Robert ‘Bob’ Donovan served as alderman for District 8 from 2000 to 2020. He was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2022.
Born in 1956 and raised on Milwaukee’s South Side, Donovan is a graduate of Thomas More High School and has attended both St. Francis De Sales College and UW-Milwaukee and has taken additional courses at Marquette University.
During his time on the Common Council, Donovan was an outspoken advocate for rank-and-file police officers.
He challenged Tom Barrett for mayor in 2016, losing 70-30.
Donovan decided not to run for reelection in 2020, but announced a campaign for mayor in 2021 after Barrett was nominated to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg.
On Feb. 15, 2022 Donovan came in second in a primary for mayor, earning 22.28% of the vote (13,742 votes). He listed to Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson in the April 5, 2022 general election.
He was elected to the Assembly in 2022 and reelected in 2024.
Content referencing Bob Donovan - Page 2
Thug responsible for assault at George Webb now in custody
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - July 25, 2018
Jul 25th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Illegal drugs are strangling the life out of our neighborhoods
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - July 19, 2018
Jul 19th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
At this point the Journal Sentinel owes Alderman Zielinski an apology
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - June 27, 2018
Jun 27th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Council approves FPC executive director measure, OKs move to push for hiring seasonal police officers
News release from Alderman Bob Donovan
Jun 20th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Aldermen urge further interviews in Health Department investigation
News release from Alderman Bob Donovan and Alderman Mark A. Borkowski
Jun 5th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Sterling Brown case leaves us with many unanswered questions
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - May 24, 2018
May 24th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Has policing in urban America become an undoable job?
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - May 23, 2018
May 23rd, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Officers Deserve Our Thanks – Not Armchair Quarterbacking
The officers responded to a call for help concerning an out-of-control individual who appeared to be under the influence of drugs and/or mentally disturbed.
May 4th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Legislation mandates lead water lines replacement at child care facilities
This mandate applies to both publicly-owned and privately-owned portions of lead service lines.
Apr 26th, 2018 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Aldermen ask Mayor Barrett to step down if he enters race for Governor
Media advisory and letter from Alderman Bob Donovan and Alderman Mark A. Borkowski
Apr 25th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Mayor’s firing of the executive director of the Fire and Police Commission most disappointing
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - April 23, 2018
Apr 23rd, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Ascension announces pause to service downsizing at St. Joseph
Press release from Alders Khalif J. Rainey, Michael Murphy and Bob Donovan
Apr 18th, 2018 by Ald. Khalif Rainey
Council approves Ascension service retention measure
"Citizens across our city rely on Ascension facilities for care..."
Apr 17th, 2018 by Ald. Khalif Rainey
Is St. Francis Hospital next on the chopping block?
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - April 10, 2018
Apr 10th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Watching MPD closely during a critical transition period
Joint Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan, Alderman José G. Pérez and Alderman Mark A. Borkowski - March 19, 2018
Mar 19th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Oscar’s Winner’s Circle grand opening set for Monday
11 a.m. on Monday, March 19
Mar 16th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Wave of MPD retirements puts public safety at risk, new interim chief in difficult position
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - March 1, 2018
Mar 1st, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Mayor Barrett: 14 years in office and not a plan in sight
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - February 26, 2018
Feb 26th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Even car thieves think judges are soft
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - February 16, 2018
Feb 16th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Council Members Congratulate Interim Police Chief on Appointment
We stand ready to work with him to move forward as a united community for the good of all residents.
Feb 16th, 2018 by Milwaukee Common Council
Gag Order for Health Department Employees Lifted by Mayor
I am pleased that Mayor Barrett rescinded the policy, because whether in writing or not it is a culture that has existed for years in city government.
Feb 1st, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Common Council Alerts At-Risk Populations of Lead Risks After City of Milwaukee Health Department Fails to Notify Public
"If the public’s health is not the highest priority in this community, please tell me what is?"
