Josh Zepnick

Burgelis Bests Zepnick For Council Seat

County supervisor wins open Common Council seat.

Marisabel Cabrera Wins Close Judicial Race

Democratic legislator and immigration rights attorney will now serve in circuit court.

2024 Spring Election Results

MPS referendum and county exec, mayor, Common Council and County Board races all on ballot.

Meet the Candidates For City Office

And read the analysis of each race and bios for each candidate.

Burgelis, Zepnick Advance In Southwest Side Aldermanic Race

County supervisor, former state legislator running to replace Mark Borkowski.

Spring Primary Election Results

Mayor, three council seats and a county board seat on ballot.

Mayoral Race Headlines Primary Election

Plus: Three aldermanic races and a county supervisor contest.

Election Commission Boots Griffin From Ballot

Griffin vows appeal, and warns that those involved will 'probably go to prison.'

Mayor Announces Reelection Bid, Kicks Off Spring 2024 Races

Cavalier Johnson seeks a full-term. All city officials are on the ballot.

Zepnick Enters Race To Replace Borkowski

Three candidates now seeking to replace outgoing alderman.

County Online Budgeting Tool Falls Short

Voters who try to use it will find it allows budget cuts in few categories of spending.

County Board Races Finally Settled

Preliminary results show Deanna Alexander won 8-candidate, write-in race in District 18.

Election Shakes Up County Board

Five of 18 supervisors will be new. Longtime Sup. John Weishan, Jr. upset by Peter Burgelis. A sixth new face could be coming.

2022 Milwaukee Spring Election Results

Election results for mayor and county board.

County Board Candidates

Seven districts out of 18 have competitive races. See who is on your ballot.

Milwaukee County Supervisor Candidates Share Views on Domes, Historic Preservation

Candidates respond to Milwaukee Preservation Alliance survey on favorite historic sites and more

3rd Place candidate Saldivar for Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors 12th District endorses Zepnick

2022 Spring Primary Election Results

Election results for race for mayor and three county supervisor races.

County Board District 12 Election Preview

Four candidates, with no incumbent, running for south-side county supervisor seat. Here are their views.

Milwaukee Preservation Alliance February 2022 Milwaukee County Supervisor Candidate Survey

Candidates share views on historic preservation, future of Mitchell Park Domes

Three Candidates for Board’s New Hispanic Districts

Incumbents unopposed in most districts but a majority Hispanic district will be contested.

How to Spend Less On Police

Milwaukee has a huge opportunity to consolidate law enforcement costs.

Five Takeaways from Yesterday’s Election

The race for Terry Witkowski's seat had surprises -- and key lessons.

13th District Common Council Race

Seven candidates vying for seat long held by recently retired Terry Witkowski.

Josh Zepnick announces candidacy for 13th District alderman

“Too many South Side residents feel that the new economic investment either goes to really poor areas or already wealthy areas, with the middle ground often left paying more and more in taxes and fees.”

Six Candidates Seek Aldermanic Job

With Ald. Witkowski resigning, special election has been called, with primary on July 16th.

Contribution to JoCasta Zamarripa of $30

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $25

All the Election Data You Want

It was one for the history books, with many surprising results and newcomers.

23 Election Winners and Losers

Beyond the vote totals, who were the other winners and losers in yesterday’s election?

Candidates for Common Council

Six candidates for 5th District in only primary contest.

Democratic Candidate Guide

Packed Democratic gubernatorial race and county sheriff contest are top items on Tuesday's ballot.

WI Working Families Party endorses Milwaukee County slate for state legislature

Working families champions to build progressive power for county; state residents

Rep. Zepnick – Rejects Call for Milwaukee Police Chief Election

"The suggestion that another political campaign is what Milwaukee needs to hire a Police Chief is beyond absurd and totally unworkable."

No Choice in 36% of Legislative Races

Gerrymandering and decline in number of candidates leaves 2.5 million residents with no choice.

New Federal Program Could Help City

Opportunity Zones law allows tax incentives for distressed areas.

GOP Legislative Districts Heavily White

Republican assembly districts are up to 96% white, senate districts as high as 95% white.

Top 10 State News Stories of 2017

Another historic year in Wisconsin politics created some big headlines.

Sex Can Be Issue in the Capitol

When it becomes harassment how should it be handled?

Statement from State Representative Josh Zepnick

"I apologize to both women for my actions and for any distress that I may have caused."

Dana Wachs calls on Rep. Josh Zepnick to resign following news that he assaulted female staffers

"Frankly, I’m disgusted by the accounts of Rep. Zepnick assaulting two young women at work-related events."

