Peter Barca (Dem.), 64th Assembly District
Born Kenosha, August 7, 1955; married; 2 children. Graduate Mary D. Bradford H.S. 1973; B.S. UW-Milwaukee 1977; attended Harvard U.; M.A. UW-Madison 1983. Past president, Aurora Assoc. International. Former CEO, Northpointe Resources; National Ombudsman, USSBA; Midwest Regional Administrator, USSBA. Member: Foundation Bd. of Dir., UW-Parkside; Society for ISCTR (co-founder); WISITALIA (past pres.); Former member: Lake County Econ. Dev. Com. on Small Business (chp.); Com. to Found the Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha (chp.); Lake County Partnership on Econ. Dev. (exec. com.); Small Business Forum of DNC (nat’l co-chair); Kenosha Family and Aging Soc. (bd. mbr.); Kenosha Incubator Assn. (chm.).
Elected to Assembly 1984-1992 (resigned 6/8/93 upon election to U.S. Congress); reelected since 2008. Minority Leader 2013, 2011; Majority Caucus Chairperson 2009, 1993, 1991. Biennial committee assignments: 2013 — Assembly Organization (since 2009, also 1993, 1991); Rules (since 2009, also 1993, 1991); Jt. Com. on Employment Relations (also 2011); Jt. Com. on Information Policy and Technology; Jt. Legislative Council (also 2011); Jt. Com. on Legislative Organization (also 2011); Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Bd. (also 2011). 2009 — Jt. Legis. Audit Com. (co-chp.); Financial Institutions; Jobs, the Economy and Small Business.
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Content referencing Peter Barca
Aranda Leans on Nonpartisan Record in Partisan Fight for 1st District Seat
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Dec 18th, 2025 by Erik Gunn
Can Democrats Defeat Reps Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden?
Incumbents in state's 2 most competitive US House districts are Trump loyalists.
Sep 9th, 2025 by Rich Kremer
What Does Data Show About Wisconsin Voter ID Law?
April 1 referendum would enshrine voter ID into state constitution. What do we know?
Mar 27th, 2025 by Shawn Johnson
Act 10 Still Divides the Capitol
Leaders who passed it all gone, state Supreme Court mostly different, as battle renewed.
Dec 9th, 2024 by Steven Walters
Steil, Barca At Odds In Southeastern Wisconsin Congressional Race
The race between US Rep. Bryan Steil and Democratic challenger Peter Barca hold differing views on many issues.
Oct 19th, 2024 by Evan Casey
Tim Walz Champions Unions in Milwaukee Labor Day Appearance
The Democratic nominee for vice president delivered a rallying speech at Laborfest.
Sep 2nd, 2024 by Sophie Bolich
Wisconsin Democrats Rally Around High Stakes 2024 Election
But state convention shows division, protest against Baldwin on Israel-Palestine issue.
Jun 10th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Barca Announces Run For Congress, Challenging Steil
Peter Barca, a Democrat, stepped down as secretary of Wisconsin’s Department of Revenue earlier this month.
Apr 18th, 2024 by Evan Casey
Evers Picks New Department of Revenue Secretary
David Casey will replace Peter Barca, who stepped down from cabinet post.
Apr 15th, 2024 by Sarah Lehr
State Department of Revenue Secretary Barca Will Resign in April
Peter Barca, a political veteran, is reportedly eyeing a congressional race.
Mar 29th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Only 10 of State’s 56 Races for Circuit Court Judge Are Contested
Just one of 12 judges in Milwaukee County face an opponent on April ballot.
Mar 28th, 2024 by Henry Redman
Capitol Has New Generation of Leaders
44% of Legislature's 132 members changed in last four years.
Apr 24th, 2023 by Steven Walters
Microsoft Will Pay $50 Million For Mount Pleasant Data Center Site
Some of the money will go to Foxconn.
Apr 20th, 2023 by Evan Casey
Wisconsin Legislature Increases Reckless Driving Penalties
Senate vote sends proposal to governor's desk. Democrats blast GOP inaction.
