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

Watching MPD closely during a critical transition period

Contribution to Patty Doherty of $700

Watching MPD closely during a critical transition period
Press Release

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

Oscar’s Winner’s Circle grand opening set for Monday
Press Release

Oscar’s Winner’s Circle grand opening set for Monday

11 a.m. on Monday, March 19

Bar Exam: Sobelman’s Is Deliciously Historic
Bar Exam

Sobelman’s Is Deliciously Historic

Unique Schlitz tavern from 1889 has great heritage, great PR, great burgers.

Wave of MPD retirements puts public safety at risk, new interim chief in difficult position
Press Release

Wave of MPD retirements puts public safety at risk, new interim chief in difficult position

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - March 1, 2018

City Hall: City Will Contest Foxconn Power Deal
City Hall

City Will Contest Foxconn Power Deal

City Attorney will contest $117 million Foxconn subsidy charged to We Energies customers.

Mayor Barrett: 14 years in office and not a plan in sight
Press Release

Mayor Barrett: 14 years in office and not a plan in sight

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - February 26, 2018

City Hall: McManus Lays Out Three Priorities for Health Department
City Hall

McManus Lays Out Three Priorities for Health Department

Baker issues a statement defending his actions. Are city hospitals going to close?

Eyes on Milwaukee: Revitalizing Silver City
Eyes on Milwaukee

Revitalizing Silver City

New restaurant will anchor redeveloped building on W. National Ave.

Even car thieves think judges are soft
Press Release

Even car thieves think judges are soft

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - February 16, 2018

Council Members Congratulate Interim Police Chief on Appointment
Press Release

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.

The Rise of Reckless Driving

The Rise of Reckless Driving

Vehicles speeding, running red lights causing more deaths, hit-and-run accidents.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Barrett Withdraws Nannis Nomination
Eyes on Milwaukee

Barrett Withdraws Nannis Nomination

Interim Health Dept leader at issue, as City Hall infighting hits new highs.

Gag Order for Health Department Employees Lifted by Mayor
Press Release

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.

Common Council Alerts At-Risk Populations of Lead Risks After City of Milwaukee Health Department Fails to Notify Public
Press Release

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?"

Mayor’s Involvement in Incident with Bucks Player Disturbing
Press Release

Mayor’s Involvement in Incident with Bucks Player Disturbing

The sheer hypocrisy concerns me and should concern every citizen in Milwaukee.

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Report Finds Health Dept. Problems
Eyes on Milwaukee

City Report Finds Health Dept. Problems

Records missing for 30 homes with lead problems. Funding, staff reductions an issue.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Could Reject Interim Health Leader
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Could Reject Interim Health Leader

Eight aldermen question legality of Nannis appointment to run Health Department.

Aldermen Ask City Attorney for Legality of Paul Nannis’ position
Press Release

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.

Eyes on Milwaukee: $750 Million to Replace Lead Pipes
Eyes on Milwaukee

$750 Million to Replace Lead Pipes

Solutions to city's lead laterals expensive and not simple, council members find.

Bar Exam: America’s Leading Concertina Bar
Bar Exam

America’s Leading Concertina Bar

Formerly Altenburg's, now Kochanski's, still preserving an old Milwaukee tradition.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Grills Mayor, City Health Staff
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Grills Mayor, City Health Staff

Tense meeting with unprecedented scrutiny of mayor and few answers from staff.

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Settles with American Sewer
Eyes on Milwaukee

City Settles with American Sewer

Embattled firm loses nearly $1 million in work.

Commissioner Baker’s departure leaves us all with many, many questions
Press Release

Commissioner Baker’s departure leaves us all with many, many questions

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - January 16, 2018

Community Groups Want Say On Police Chief

Community Groups Want Say On Police Chief

In search for new chief, pushing for a candidate committed to community relations.

