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 4
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 DonovanAldermen 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 DonovanWill People’s Flag Become Official Milwaukee Flag?
Trio of council members introduce resolution to change city flag.
May 31st, 2018 by Jeramey JannenePolice Reform Needed, Say Council Members
Brown incident proves problem, changes needed, Hamilton, Coggs say at press conference.
May 24th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneSterling Brown case leaves us with many unanswered questions
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - May 24, 2018
May 24th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob DonovanAld. Bohl Resigns, Takes Lobbying Job
And full council approves La Keisha Butler as head of Fire and Police Commission.
May 24th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneHas policing in urban America become an undoable job?
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - May 23, 2018
May 23rd, 2018 by State Rep. Bob DonovanWho Will Build Next Downtown Tower?
Choice parcel of land now on the market. Who will buy and build there?
May 20th, 2018 by Graham KilmerState Street Will Become Two Way
Remaining portion of one-way street to be converted to two-way traffic for safety, ease of access.
May 17th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneMayor, Council Play Musical Chairs
New appointments open door for Ald. Jim Bohl to leave his elected position for lobbyist job.
May 17th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneOfficers 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 DonovanWhy St. Joseph Hospital Is Targeted
It’s all about greed by “non-profits,” chasing revenues and big salaries.
Apr 27th, 2018 by Bruce MurphyLegislation 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 CoggsAldermen 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 Donovan4th St. Will Become Vel. R. Phillips Ave.
Major downtown street to be renamed for Milwaukee leader and civil rights pioneer.
Apr 25th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneChild Care Centers Still Have Lead Pipes
City has so far replaced lead service lines at 163 of 347 facilities.
Apr 23rd, 2018 by Edgar MendezMayor’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 DonovanAscension 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 RaineyCouncil approves Ascension service retention measure
"Citizens across our city rely on Ascension facilities for care..."
Apr 17th, 2018 by Ald. Khalif RaineyIs St. Francis Hospital next on the chopping block?
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - April 10, 2018
Apr 10th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob DonovanMilwaukee Bans Conversion Therapy
Controversial therapy tries to transform LGBT teens into heterosexuals.
Mar 27th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneWatching 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 DonovanOscar’s Winner’s Circle grand opening set for Monday
11 a.m. on Monday, March 19
Mar 16th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob DonovanSobelman’s Is Deliciously Historic
Unique Schlitz tavern from 1889 has great heritage, great PR, great burgers.
Mar 14th, 2018 by Michael HorneWave 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 DonovanCity Will Contest Foxconn Power Deal
City Attorney will contest $117 million Foxconn subsidy charged to We Energies customers.
Feb 27th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneMayor 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 DonovanMcManus Lays Out Three Priorities for Health Department
Baker issues a statement defending his actions. Are city hospitals going to close?
Feb 23rd, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneRevitalizing Silver City
New restaurant will anchor redeveloped building on W. National Ave.
Feb 21st, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneEven car thieves think judges are soft
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - February 16, 2018
Feb 16th, 2018 by State Rep. Bob DonovanCouncil 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 CouncilThe Rise of Reckless Driving
Vehicles speeding, running red lights causing more deaths, hit-and-run accidents.
Feb 15th, 2018 by Elliot HughesBarrett Withdraws Nannis Nomination
Interim Health Dept leader at issue, as City Hall infighting hits new highs.
Feb 5th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneGag 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 DonovanCommon 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 CouncilMayor’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 DonovanCity Report Finds Health Dept. Problems
Records missing for 30 homes with lead problems. Funding, staff reductions an issue.
Jan 30th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Could Reject Interim Health Leader
Eight aldermen question legality of Nannis appointment to run Health Department.
Jan 30th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneAldermen 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$750 Million to Replace Lead Pipes
Solutions to city's lead laterals expensive and not simple, council members find.
Jan 24th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneAmerica’s Leading Concertina Bar
Formerly Altenburg's, now Kochanski's, still preserving an old Milwaukee tradition.
Jan 18th, 2018 by Michael HorneCouncil Grills Mayor, City Health Staff
Tense meeting with unprecedented scrutiny of mayor and few answers from staff.
Jan 17th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneCity Settles with American Sewer
Embattled firm loses nearly $1 million in work.
Jan 17th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneCommissioner 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 DonovanCommunity Groups Want Say On Police Chief
In search for new chief, pushing for a candidate committed to community relations.
Jan 13th, 2018 by Jabril FarajCouncil set to act on Health Department crisis
Joint statement from the Milwaukee Common Council
Jan 12th, 2018 by Milwaukee Common CouncilCommon Council Statement on Flynn Retirement
Statement from the Common Council - January 8th, 2018
Jan 8th, 2018 by Milwaukee Common CouncilCouncil committee passes Green Alert system measure
News release from Alderman Khalif J. Rainey
Jan 5th, 2018 by Ald. Khalif RaineyCity Kills Contracts With American Sewer
Council moves to subpoena owner, Donovan walks out of heated discussion about racism.
Jan 4th, 2018 by Jeramey JanneneA note of thanks to the Red Cross
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - January 3, 2018
Jan 3rd, 2018 by State Rep. Bob DonovanTop 10 Homes Featured in 2017
Readers loved these stories the most -- except for Bob Donovan.
Dec 29th, 2017 by Michael HorneAlderman 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 MurphyEmbattled Company Leader Absent at Hearing
Head of company with gun, KKK issues, a no-show. Angry council members promise action.