Rep. Zepnick Should Resign

"In light of the two incidences reported on today, I believe Rep. Josh Zepnick should resign."

With Elections Just a Year Away, Legislature Abandons Wisconsin Families

Industrial Acid Mining Bill Will Put Public Health at Risk for Generations

Judge Rebecca Dallet clear choice of Milwaukee County leaders

“I am honored and humbled to have earned the support of these officials, who work every day to make our communities stronger.”

A Tale of Two Millennials

Two young Assembly reps in each party, two very different tales.

Representative Zepnick Supports Marcy’s Law for Wisconsin

“Protecting victim’s rights is of the utmost importance to ensuring justice.”

Drunk Driving Bill Costs $15 Million Per Year

Department of Corrections estimates minimum cost of get-tough bill.

Representative Zepnick Concerned About Legislation Authorizing Constitutional Convention

There is probably not a worse time to have a constitutional convention in our nation

Rebuild The Domes

Joint city-county-state effort should rebuild domes and maximize its tourism potential.

Rep. Zepnick Speaks at Milwaukee Domes Grand Re-Opening, Calls for Community Engagement on Domes’ Next Steps

The grand re-opening event held today was a daylong celebration that included live Christmas music and a holiday floral show.

Final Notes From The Campaign-Trail

After 210 interviews with candidates, some observations on a crazy election.

State Representative Josh Zepnick Applauds Milwaukee County Transportation Budget Proposal

“My colleagues at the state level should recognize the burden being placed on cities and counties across the state and provide a sustainable transportation fix.”

19 Election Winners and Losers

Beyond the candidates, behind the scenes. who won, who lost?

Shepherd Express Endorses Marisabel Cabrera for State Assembly

Major Milwaukee publication believes 9th district needs a strong, smart and active leader

Zepnick Supports Consumer Protection Policies That Lessen Predatory Lending

There are currently no restrictions in Wisconsin preventing payday and car title lenders from gouging customers with high interest rates

Mayor Tom Barrett endorses ReElection of State Representative Josh Zepnick, cites leadership on workforce development

Representative Zepnick is a former Chair of the Milwaukee Delegation and has served two Governors on the Council on Workforce Investment.

Representative Zepnick Attends UMOS Candidate Forum

Opponent Cabrera is a NoShow, Holds Campaign Fundraiser Instead

WEAC recommends Representative Josh Zepnick in 9th Assembly District

Wisconsin students need legislators who stand up for their public schools, teachers say

Democratic Family Feuds

Eight Democratic legislators face primary challengers, but not one GOP legislator does.

South Side State Representative Josh Zepnick Calls on Leon’s Owner to Rescind Policy Requiring English-Only Communications

Zepnick wants owner Ron Schneider to immediately rescind the policy and establish a reasonable set of expectations that addresses both customer service efficiency and treating everyone with respect regardless of their ethnic background.

Marisabel Cabrera Calls Out Josh Zepnick’s Double-Speak

Zepnick claims to be against water privatization, legislative record says otherwise

Bipartisan Way to Reduce Inequality

Increased Earned Income Tax Credit is simple measure that most state residents would favor.

8 Problems With Privatizing Water Utilities

Media has now jumped on the issue, adding more info on why proposed bill is a mistake.

Contribution to Josh Zepnick of $500

Will Bill Privatize Water Utilities?

Proposed law opens door to companies like Aqua America running local water utilities.

Rep. Zepnick Calls for Legislative Action on I-94 Corridor Construction

The overall goals of construction must be: reduced speeding, safer pedestrian and biking routes, and examination of transit only lanes to calm fast-moving traffic that is entering/exiting the Interstate system.

Welcome to the New Layton Boulevard

A just-completed streetscaping and lighting project has enhanced Layton Boulevard.

Rep. Zepnick joins Mayor Barrett and neighborhood leaders to celebrate improved roads near National Ave., Layton Blvd., and S. 27th St.

Two projects possible through nearly $4 million secured by State Rep. Zepnick

State Rep. Josh Zepnick pleads guilty to drunken driving

Assembly Democrats Urge Gov. Walker to Veto Assembly Bill 387 and Assembly Bill 388

Bills Will Have a Devastating Impact on Wisconsin’s Tradition of Clean, Open and Transparent Government

Taking the Pulse of the 2016 Milwaukee Elections

State Rep. Josh Zepnick arrested for drunken driving

Donovan Wants Fewer Police “Chiefs”

And "more Indians." Alderman and mayoral candidate proposes to redo police staffing to cut higher-ups.

Contribution to Terry Witkowski of $50

Contribution to José G. Pérez of $50

Gwen Connolly campaign showing huge momentum

After her opponent this week jumped to the Branch 31 race, Connolly is widely seen as the prohibitive favorite to be the next judge in Branch 44.