Apr 20th, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Republicans Holding Confirmation Hearings For Gov. Evers’ New Appointees
Agriculture, DNR secretaries get hearings, a marked change from Evers' last term.
Mar 16th, 2023 by Henry Redman
Evers’ Tax Cut Plan Is Far Reaching
Detailed plan has many provisions, lowers taxes on four of five taxpayers in state.
Feb 21st, 2023 by Erik Gunn
Evers Proposes Tax Cuts Using Budget Surplus
Republican lawmakers rejected a similar plan earlier this year.
Aug 23rd, 2022 by Jenny Peek
House Districts’ Maps Protect Incumbents
State's 8 congressional districts typically won by incumbents, resulting in long tenure.
Jun 13th, 2022 by Steven Walters
State Expects $3.8 Billion Surplus
Moving toward strongest financial position in 50 years.
Apr 26th, 2022 by Deneen Smith
History Suggests Ron Kind Will Win Reelection
Democratic congressman faces rematch against Derrick Van Orden. Just 15% of such efforts have succeeded since 1848 in Wisconsin.
Aug 3rd, 2021 by Dr. Eric Ostermeier
Can Newcomer Turn a Red Seat Blue?
Republicans have held 1st Congressional District for three decades. Ann Roe seeks an upset.
Jul 26th, 2021 by Erik Gunn
Parties Bash Heads on State Budget
Evers budget and Republican proposals are miles apart. A compromise won’t be easy.
Apr 12th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Where Are Act 10 Players Today?
Governor and three-fourths of legislators engaged in 2011 battle over law crushing public unions have moved on.
Mar 1st, 2021 by Steven Walters
PPP Business Expense Tax Break Approved by Committee
Democrats tried to narrow the tax break on expenses paid for with federal relief money.
Feb 11th, 2021 by Erik Gunn
Milwaukee Leaders Plead for 1% Sales Tax
Stark statistics presented at legislative hearing. But some GOP lawmakers unmoved.
Mar 16th, 2020 by Steven Walters
Clock Ticking for Legislature
Short session, just two months planned for 2020. Can two parties agree on any legislation?
Jan 7th, 2020 by Melanie Conklin
Senate Democrats Offer 2020 Agenda
Shilling pushes homeless funding and closing dark store tax loophole.
Dec 24th, 2019 by Laurel White
Legislators Got $2 Million During Budget
Twice as much donated to Republican lawmakers by special interest groups.
Nov 22nd, 2019 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Senate Fires State Agriculture Secretary
Every Republican votes not to approve Evers appointee Brad Pfaff.
Nov 6th, 2019 by Laurel White
State Targets Payroll Tax Fraud
50 investigations by Department of Revenue of companies suspected of cheating workers on pay.
Sep 3rd, 2019 by Erik Gunn
Pade To Run Against GOP Rep. Bryan Steil
Steil succeeded Paul Ryan in congressional seat held by Republicans for 25 years.
Aug 14th, 2019 by Erik Gunn
A New Generation of Political Leaders
GenXers and Millennials are replacing Baby Boomers in political office.
May 6th, 2019 by Steven Walters
Republicans Oppose Gerrymandering
Voters overwhelmingly favor fair maps, yet Vos spends millions in taxes to fight this.
Jan 29th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Evers Taps Barca, Former Obama Official
Rep. Barca will run revenue department, Andrea Palm will run Health Services.
Jan 4th, 2019 by Shawn Johnson
No Choice in 36% of Legislative Races
Gerrymandering and decline in number of candidates leaves 2.5 million residents with no choice.
Jun 14th, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Six Questions for Democratic Convention
Can the party revive in Wisconsin? That depends on these six questions.
May 28th, 2018 by Steven Walters
GOP Legislative Districts Heavily White
Republican assembly districts are up to 96% white, senate districts as high as 95% white.
Jan 15th, 2018 by Wisconsin Democracy Campaign
Top 10 State News Stories of 2017
Another historic year in Wisconsin politics created some big headlines.
Jan 2nd, 2018 by Steven Walters
How CROWE Can Help State Economy
The launching of UW-Madison Center for Research on the Wisconsin Economy is much needed.