Jan 31st, 2018 by Milwaukee Common Council
Mayor’s Involvement in Incident with Bucks Player Disturbing
The sheer hypocrisy concerns me and should concern every citizen in Milwaukee.
Jan 30th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Aldermen Ask City Attorney for Legality of Paul Nannis’ position
Mr. Nannis was appointed Commissioner of the Milwaukee Health Department by Mayor Tom Barrett and has reportedly already reported for work, but his appointment has not been confirmed by the full Common Council.
Jan 29th, 2018 by Milwaukee Common Council
Commissioner Baker’s departure leaves us all with many, many questions
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - January 16, 2018
Jan 16th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Council set to act on Health Department crisis
Joint statement from the Milwaukee Common Council
Jan 12th, 2018 by Milwaukee Common Council
Common Council Statement on Flynn Retirement
Statement from the Common Council - January 8th, 2018
Jan 8th, 2018 by Milwaukee Common Council
Council committee passes Green Alert system measure
News release from Alderman Khalif J. Rainey
Jan 5th, 2018 by Ald. Khalif Rainey
A note of thanks to the Red Cross
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - January 3, 2018
Jan 3rd, 2018 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Alderman Murphy and Alderman Pérez encouraged by Chief Flynn and Mayor’s new stance on traffic enforcement policy
Ald. Murphy and Ald. Pérez look forward to further changes being implemented on the roadways to ensure safety.
Dec 21st, 2017 by Ald. Michael Murphy
Alderman Bauman’s bullying of Assistant City Attorney is unacceptable
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - December 6, 2017
Dec 6th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Bill impacting makeup of Fire and Police Commission makes sense
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - November 1, 2017
Nov 1st, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Three parking checkers shot at in two separate incidents
News release from Aldermen Bob Donovan, Tony Zielinski and Mark A. Borkowski
Oct 27th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Mayor Barrett needs to start listening to the people
New MU poll shows 66% of Milwaukeeans think the streetcar is a waste of money
Oct 24th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Citizens of Milwaukee
For the 14th consecutive budget, Mayor Barrett is going to cut your fire department.
Oct 6th, 2017 by Milwaukee Professional Fire Fighters’ AssociationLocal 215
The Streetcar, Public Safety and Our Budget Crisis An Honest Assessment of Milwaukee’s Status Quo
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - October 4, 2017
Oct 4th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Alderman Donovan requests state select committee to study Milwaukee’s fiscal crisis
News release and letters from Alderman Bob Donovan
Sep 27th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Alderman Zielinski leads new initiative to crack down on crime while offering educational opportunities
The model for the COP House has reduced crime by up to 70 percent in some areas that are using the program.
Sep 1st, 2017 by Ald. Tony Zielinski
Alderman Bob Donovan calls assault on MPS teacher disturbing, and calls for criminal charges
Alderman Bob Donovan reacts to MPS teacher assault
Aug 23rd, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
The Fire & Police Commission Deserves Mayor Barrett’s Support
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - July 28, 2017
Jul 28th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Eliminating community prosecutors very, very bad for Milwaukee
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - July 24, 2017
Jul 24th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
National Water Expert Retracts Criticism of City Health Department
This letter is written as an addendum and correction to my July 11, 2017 communication.