Transportation borrowing in Wisconsin is out of control

New revenue is needed now while gas prices are at an all-time low

Family Leave is Necessary for Wisconsin

It helps families and doesn't cost more for companies. Legislation requiring would be a win win.

Transportation Funding too Important to Wait

“Unfortunately, Republicans in Madison aren’t interested in making decisions. Wisconsin deserves answers, and solutions.”

Rep. Zepnick: Calls for Federal Investigation of BP’s Oil Refinery

Calls on Department of Energy to aid in getting refinery up and running

Zepnick’s leadership shines through

Rep. Zepnick Statement on Milwaukee Bucks Arena Signing

Transportation Funding is Critical to State’s Economy

More Borrowing is Fiscally Irresponsible

The Strange Politics of Anti-Streetcar-ites

So when is that referendum coming, and where are those aldermanic opponents?

Contribution to Josh Zepnick of $200

Race for Dudzik’s Seat Could Get Heated

Will anti-streetcar group get involved? And did Journal Sentinel exaggerate the number of candidates?

Contribution to Josh Zepnick of $250

Ald. Dudzik Killed in Motorcycle Crash

Rep. Zepnick Proposes Transportation Funding for Wisconsin Communities

Zepnick’s plan allows cities or counties to tax gasoline at the pump with Wisconsin’s sales tax, and all revenue be placed in a local infrastructure fund

Walker’s Comments on Immigration out of Line

"To hear the Governor saying that these hardworking folks aren’t worthy of being Americans because they came here from somewhere else is deeply troubling."

Zepnick lauds Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of Wisconsin businesses

“Wisconsin citizens should not be worried about being gouged.”

Representative Zepnick responds to attempts to undermine city regulation of Uber and Lyft

"Uber is a success story in Milwaukee and I think one of the reasons is due to reasonable and responsible oversight by local government to ensure public safety."

Zepnick Announces Run for Milwaukee City Council

South Side Democratic Legislator remains focused on improving workforce development with good paying jobs, safe and sound neighborhoods, rebuilding Milwaukee’s public infrastructure, and maintaining a strong education system.

Who Will Lead the Democratic Party?

Five candidates seek the difficult job of trying to revive the minority party in Wisconsin.

Rep. Zepnick Says Ald. Donovan Owes Milwaukee an Apology

"I I hope Bob Donovan does the right thing and stands with the rest of Milwaukee who do not want a public infrastructure debate going into the toilet of racial and fear-mongering tactics."

Representative Zepnick’s comments about local business way off base

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan January 21, 2015

Streetcar Backers Say They Have the Votes

Aldermen Witkowski and Perez now favor it, and touted plan to extend the line into their south-side districts.

Rep. Zepnick Proposes Middle Class Tax Cuts and a Fair and Responsible Transportation Funding

State Representative Josh Zepnick announced a plan today that would offer middle class tax cuts along with a fair and responsible transportation funding plan.

Fendt Fired by Southside Organizing Committee

Had led group 22 years, board members vague on reasons for dumping him.

South 27th Street Construction Delayed Until Spring

State DOT blames bad weather and a regional shortage of concrete for the delay.

Rep. Zepnick calls for cap on Telco late fees

Rep. Josh Zepnick today called to restore the cap on late charges that may be charged to retail consumers of telecommunication services.

Why Wisconsin Has Weak Laws on Drunken Driving

Legislators reject tougher penalties, even for repeat offenders. First of a series.

Zepnick blasts latest MMAC proposal to hit Milwaukee taxpayers

Rep. Josh Zepnick said the latest MMAC proposal to force referendums to raise taxes in Milwaukee is a disaster waiting to happen.

Representative Zepnick: Again Proposes Ideas and Invites Discussion on New Milwaukee Bucks Arena

Rep Zepnick Says No to Old Boys Club Deciding New Arena Plan

Build NBA Arena Next to Potawatomi Casino

City could create TIF district in valley on little-used land, state assemblyman proposes.

In Defense of Milwaukee

City is making progress on foreclosures and the report claiming 40% of mortgages are underwater is hogwash.

Three Milwaukee-area projects win top engineering honors

Work on Three Bridges Park, two major road projects, honored; Rep. Zepnick praises Three Bridges Park as splendid public space

Mary Nohl vs. NIMBY

Proposal to open artist Mary Nohl's home to the public leaves Fox Point residents crying "not in my back yard!"

Jon Richards Will Run for Attorney General

Like Abe Lincoln, Richards has been practicing law all across the state in preparation for his run.