Nov 1st, 2017 by John Torinus
Democrats’ Leadership Blender Claws Barca
Barca’s Foxconn vote played a role in his being dumped as Assembly Democratic Leader.
Sep 25th, 2017 by Steven Walters
A Tale of Two Millennials
Two young Assembly reps in each party, two very different tales.
Sep 5th, 2017 by Steven Walters
Foxconn Loves Wisconsin, Walker
Gou says governor is top reason Foxconn coming. Abele has county site in play.
Jul 27th, 2017 by Jeramey Jannene
Medicaid Expansion Could Save $380 Million
Total savings to taxpayers lost by June 2019: $1.07 billion.
Apr 11th, 2017 by Jon Peacock
Senators Give Themselves 31% Increase
In non-public meeting they approve 31% raise in their per day expenses.
Feb 27th, 2017 by Matt Rothschild
Senators Want 31% Hike In Expenses
Republicans want per diem pay raise, but oppose minimum wage increase for state workers.
Feb 3rd, 2017 by Matt Rothschild
Assembly Dems Point Way to Reform
Their Clean Elections Act seeks to fix broken campaign finance law.
Oct 25th, 2016 by Matt Rothschild
Assembly GOP Upstage Walker’s Budget
Republican leaders announce “Forward” agenda, six months before Gov. Walker gives his 2017-19 budget to the new Legislature.
Sep 12th, 2016 by Steven Walters
Mexico Opens 50th US Consulate Here
A big turnout of American and Mexican politicians with "Trumpism" in the air.
Aug 31st, 2016 by Michael Horne
New Commission Must Resolve Voting Mess
Partisan Elections Commission replaced state GAB; how will it perform?
Aug 15th, 2016 by Steven Walters
4 Issues Democrats Will Use Against GOP
Party leaders expect running on these issues will elect Democrats on Nov. 8.
Aug 1st, 2016 by Steven Walters
Lawmakers Battle Over High Capacity Wells
Are they drawing down streams and lakes? Republican and Democratic lawmakers disagree.
Jul 18th, 2016 by Steven Walters
Atty Mark Thomsen’s Tudor Mansion
New appointee to state Elections Commission overhauled his East Side mansion.
Jun 17th, 2016 by Michael Horne
The Comeback That Never Came
Fact checking Gov. Walker’s claims of economic recovery show a state being left behind.
May 11th, 2016 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Five Years After Act 10
Most players in the contentious Act 10 drama have since moved on to other positions.
Mar 14th, 2016 by Steven Walters
Has Walker Shrunk Wisconsin’s Economy?
Both Barca and Trump blame him. But what does the data show? Second in series.
Feb 4th, 2016 by Bruce Thompson
Concerns Linger Over “Transitory” Records
State Public Records Board rescinds earlier decision restricting open records but loophole remains.
Feb 2nd, 2016 by Christa Westerberg
The Walker Agenda Is Failing
The result is rising job layoffs, a shrinking middle class, and nation's third-worst roads.
Jan 27th, 2016 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Marcus Center Cast Into Limbo
No one seems to agree with Abele's plan to have it absorbed by sprawling Wisconsin Center District.
Dec 14th, 2015 by Virginia Small
Donovan Wants Fewer Police “Chiefs”
And "more Indians." Alderman and mayoral candidate proposes to redo police staffing to cut higher-ups.
Oct 29th, 2015 by Michael Horne
The Revenge of Scott Walker?
Law killing John Doe law assures no more such probes targeting him. But was reform needed?
Oct 27th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
Why GAB Must Be Disbanded
Government Accountability Board abused its power and had secret email system.
Oct 22nd, 2015 by Brian Sikma
Campaign Finance Law Opens Door to Corruption
Will gut campaign finance restrictions and end Wisconsin's good government tradition.
Oct 19th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
A New Model for Growing Jobs in Wisconsin
Plan would eliminate WEDC and consolidate economic development programs back into a state agency.