Jul 14th, 2017 by City of Milwaukee Health Department
Will the D.A. and MPD approach to prostitution make a difference? I have my doubts
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - July 13, 2017
Jul 13th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
The scourge of out of control prostitution, drugs
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - June 29, 2017
Jun 29th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Continued state cigarette subsidy for Native American tribes disappointing
$68.7 million subsidy ought to go to bolster public safety, Alderman Donovan says
May 24th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Additional state funding for foot and bike officers – a plus for Milwaukee
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan May 18, 2017
May 18th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Kansas City, KS reverses pursuit policy to address “skyrocketing crime
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan May 15, 2017
May 15th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Time to create new local sales tax for public safety Statement
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - May 10, 2017
May 10th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Councilmen opposed to downgrade in preference points for military veterans
News release from Aldermen Bob Donovan and Mark A. Borkowski
May 5th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Thirteen Council members demand action from MPD, FPC
Seek re-prioritization of traffic enforcement, immediate review of no pursuit policy
Apr 20th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Gun-toting ‘scary and prolific’ auto thief kept in broken juvenile justice system
Disturbing video raises many questions about judge’s decision
Apr 4th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Board approves Operation Impact’s expansion into 14th Aldermanic District
Joint news release from Alderman Bob Donovan and Alderman Tony Zielinski
Mar 20th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Two more shootings – when will Milwaukee wake up?
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan February 20, 2017
Feb 20th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Fire house shooting sickens me
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan February 17, 2017
Feb 17th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
City sues to shut down properties linked to drugs, prostitution
Landlord allegedly knew widespread illegal activities were taking place
Feb 14th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Launch of key Promise Zone effort to be announced Tuesday
City Hall event Jan 31 to be hosted by Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton
Jan 30th, 2017 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Surveillance cameras, alley lighting to continue with Potawatomi grant
The grant will help continued funding for surveillance cameras monitoring business and residential areas.
Jan 17th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Donovan, Borkowski invite President-Elect Trump to Milwaukee
Aldermen reach out to PEOTUS, feds for help with public safety issues
Jan 4th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Council members call on Chief to boost South Side officer staffing
Members seek MPD officer increases in Police Districts Two and Six
Nov 17th, 2016 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Protests and Play-Doh therapy? Enough already!
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan November 11, 2016
Nov 11th, 2016 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Joint letter to DA John Chisholm
Joint letter from members of the Common Council to District Attorney Chisholm
Oct 28th, 2016 by Milwaukee Common Council
Poll shows respect for police nears all-time high – go figure
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan October 25, 2016
Oct 25th, 2016 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
City hearings on public safety issues to be held throughout October
News release from Alds. Ashanti Hamilton & Bob Donovan
Sep 27th, 2016 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Ald. Donovan urges seven community meetings on public safety action plan
Mayor, police chief, Fire and Police Commission members and Council members would be invited to attend
Sep 14th, 2016 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Mayor: Strongly urging owners, residents to install water filters for lead
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan---September 7, 2016
Sep 7th, 2016 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Abele’s “asinine” comment regarding Public Safety Action Plan way off base
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan September 6, 2016
Sep 6th, 2016 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Rahm Emanuel and Chicago get it—How about Milwaukee?
Chicago to hire hundreds of new officers to address deadly violence
Sep 2nd, 2016 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Twenty Milwaukee Organizations Express Serious Misgivings with Proposed Public Safety Action Plan
We are writing on behalf of an array of community groups to express our serious misgivings regarding the recently released draft “Public Safety Action Plan.”
Aug 31st, 2016 by American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin
Mayor Barrett, I respectfully disagree
Alderman Donovan calls for all-out curfew
Aug 15th, 2016 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Common Ground and Common Council Leaders Commit to For Neighborhoods & Youth in 2017 City Budget
Leaders asked elected officials to commit to up to $7 million in capital investment for the funding of an indoor sports complex on the South side for youth sports as well as other recreational, educational and cultural activities.
Aug 14th, 2016 by Common Ground Southeastern Wisconsin
Support the Blue Day rally to feature President Hamilton, Aldermen Donovan and Borkowski
“I urge citizens to come out and show their support for our brave officers,” said Alderman Bob Donovan.
Aug 9th, 2016 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Final session in series of special Public Safety Committee meetings set for Monday
The effort is part of a larger Common Council initiative to engage community members, civic leaders and police in combatting the epidemic of criminal activity in the City of Milwaukee.
