing collaborative work teams of professionals, and accelerating personalized learning for all students. Promoting global citizenship and cultivating 21st-century skills for her students has always been a hallmark of her leadership. She is also deeply committed to continuous improvement in all aspects of the school organization.
Deb earned her Doctorate of Education Leadership from National-Louis University, a Master of Education from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, and a Bachelor of Arts & Science from Valparaiso University. Deb was a beneficiary of Title 9 and also advocates for opportunities and access for girls and women in athletics. Her teaching career began at the prestigious University of Chicago – Laboratory Schools.
When not travelling the state on her campaign tour, Deb enjoys spending time with her two loves, husband Ron and black Labrador Rizzo.
Jill Underly. Photo courtesy of Underly for Wisconsin.
Dr. Jill Underly knew she wanted to be a teacher way back in 1986, when she was in the 3rd grade. She was inspired by the first teacher in space, Christa McAuliffe, and decided to go into public service “when she grew up.” Throughout high school she worked in a family daycare and volunteered on the pediatrics floor of the local hospital. As soon as she was able, she began substitute teaching in elementary and middle school settings.
Jill’s first teaching job started the week after she finished student teaching, and was at a large comprehensive rural high school where she taught U.S. History, Government, Sociology, and Midwestern History. She also taught along side the English Language Learner teacher and worked with students who were the children of migrant farmers from Mexico. There were many tomato fields in the area and a large cannery nearby. While teaching in her first few years, she was named department chair of the social studies department, started the high school girls’ softball team, and she was one of the sponsors of the National Honor Society. She also was her teacher’s association vice president.
After meeting her husband, John, they moved to a suburban area for John’s job. Jill now taught at a much larger high school with a lot more resources. Here she taught U.S. History and World History, and U.S. Geography. Some of her former students now work at corporations such as Facebook and Google. She coached the freshman softball team, and was the Assistant Varsity Coach, and Jill also sponsored student council, where they facilitated charity events such as a high school “battle of the bands” for childhood cancer research.
While in Graduate School at UW Madison, Jill worked primarily with first-generation college students from rural Wisconsin and urban Milwaukee, many of whom commuted to Madison daily. There she helped them navigate a large research university and helped them be successful.
Since 1999, Jill has worked in “all facets of public education, PK – 16:” as a high school and middle school social studies teacher, a University of Wisconsin College of Letters & Science academic advisor, a Title I Consultant and assistant manager at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, an elementary principal and Director of Instruction, and most recently, a rural school district superintendent. In 2015, she was the youngest female superintendent to lead a public school district in Wisconsin with a research-doctorate degree.
With over two decades of public education experience, including her current 6 years as the Superintendent of the Pecatonica School District and 5 years at the Department of Public Instruction in both Educator Licensing and Title I, Dr. Underly has been committed to ensuring that every child, every day, has the opportunity for a first-class public education in the State of Wisconsin.
As Pecatonica’s chief learning officer, administrator, and business manager, Dr. Underly led initiatives to mitigate the open enrollment problems that plague rural school districts. In the summer of 2015, she brought a summer enrichment day camp for local families of elementary aged children, which was awarded a “Standing up for Rural Schools, Libraries, and Communities Award” from the Department and the Wisconsin Rural Schools Association in 2016. In 2017, the Pecatonica Area School District was one of the first public schools to offer a full day 4K program and daycare program at the elementary school. In 2019, the Pecatonica Area School District expanded the program to all district families so they could send their 4K child to preschool every day at no additional cost. This model is now being replicated in public schools, and especially rural schools, throughout Wisconsin.
As a leader at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Dr. Underly was involved with the development of the online federal grant software program that streamlined requirements and made claiming funds from federal grants seamless, saving business managers and bookkeepers countless hours in paperwork.
Dr. Underly and her siblings are all first generation college students, having grown up in Northwest Indiana where their father was a second-generation IBEW industrial electrician and their mother a homemaker. She came to Wisconsin in 2005 to pursue her graduate education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, as a doctoral student in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. She received her doctorate in 2012 with a dissertation about the Federal Title I program and the impacts the administrative requirements have on both rural and urban districts. Prior to moving to Wisconsin, Dr. Underly was a high school social studies teacher where she primarily taught government, U.S. History, Midwestern History, and Geography.