Council set to act on Health Department crisis
Press Release

Council set to act on Health Department crisis

Joint statement from the Milwaukee Common Council

Common Council Statement on Flynn Retirement
Press Release

Common Council Statement on Flynn Retirement

Statement from the Common Council - January 8th, 2018

Council committee passes Green Alert system measure
Press Release

Council committee passes Green Alert system measure

News release from Alderman Khalif J. Rainey

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Kills Contracts With American Sewer
Eyes on Milwaukee

City Kills Contracts With American Sewer

Council moves to subpoena owner, Donovan walks out of heated discussion about racism.

A note of thanks to the Red Cross
Press Release

A note of thanks to the Red Cross

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - January 3, 2018

House Confidential: Top 10 Homes Featured in 2017
House Confidential

Top 10 Homes Featured in 2017

Readers loved these stories the most -- except for Bob Donovan.

Alderman Murphy and Alderman Pérez encouraged by Chief Flynn and Mayor’s new stance on traffic enforcement policy
Press Release

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.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Embattled Company Leader Absent at Hearing
Eyes on Milwaukee

Embattled Company Leader Absent at Hearing

Head of company with gun, KKK issues, a no-show. Angry council members promise action.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Donovan Runs Afoul of City Gun Policy
Eyes on Milwaukee

Donovan Runs Afoul of City Gun Policy

Alderman said he knew of city employees carrying firearms, but has failed to report them.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Ban Contractors From Carrying Guns?
Eyes on Milwaukee

Ban Contractors From Carrying Guns?

Proposal causes fierce Common Council debate. Plus: Bauman slams city attorneys.

Alderman Bauman’s bullying of Assistant City Attorney is unacceptable
Press Release

Alderman Bauman’s bullying of Assistant City Attorney is unacceptable

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - December 6, 2017

House Confidential: The City Christmas Tree House
House Confidential

The City Christmas Tree House

Each year a city resident donates a spruce for City Hall. Here's the home of 2017's winner.

Back in the News: Council Okays Lawyers for Muni Court
Back in the News

Council Okays Lawyers for Muni Court

Will help defendants who can be jailed when they can’t afford to pay fines.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Zielinski Will Run for Mayor
Eyes on Milwaukee

Zielinski Will Run for Mayor

Alderman declares for mayor, two years before the election, and police union endorses him.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Delays Action On Shopping Carts
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Delays Action On Shopping Carts

Stores need more notice, they decide, on ordinance requiring locks on all carts.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Long Awaited Safety Plan Gets Attacked
Eyes on Milwaukee

Long Awaited Safety Plan Gets Attacked

A blueprint for change or too vague and hard to understand? Council members wrangle.

City’s Anti-Violence Effort Stalls

City’s Anti-Violence Effort Stalls

Office of Violence Prevention’s plan was due in June. Donovan, others criticize delay.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Approves $1.5 Billion Budget
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Approves $1.5 Billion Budget

Despite changes by council, budget still eliminates 27 police officers, 75 firefighters.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Overrides Mayor on Firing Flynn
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Overrides Mayor on Firing Flynn

10-5 vote means city lobbyist must seek state law giving council power to fire chiefs.

Bill impacting makeup of Fire and Police Commission makes sense
Press Release

Bill impacting makeup of Fire and Police Commission makes sense

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - November 1, 2017

Three parking checkers shot at in two separate incidents
Press Release

Three parking checkers shot at in two separate incidents

News release from Aldermen Bob Donovan, Tony Zielinski and Mark A. Borkowski

Advocates Push City On Lead Pipes

Advocates Push City On Lead Pipes

City may not know which homes own lead laterals, which action to take.

Mayor Barrett needs to start listening to the people
Press Release

Mayor Barrett needs to start listening to the people

New MU poll shows 66% of Milwaukeeans think the streetcar is a waste of money

Eyes on Milwaukee: Zielinski Again Attacks Mayor, Streetcar
Eyes on Milwaukee

Zielinski Again Attacks Mayor, Streetcar

And again his math doesn't add up.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Zielinski Bashes Barrett, Flynn
Eyes on Milwaukee

Zielinski Bashes Barrett, Flynn

And Ald. Borkowski joins in, bashing the budget of "Rip Van Barrett."