Jul 22nd, 2016 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Outrage at ambush of MPD officer & other police shootings
Joint Statement from All Members of the Common Council
Jul 19th, 2016 by Milwaukee Common Council
Taking “Home” out of Home Rule
Joint Statement from All Members of the Common Council
Jun 24th, 2016 by Milwaukee Common Council
Common Council leading the way on multi-pronged public safety effort
Council president and members issue “All Hands Call” for peace
Jun 2nd, 2016 by Ald. Ashanti Hamilton
Time to reopen Ethan Allen
Alderman Donovan: “Why it was closed in the first place is beyond me”
May 23rd, 2016 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Let’s get to the root of the problem
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan May 20, 2016
May 20th, 2016 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Ald. Donovan to help dedicate memorial tree for late MPD officer
“As the longtime community liaison officer in District Six, Mark knew everyone and was well loved by businesses and residents in the community he served.”
Apr 22nd, 2016 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Diverse coalition voices support for Alderman Hamilton as Council President
A diverse group of newly-elected and newly re-elected members of the Milwaukee Common Council today voiced their support for Alderman Ashanti Hamilton to serve as the next Common Council President.
Apr 18th, 2016 by Ald. Milele Coggs
Meet the Republican Candidate for Mayor, Bob Donovan
Instead of actually helping to make Milwaukee a safer place to live, Donovan has voted against increasing law enforcement officers four times in recent years.
Feb 25th, 2016 by Democratic Party of Milwaukee County
Milwaukee auto theft epidemic out of control, sparking “street justice”
Ald. Donovan to hold Thursday news conference on near south side
Feb 10th, 2016 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
James Methu’s Statement on Economic Development in Milwaukee
“The current regime has diverted community development block grants funds and mismanaged them, not using them properly.”
Jan 27th, 2016 by James Methu
Skyrocketing auto thefts a symptom of larger issues
Ald. Donovan blames officer shortage, no pursuit policy and lenient courts
Nov 4th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Barrett’s Chief of Staff misses mark (and has a short memory!)
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan October 29, 2015
Oct 29th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Barrett Administration misleading public on fire department staffing
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan October 26, 2015
Oct 26th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
MFD brownouts diminish Milwaukee’s fire safety
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan October 22, 2015
Oct 22nd, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
The “Donut Effect” and Milwaukee’s suffocating poverty
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan September 17, 2015
Sep 17th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Let’s give real credit where credit is due
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan September 14, 2015
Sep 14th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Police officers deserve our support always, and especially during these difficult days
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan September 8, 2015
Sep 8th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Body cameras = more politics than policing
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan August 31, 2015
Aug 31st, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Chief Flynn’s gun violence comments disappointing
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan August 28, 2015
Aug 28th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Asking for Sheriff Clarke’s help to stem south side auto theft crisis
243% increase in 8th Aldermanic District in five years
Aug 4th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Milwaukee’s public safety crisis increasing fear, frustration of residents
Administration’s own policies fueling more crime, violence and mayhem
Jul 28th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Rash of morning street robberies on city’s near south side
Joint statement from Alderman Bob Donovan and Alderman José G. Pérez July 22, 2015
Jul 22nd, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Disturbing car theft trend on south side – motorists beware
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan July 15, 2015
Jul 15th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Citizen victimized twice – first by bad guys, and then by the city
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan July 10, 2015
Jul 10th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
To stop the violence, honesty and hard choices are needed
Perhaps my opponent is right, but perhaps he's not.
Jul 7th, 2015 by Sup. Justin Bielinski
Alderman Donovan calls on mayor to mediate transit dispute
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan July 1, 2015
Jul 1st, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Milwaukee a safe city? Utter nonsense
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan June 26, 2015
Jun 26th, 2015 by State Rep. Bob Donovan
Students create intersection mural for their neighborhood and learn civic engagement
A.W.E., LBWN partner with MPS Doerfler Elementary students to create intersection mural, teach civics
May 28th, 2015 by Artists Working in Education