Dec 18th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneDonovan Runs Afoul of City Gun Policy
Alderman said he knew of city employees carrying firearms, but has failed to report them.
Dec 7th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneBan Contractors From Carrying Guns?
Proposal causes fierce Common Council debate. Plus: Bauman slams city attorneys.
Dec 6th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneAlderman Bauman’s bullying of Assistant City Attorney is unacceptable
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - December 6, 2017
Dec 6th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanThe City Christmas Tree House
Each year a city resident donates a spruce for City Hall. Here's the home of 2017's winner.
Dec 3rd, 2017 by Michael HorneCouncil Okays Lawyers for Muni Court
Will help defendants who can be jailed when they can’t afford to pay fines.
Nov 30th, 2017 by Bruce MurphyZielinski Will Run for Mayor
Alderman declares for mayor, two years before the election, and police union endorses him.
Nov 29th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Delays Action On Shopping Carts
Stores need more notice, they decide, on ordinance requiring locks on all carts.
Nov 28th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneLong Awaited Safety Plan Gets Attacked
A blueprint for change or too vague and hard to understand? Council members wrangle.
Nov 20th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneCity’s Anti-Violence Effort Stalls
Office of Violence Prevention’s plan was due in June. Donovan, others criticize delay.
Nov 15th, 2017 by Jabril FarajCouncil Approves $1.5 Billion Budget
Despite changes by council, budget still eliminates 27 police officers, 75 firefighters.
Nov 10th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Overrides Mayor on Firing Flynn
10-5 vote means city lobbyist must seek state law giving council power to fire chiefs.
Nov 7th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneBill impacting makeup of Fire and Police Commission makes sense
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - November 1, 2017
Nov 1st, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanThree 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 DonovanAdvocates Push City On Lead Pipes
City may not know which homes own lead laterals, which action to take.
Oct 25th, 2017 by Jabril FarajMayor 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 DonovanZielinski Again Attacks Mayor, Streetcar
And again his math doesn't add up.
Oct 24th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneZielinski Bashes Barrett, Flynn
And Ald. Borkowski joins in, bashing the budget of "Rip Van Barrett."
Oct 19th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneCouncil Votes for Authority to Fire Flynn
Requests state law giving them power to fire police and fire chiefs. Mayor promises a veto.
Oct 17th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneCity Proposal Restricts Roadside Memorials
"Some of these turn into unpermitted block parties,” Ald. Johnson says
Oct 13th, 2017 by Elizabeth BakerIs Mayor Barrett Playing With Fire?
Actually, his reduction in fire stations may have no impact on safety.
Oct 10th, 2017 by Bruce MurphyPolice Suddenly Giving More Traffic Tickets
Tickets up in August, September, after declining for years.
Oct 9th, 2017 by Gretchen SchuldtCitizens 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 215Ald. Hamilton’s City Hall Power Play
Michael Murphy now finds himself on the outside looking in. Why?
Oct 4th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneThe 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 DonovanAlderman 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 DonovanFlynn Blasts “Incompetent” Report
“We want to talk about reform,” police chief says, not DOJ report’s many errors.
Sep 7th, 2017 by Bruce Murphy9 Reasons Why Barrett Recall Failed
Recall effort falls far short of number of signatures needed. Why?
Sep 6th, 2017 by Bruce MurphyAlderman 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 ZielinskiBawdy House Begone! Aldermen Declare
Donovan, Perez announce effort to target prostitution, landlords on South Side.
Aug 24th, 2017 by Graham KilmerAlderman 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 DonovanCouncil Still Upset with Chief Flynn
"Damn right hold it again" proclaims alderman Bob Donovan. Council wants more control of chief.
Jul 31st, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneThe Fire & Police Commission Deserves Mayor Barrett’s Support
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - July 28, 2017
Jul 28th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanEliminating community prosecutors very, very bad for Milwaukee
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - July 24, 2017
Jul 24th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanCity Fighting County on Rapid Transit
Council committee puts restrictions on BRT project, charges county acted in bad faith.
Jul 19th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneThe Fire Fighters’ Selfish Agenda
The union’s backing of Barrett recall is all about driving up their wages and benefits.
Jul 18th, 2017 by Bruce MurphyNational 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 DepartmentWill 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 DonovanCouncil Members Blast Chief Flynn
Demanding more input into Flynn's decision making, they refuse to allocate federal funds.
Jul 11th, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneKids Ask Common Council for Safer Streets
Big increase in city pedestrians killed while crossing the street.
Jul 9th, 2017 by Jessica WinebergBarrett Recall Announced
Curious cast of characters behind effort, which will require 52,000 signatures.
Jul 7th, 2017 by Bruce MurphyThe scourge of out of control prostitution, drugs
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - June 29, 2017
Jun 29th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanSparks Fly Over Hamilton Settlement
Council approves $2.3 million settlement, but black aldermen debate Donovan.
May 31st, 2017 by Jeramey JanneneShould Cops Do More High Speed Chases?
Common Council says yes. Chief Flynn says no. Who’s right?
May 26th, 2017 by Bruce MurphyContinued 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 DonovanAdditional 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 DonovanKansas City, KS reverses pursuit policy to address “skyrocketing crime
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan May 15, 2017
May 15th, 2017 by State Rep. Bob DonovanTime 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