She and her husband, John, have two children, both currently in middle school. They live on a small farm in southwestern Wisconsin and raise a menagerie of chickens, farm cats, and a Labrador Retriever among a grove of fruit trees and a large vegetable garden to sustain themselves, family and friends. Dr. Underly is an accomplished baker and cook and enjoys spending time around the dinner table with her family. She also enjoys food preservation, reading, traveling, being outdoors with her children, and reflecting on ways to leverage research and policy to make lives better for the next generation of Wisconsinites.
Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge – Branch 3
Katie Kegel. Photo from the candidate.
Katie Kegel is a fierce advocate and a skilled trial attorney who has spent her career working as a state public defender here in Wisconsin. Katie was recognized as an Up & Coming Lawyer by the Wisconsin Law Journal in 2014 and is a graduate of the Wisconsin State Bar Association’s inaugural class of the G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy.
Katie has experience handling cases at all levels of misdemeanor, felony, and probation revocation. She has performed over 20 solo jury trials, including for first degree intentional homicide, and thousands of other cases. In her work at the public defender’s office, Katie is a leader on the drug and treatment court team and as a trainer for new public defenders.
Through her experiences as a public defender, Katie has seen the challenges that too many folks face. She believes that we need a more thoughtful and diligent justice system. Our community deserves this and we have a lot of work to do.
Katie also serves as an adjunct professor at Marquette Law School where she leads the Street Law program. This class places a law student in an MPS classroom for one year to teach high school students about the law and prepare them for a mock trial. Katie participated in the program as a law student instructor and it made such an impact on her and her decision to become a public defender that she was very honored to be invited to teach the program.
Prior to law school at Marquette, Katie grew up in rural Wisconsin. She was raised in a working-class family with traditional values. Her mother was a housekeeper and father a maintenance worker. Several members of her large extended family were in law enforcement and were the origins of her interest in criminal justice. Katie’s college journey began at The United States Military Academy at West Point and concluded at Charleston Southern University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in criminal justice and political science. Katie also worked as an inner city public school teacher and a sexual assault victim advocate.
Katie is a first-generation college student who put herself through college and law school working a number of jobs, including working nights as a union assembly line worker at a paper-converting factory.
Katie is active in a number of community and professional development groups including Milwaukee Forum, Emerge Wisconsin, Common Ground, the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee, the Association of Women Lawyers, and the American Constitution Society.
Katie is a former Brewcity Bruiser roller derby skater, Ironman triathlete, and loves to swim in Lake Michigan with the Klode Kru. She is married to Noel Kegel, co-owner and president of Wheel & Sprocket. Katie and Noel live in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood, enjoy traveling, seeing movies, biking around Milwaukee, and spending time with their dogs, Juneau and Kaia. They are also expecting their first child this summer.
Susan Roth. Photo courtesy of Roth for Judge.
Born and raised in Milwaukee County, I lived in Cudahy until I was 11 years old, then moved to Bay View Neighborhood where I’ve lived ever since.
I’ve handled and won all types of criminal cases. I have a statewide practice and appear in both state and federal court. I also handle juvenile cases and civil and family-related matters. In addition, I’ve also represented victims of crimes including stalking, sex trafficking, and domestic violence. I’m going to bring this wide degree of experience to the court and apply my diverse background toward justice. That’s why I’ve been endorsed by hundreds of judges, legal professionals, and community leaders.
I’m the first in my family to ever be a lawyer – my mother was a secretary and stay at home mom, my father is a Vietnam veteran and retired from the Navy and Navy Reserve as a Master Chief Petty Officer. He used the GI Bill to go to UWM, and spent his civilian career working for the U.S. Postal Service. My parents taught me the value of hard work and dedication to what’s put in front of you, and to be respectful of all who I encounter.
In childhood, I attended Sacred Heart Grammar School and St. Thomas More High School (2000). I then graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison (2004) and Marquette University Law School (2007).
I was an Intern with the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office my 3rd year of law school. Later I was hired by Kohn & Smith out of law school (June 2007) and named partner in Kohn Smith Roth (January 2013). I have fully dedicated my career to our communities and serving the people of Milwaukee County.