Sep 22nd, 2015 by Peter Barca and Julie Lassa
Jobs Lacking After State Subsidy of Kohl’s
After qualifying for up to $62.5 million in state taxpayer subsidies, the retail giant is falling short of creating jobs and making capital investments
Sep 21st, 2015 by Dee J. Hall and Tara Golshan
Budget Forces ‘20% Reduction’ In Highway Projects
Budget reduction will raise the final costs of all projects
Sep 14th, 2015 by Steven Walters
The Explosive Growth of School Choice
It’s grown 78% in four years, now puts 32,100 kids in private schools
Sep 8th, 2015 by Steven Walters
Wisconsin Deserved Better Than This Budget
Democrats proposed more than 50 amendments and Republicans rejected every one.
Jul 16th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
Walker Is Radical Even Among Republicans
Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca calls Walker a "petri dish" for extremism.
Jul 14th, 2015 by State Rep. Peter Barca
No Christmas In May For Republicans
Tax collections haven’t risen so GOP lawmakers may have to swallow Walker budget cuts they opposed.
May 11th, 2015 by Steven Walters
Who Will Lead the Democratic Party?
Five candidates seek the difficult job of trying to revive the minority party in Wisconsin.
Mar 23rd, 2015 by Steven Walters
Huge Growth for Brady and Water
Three different developments will add 740 apartments and tremendous urban density to the area.
Feb 16th, 2015 by Dave Reid
How Could Walker Refuse Incredible Deal?
Kenosha casino would pay entire taxpayer bill for NBA arena and up to $275 million for any (unlikely) litigation costs. And Walker says no?
Feb 12th, 2015 by Bruce Murphy
State Subsidizes Company With Safety Violations
Ashley Furniture gets $6.7 million from job agency, has federal fines for more than 1,000 worker injuries.
Feb 8th, 2015 by Madeleine Behr
Controversy Over Assembly Members Per Diems
Is the 56% increase in legislators' daily expenses "outrageous" or overdue?
Jan 28th, 2015 by Bill Lueders
Who Will Lead the Democrats?
The party badly needs leadership, but the bench looks thin. Here are the likely candidates.
Nov 17th, 2014 by Steven Walters
The Battle Between Walker and Burke
They are two wildly different personalities with quite different agendas. A frank look at both candidates for governor.
Oct 24th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Handicapping the Democratic Race for Attorney General
Jon Richards is the favorite. But is he the best choice?
Aug 7th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Happy Days Are Here Again
Gov. Walker’s State-of-the-State speech will be singing a very positive song.
Jan 20th, 2014 by Steven Walters
Telephone Company Rip-Off
Now that the telecom industry is deregulated, AT&T can gouge customers with late fees.
Jan 7th, 2014 by Bruce Murphy
Minnesota Trumps Wisconsin on Health Care
By cooperating with Obamacare Minnesota will cover 225,000 more people and spend $104 million less than Wisconsin.
Dec 27th, 2013 by Nora G. Hertel and James Nord
Southeast Wisconsin Rules the Capitol
Almost every Republican -- and Democratic -- leader is from a small part of the state.
Sep 16th, 2013 by Steven Walters
Who Will Run Against Walker?
The list of possible candidates isn't long, as discussions at the state Democratic convention made clear.
Jun 17th, 2013 by Steven Walters
Peter Barca for Governor?
Some Democratic insiders see Assembly minority leader Peter Barca as the best hope to run against Scott Walker.
May 28th, 2013 by Steven Walters
Democrats in Disarray
The firing of its state spokesperson is just another sign the party has lost its way.
Mar 12th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
Super Scott
Democrats continue to underestimate Walker, even as he radically transforms the state.
Feb 28th, 2013 by Bruce Murphy
The Secret Lobbyists
Lobbyists must register to lobby the legislature but can work in secret to get the big money from government contracts. Why?
Jan 24th, 2013 by Bill Lueders
RTA Will Be a Last Minute Decision
The vote on the future of regional transit that was scheduled for a vote by the Wisconsin State Assembly on Tuesday didn't actually happen, but a lot of small actions leading up to it did.
Apr 21st, 2010 by Jeramey Jannene