Grand Opening of KK River Bike Trail

Despite rainy weather, Mayor Barrett and a host of politicians celebrated the new bike trail.

Why We Lost the Marsupial Bridge Swings

The city hasn't allocated money to maintain them. Should the nearby Business Improvement District adopt them?

Brewing as a Conceptual Art

Brenner Brewing has a ways to go before it functions as a working brewery. Plus: a fundraiser for the anti-Clarke candidate.

Bradley Prizes Go to Millionaires

Roger Ailes and Mitch Daniels were among four men awarded $250,000 each by the Milwaukee foundation for "unflinching" conservatism.

South Siders Concerned about I-94 Changes

DOT proposals for exits and entrances at 26th and 35th streets worry area residents.

Rep. Barca announces Democratic committee assignments for upcoming legislative session

Today Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) announced the Assembly Democratic members of the standing and joint committees for the 2013-2014 legislative session.

Will State Screw Milwaukee?

Expert condemns state for switching Milwaukee’s foster care funding to help other counties.

Milwaukee Taxi Cab Medallion Bill Passes Assembly

The City of Milwaukee is working on state legislation to allow the City to profit from the sale of additional taxi cab permits (to be called medallions) and address the perceived shortage of taxi cabs in the city. Currently under Wisconsin law, permit and license fees can not exceed the cost to issue said permits. This gives the Common Council and Mayor little incentive to raise the cap on the number of permits (currently capped at the seemingly random number of 321 since 1992), despite the fact that the permits are changing hands in the private market for between $80,000 to $150,000.

State Elections Board Responds to Complaint Against Walker

John Weishan and Gerry Broderick filed an official complaint today with the Wisconsin State Elections Board against Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker.

Voting With The Mayor

Mayor Barrett’s office announced Monday that he would vote at City Hall at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Let My People Shop!

Ald. Zielinski is upset, because Jewel Osco has taken steps to prevent a new grocery store in his district.

Plale Recall Drive Begins

Can a group of south side political activists pull themselves together enough to acquire 13,212 signatures to force a recall election against Sen. Jeff Plale? Rep. Jon Richards said he doubts it. “This thing is going nowhere,” says Rep. Josh Zepnick. “These people are so lazy! They’ve taken out a newspaper ad asking people to come by and sign a recall petition. Who is going to do that?” True enough. To win an election, you’ve got to knock on doors, post signs in windows and do all kinds of grass-rooted activities. There is scant evidence of this in the Plale recall attempt, and absolutely no evidence of it in the northern fringes of Plale’s district, including Brady Street and the East Side. That hasn’t stopped Plale from printing up thousands of football schedules that he is handing out at every turn. The South Milwaukeean made the journey to St. Rita’s Church last week to attend the Brady Street Association monthly meeting where he was asked about the recall. “They’ve got until September 7th to get the signatures to recall me,” Plale told the audience. When told there seemed to be no effort on the East Side to circulate petitions, Plale said, “well, these people wouldn’t know how to find Brady Street.” Plale was also in the Brady Street area for what the neighborhood hopes is an annual Artisinal Food Festival. The gig was held Sunday, July 25th, and Plale was there along with his schedules. The recall effort against him stemmed from his crucial vote to uphold Governor Doyle’s veto of a republican-sponsored measure to limit property tax increases. Plale says the upcoming plans to sponsor a constitutional amendment known as the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights, (TABOR) is similarly flawed, and a potential recipe for disaster. He cites Colorado, a state that has enacted similar provisions into its laws and is now in the midst of its worst fiscal crisis ever. Amendment on the Run The legislature republicans spent the last unedifying session promoting the agenda of Gays, Guns and Gambling. The Madison gang came up with loads of goofy legislation, none of which could sustain a veto by the governor. Leave it to this group to be able to reconvene and pass a constitutional amendment, no less, in just one week. This was the decision of Sen. Mary Panzer, the republican leader who had earlier been criticized for not rushing a Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights law through the Solomonic deliberations of the nation’s most august lawmakers. But, as soon as she faced a primary challenge from Rep.Glenn Grothman, an ambitious fellow republican who covets her senate seat, Panzer decided to schedule a vote for this week. Then, the legislature can go home and come back next year to vote again. Then, finally, the matter will be put to public vote in a referendum, if it is still alive. But, if the legislature does not act by August 5th, the whole procedure would have to be repeated in yet one […]

Who’s on Fifth?

An $89 billion bank is muscling its way into the Milwaukee market, and you read about it here first.

Krug Scores Joint Finance Seat

Rep. Shirley Krug was chosen Monday to take a seat on the influential Joint Committee on Finance