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Votes for Authority to Fire Flynn
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Votes for Authority to Fire Flynn

Requests state law giving them power to fire police and fire chiefs. Mayor promises a veto.

City Proposal Restricts Roadside Memorials

City Proposal Restricts Roadside Memorials

"Some of these turn into unpermitted block parties,” Ald. Johnson says

Murphy’s Law: Is Mayor Barrett Playing With Fire?
Murphy’s Law

Is Mayor Barrett Playing With Fire?

Actually, his reduction in fire stations may have no impact on safety.

Court Watch: Police Suddenly Giving More Traffic Tickets
Court Watch

Police Suddenly Giving More Traffic Tickets

Tickets up in August, September, after declining for years.

Citizens of Milwaukee
Press Release

Citizens of Milwaukee

For the 14th consecutive budget, Mayor Barrett is going to cut your fire department.

Eyes on Milwaukee: Ald. Hamilton’s City Hall Power Play
Eyes on Milwaukee

Ald. Hamilton’s City Hall Power Play

Michael Murphy now finds himself on the outside looking in. Why?

The Streetcar, Public Safety and Our Budget Crisis An Honest Assessment of Milwaukee’s Status Quo
Press Release

The Streetcar, Public Safety and Our Budget Crisis An Honest Assessment of Milwaukee’s Status Quo

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - October 4, 2017

Alderman Donovan requests state select committee to study Milwaukee’s fiscal crisis
Press Release

Alderman Donovan requests state select committee to study Milwaukee’s fiscal crisis

News release and letters from Alderman Bob Donovan

Murphy’s Law: Flynn Blasts “Incompetent” Report
Murphy’s Law

Flynn Blasts “Incompetent” Report

“We want to talk about reform,” police chief says, not DOJ report’s many errors.

Back in the News: 9 Reasons Why Barrett Recall Failed
Back in the News

9 Reasons Why Barrett Recall Failed

Recall effort falls far short of number of signatures needed. Why?

Alderman Zielinski leads new initiative to crack down on crime while offering educational opportunities
Press Release

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.

Bawdy House Begone! Aldermen Declare

Bawdy House Begone! Aldermen Declare

Donovan, Perez announce effort to target prostitution, landlords on South Side.

Alderman Bob Donovan calls assault on MPS teacher disturbing, and calls for criminal charges
Press Release

Alderman Bob Donovan calls assault on MPS teacher disturbing, and calls for criminal charges

Alderman Bob Donovan reacts to MPS teacher assault

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Still Upset with Chief Flynn
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Still Upset with Chief Flynn

"Damn right hold it again" proclaims alderman Bob Donovan. Council wants more control of chief.

The Fire & Police Commission Deserves Mayor Barrett’s Support
Press Release

The Fire & Police Commission Deserves Mayor Barrett’s Support

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - July 28, 2017

Eliminating community prosecutors very, very bad for Milwaukee
Press Release

Eliminating community prosecutors very, very bad for Milwaukee

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - July 24, 2017

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Fighting County on Rapid Transit
Eyes on Milwaukee

City Fighting County on Rapid Transit

Council committee puts restrictions on BRT project, charges county acted in bad faith.

Murphy’s Law: The Fire Fighters’ Selfish Agenda
Murphy’s Law

The Fire Fighters’ Selfish Agenda

The union’s backing of Barrett recall is all about driving up their wages and benefits.

National Water Expert Retracts Criticism of City Health Department
Press Release

National Water Expert Retracts Criticism of City Health Department

This letter is written as an addendum and correction to my July 11, 2017 communication.

Will the D.A. and MPD approach to prostitution make a difference? I have my doubts
Press Release

Will the D.A. and MPD approach to prostitution make a difference? I have my doubts

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - July 13, 2017

Eyes on Milwaukee: Council Members Blast Chief Flynn
Eyes on Milwaukee

Council Members Blast Chief Flynn

Demanding more input into Flynn's decision making, they refuse to allocate federal funds.

