Despite Criticism, Challengers, Voters Keep Electing Ryan Clancy
After past clashes over Act 12 and foreign policy, the 19th District sticks with its outspoken incumbent Democrat.
Ryan Clancy and Bridget Maniaci.
Rep. Ryan Clancy (D-Milwaukee) cruised to victory Tuesday, defeating Democratic primary challenger Bridget Maniaci in his reelection bid.
Clancy, according to unofficial county results, earned 8,257 votes (54.3%) to Maniaci’s 6,914 (45.5%).
It’s the second time in as many election cycles he has defeated a more moderate Democratic challenger.
The 19th Assembly District, one of the state’s most Democratic-leaning and highest turnout districts, runs along Milwaukee’s lakefront from the East Side to the northern half of Bay View. It includes the eastern half of Downtown and a small portion of Riverwest.
Clancy was first elected in 2022, running unopposed to replace Jonathan Brostoff, who was elected to the Milwaukee Common Council. He served on the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors from 2020 to 2024, maintaining his nonpartisan seat after being elected to the Assembly.
A Democratic Socialists of America member who has engendered criticism for his focus on global issues and willingness to publicly disagree with Democratic colleagues, Clancy was challenged by attorney Jarrod Anderson in 2024. Anderson picked up endorsements from Mayor Cavalier Johnson, County Executive David Crowley and County Board Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell, in part for Clancy’s opposition to Act 12, the 2023 sales tax law.
Maniaci earned the endorsement of Clancy’s former board colleagues Sheldon Wasserman and Liz Sumner, but Johnson and Crowley didn’t publicly endorse her.
A native of Milwaukee, Maniaci previously served as a Madison alderwoman from 2009 to 2013. She now owns and operates GoodLand Home & Goods on the city’s East Side.
Clancy is endorsed by Sen. Chris Larson, gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong, representatives Supreme Moore Omokunde, Darrin Madison, Christian Phelps, Angelina Cruz and Angelito Tenorio, Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic, supervisors Justin Bielinski, Juan Miguel Martinez, Steven Shea and Caroline Gómez-Tom and several labor unions.
His wife, Becky Cooper-Clancy, serves as the campaign manager for Hong’s gubernatorial campaign.
He faces Republican Yasmine B. Outlaw in the November general election.
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Political Contributions Tracker
Displaying political contributions between people mentioned in this story. Learn more.
- July 12, 2025 - Cavalier Johnson received $50 from Bridget Maniaci
- April 28, 2019 - Marina Dimitrijevic received $100 from Ryan Clancy
- April 5, 2019 - Marina Dimitrijevic received $25 from Ryan Clancy
- December 24, 2015 - David Crowley received $35 from Bridget Maniaci
- October 15, 2015 - Cavalier Johnson received $100 from Sheldon Wasserman
- August 13, 2015 - Cavalier Johnson received $25 from David Crowley