I’m the winner of the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers “Advocates Prize.”
I’m also a member of the American Civil Liberties Union; Bay View Neighborhood Association; League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County (Natural Resources Committee); Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens; Polish Heritage Alliance/Polish Center of Wisconsin; Urban Ecology Center; Wisconsin Law Foundation; Wisconsin Women in Government; Women for MACC; and the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin
Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors – District 10
Priscilla Coggs-Jones. Image from the candidate.
Coggs-Jones’ commitment to the park’s system was nurtured as she was employed at the Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Park. Her more than 10 years of experience working in the Human Resources field has aided in Coggs-Jones recognizing the need for more employment opportunities for residents. She plans to spend time talking and meeting with residents to hear their concerns and ideas.” Coggs-Jones shared, “Through the years, I have continued our family’s tradition of service to the people. Although I stand on the shoulders of my mother, who had the privilege of serving this district for many years, and my family whose service has been felt in Milwaukee and across the State of Wisconsin, I intend to earn the support of residents based on my individual ideas and efforts for this district.” Coggs-Jones said.
“I know the struggles, I have lived them myself, and have chosen to use the power of service to help improve our community.” Coggs-Jones said. She went on to say, “I have always been a soldier for the people, by working in a variety of capacities to make Milwaukee a better place, let me share just a few highlights of the work I have done.”
Priscilla Coggs-Jones was born and raised in the 10th County Supervisory district and is the proud mother of one son.
Darrin Madison Jr. Photo from the candidate.
Knocking doors 6 hours a day in these conditions, there is no way to deny that dealing with the impact of COVID-19 has to be our immediate priority. The pandemic has brought attention to pre-existing inequities that county services must address. For example, the County Housing Division is key to preventing eviction and homelessness.
As County Board Supervisor, I plan to leverage resources by improving intergovernmental partnerships and coordination. People live their lives at the local level.The City and County share responsibility in providing the services that bring vitality and dignity to that life. I will be a bold and unapologetic voice for the community on the County Board.
A native of Milwaukee, and the 10th District, Darrin Madison, Jr. was aware at a young age that the world didn’t value his identity and community socially, Environmentally, and economically. Community activism has been his response to this reality. Darrin found his first place of activism at the Urban Ecology Center at age 9 in the Young Scientist program. At the age of 14, he became an intern. At 15, he joined the community of youth at Urban Underground to create and launch an urban agriculture campaign called “Fresh P.L.A.I.T.S” which encouraged residents to eat organic produce, buy organic produce, and grow their own organic produce. After attending Howard University as a biology major, he returned to Milwaukee to serve as a Public Ally. During this time, he designed and launched the Eco-Neighborhood Initiative for the City of Milwaukee.
His most recent position has been Program Manager at Urban Underground and Youth Justice Milwaukee where he has mentored over 100 youth. Both organizations advocate for positive supports for youth that will develop future leaders, identify youth led solutions to complex issues, and decrease youth incarceration.
Another area of expertise is developing leadership that reflects the community. Darrin has worked as a field lead on campaigns in Milwaukee, Washington, DC, Baltimore and Alaska. With this Special Election, he knew it was his turn to step forward. “The 10th District has a legacy of leadership dedicated to the needs and quality of life in terms of human services. My work in youth justice has given me a deep understanding of how critical county services are to the quality of life in our neighborhoods. Without strong leadership, those services are at risk.”
While it is clear that the County has a serious deficit issue, Madison remains hopeful. “Part of this challenge is the result of decisions made by previous County Boards and outdated service delivery systems. We know different things, we have different leaders. With even more input from the community- we can serve people better AND advocate for change at the state level. Last year the County saved $3M by serving more youth through community programs. This is one example of smart change.”
“In addition, my service as a Fellow for the NYABMOC has trained me in reviewing innovative proposals to improve outcomes for marginalized folks. In short, I have benefitted from the mentorship of up and coming Black leaders and will bring that wisdom to my work as Supervisor for the 10th District.
Milwaukee Board of School Directors – District 4
Aisha Carr. Photo courtesy of Aisha 4 Milwaukee.
Aisha Carr is a single-mother, educator, mentor, and community organizer. Carr is a graduate of both the public and private education sectors, and the single-mother of a soon-to-be high school freshman. She is also the product of the foster-care system and a single-father household. Carr has devoted her entire professional career to the advancement of students of color, fighting for racial and educational equity. She is eager to bring her lifelong commitment to equity and her varied personal and professional experiences to the Milwaukee School Board.
Carr is currently the Opportunity Youth Re-Engagement Director for the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center where she works with youth and young adults between the ages of 16 and 24, to connect them with high quality skills training, family-sustaining employment opportunities, individualized coaching and case-management. As a Culturally Responsive Teacher Leader for the Milwaukee Public School District, she helped pilot MPS’s Black Lives Matter Resolution Course, and facilitated teacher, faculty, and staff professional development training on Comparative Ethnic Studies district-wide. As an MPS Secondary Special Education Teacher and a Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee Community Learning Center Club Manager, Carr’s experience includes community organizing, educational policies, political leadership, and youth employment, skills training, leadership and development.
Carr is a first-generation college graduate, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis. Carr also earned an Urban Special Education Teaching Licensure while serving as a 2013 Teach For America Milwaukee region Corps Member.
Dana Kelley. Photo from the campaign.
I am Rev. Dana Kelley, a servant leader! I am a servant leader in the community of faith, currently serving as Assistant Pastor of The Reviving Faith Movement Church. I am a servant leader in my family, where I serve as the mother of two amazing adult sons (Delvante’ and Tyler Tatum), grandmother to my outstanding GlamSon (Dell Khalid Tatum), and mother-in-love to my beautiful daughter (Khali Jackson). I am a servant leader in the North Side community of Milwaukee, where I serve as Lead Organizer of North Side Rising, a community organizing Co-op of Citizen Action of Wisconsin.
I am a proud alumna of the Milwaukee Public School System and a graduate of North Division High School (Go Blue Devils!!!). I have also completed parts of my higher education through the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Milwaukee Area Technical College.
Milwaukee Board of School Directors – District 5
Alex Brower. Photo from the campaign.
I am running for Milwaukee School Board to create the transformative change that our students and community deserve. This position is crucial for the future of our city. Our public schools are under attack by privatizers, and we need strong, proven leadership to fight and win for our students—no matter their race, gender identity, income level, immigration status, sexuality or disability.
As an MPS educator, past union president and active community leader, I have the vision, experience and drive to deliver this transformative change for our students and city. As president of the substitute teachers’ union for four years, I defied the skeptics and won healthcare benefits for many substitute teachers by engaging in a 21-day hunger strike. I also defeated efforts to privatize our jobs via a temp agency and organized volunteers to knock on hundreds of doors to help win a historic referendum to increase funding for our schools by millions of dollars.
As an active community leader, I am the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans, which fights for retirees alongside labor unions. I am also the elected Treasurer of the Milwaukee Democratic Socialists of America and a leader in the movement for a Green New Deal. As an MPS educator and substitute teacher, I have educated students across our city for more than six years, building a strong reputation as a sought-after, high-quality educator and making lasting and impactful connections with students.
Jilly Gokalgandhi. Photo from Jilly for MPS.
Jilly Gokalgandhi was born in Mumbai, India and immigrated to the United States as a child. Her parents, Bharat and Sangeeta, despite having polio, worked tirelessly to navigate a vastly different system and culture in hopes of providing a brighter future with more opportunity for their children.
A proud product of K-12 public education, Jilly benefited from quality public school teachers, growing up with access to arts, music, and bilingual (English + Spanish) education, inspiring her to advocate for educational equity for all students. Through her career in the Milwaukee, she has worked to build community partnerships for greater support and investment in our public schools.
As a Community Schools Coordinator at Bradley Tech High School, Jilly brought teachers, students, administrators, neighbors and community partners together to ensure student success. This team used collaborative decision making to create school budgets, strategic plans and curricular changes.
Jilly created space for Rockwell Automation employees to connect with Milwaukee Public Schools students through Girls in STEM at Escuela Vieau and Rogers Street Academy and with middle and high school students during Engineers Week. These connections allowed for an authentic encounter over a shared passion.
At Employ Milwaukee, Jilly secured funding and advocated for policies advancing youth workforce development programs at the local, state, and federal level.
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