Biking: Kids Ask Common Council for Safer Streets
Biking

Kids Ask Common Council for Safer Streets

Big increase in city pedestrians killed while crossing the street.

Barrett Recall Announced

Barrett Recall Announced

Curious cast of characters behind effort, which will require 52,000 signatures.

The scourge of out of control prostitution, drugs
Press Release

The scourge of out of control prostitution, drugs

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - June 29, 2017

Eyes on Milwaukee: Sparks Fly Over Hamilton Settlement
Eyes on Milwaukee

Sparks Fly Over Hamilton Settlement

Council approves $2.3 million settlement, but black aldermen debate Donovan.

Murphy’s Law: Should Cops Do More High Speed Chases?
Murphy’s Law

Should Cops Do More High Speed Chases?

Common Council says yes. Chief Flynn says no. Who’s right?

Continued state cigarette subsidy for Native American tribes disappointing
Press Release

Continued state cigarette subsidy for Native American tribes disappointing

$68.7 million subsidy ought to go to bolster public safety, Alderman Donovan says

Additional state funding for foot and bike officers – a plus for Milwaukee
Press Release

Additional state funding for foot and bike officers – a plus for Milwaukee

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan May 18, 2017

Kansas City, KS reverses pursuit policy to address “skyrocketing crime
Press Release

Kansas City, KS reverses pursuit policy to address “skyrocketing crime

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan May 15, 2017

Time to create new local sales tax for public safety Statement
Press Release

Time to create new local sales tax for public safety Statement

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan - May 10, 2017

Eyes on Milwaukee: Downtown Strip Club Approved
Eyes on Milwaukee

Downtown Strip Club Approved

Lawsuit settled. "Everyone and their brother" can now open a club.

Councilmen opposed to downgrade in preference points for military veterans
Press Release

Councilmen opposed to downgrade in preference points for military veterans

News release from Aldermen Bob Donovan and Mark A. Borkowski

Eyes on Milwaukee: How to Make a Pedestrian Friendly City
Eyes on Milwaukee

How to Make a Pedestrian Friendly City

New district-by-district reports on improving city for bicycling and walking.

Thirteen Council members demand action from MPD, FPC
Press Release

Thirteen Council members demand action from MPD, FPC

Seek re-prioritization of traffic enforcement, immediate review of no pursuit policy

Gun-toting ‘scary and prolific’ auto thief kept in broken juvenile justice system
Press Release

Gun-toting ‘scary and prolific’ auto thief kept in broken juvenile justice system

Disturbing video raises many questions about judge’s decision

Eyes on Milwaukee: City Won’t Delay Streetcar for County
Eyes on Milwaukee

City Won’t Delay Streetcar for County

Ald Zielinski's attempt to delay streetcar for county only gets his own vote.

Board approves Operation Impact’s expansion into 14th Aldermanic District
Press Release

Board approves Operation Impact’s expansion into 14th Aldermanic District

Joint news release from Alderman Bob Donovan and Alderman Tony Zielinski

Two more shootings – when will Milwaukee wake up?
Press Release

Two more shootings – when will Milwaukee wake up?

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan February 20, 2017

Fire house shooting sickens me
Press Release

Fire house shooting sickens me

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan February 17, 2017

City sues to shut down properties linked to drugs, prostitution
Press Release

City sues to shut down properties linked to drugs, prostitution

Landlord allegedly knew widespread illegal activities were taking place

Eyes on Milwaukee: Clarke Square Apartments Advance
Eyes on Milwaukee

Clarke Square Apartments Advance

Unique apartment project, high-growth internet company and grocery move forward.

Launch of key Promise Zone effort to be announced Tuesday
Press Release

Launch of key Promise Zone effort to be announced Tuesday

City Hall event Jan 31 to be hosted by Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton

Eyes on Milwaukee: Clarke Square Gets Wantable
Eyes on Milwaukee

Clarke Square Gets Wantable

Fast-growing Wantable will move there, Nehring's Sendik's grocery may join it.

Surveillance cameras, alley lighting to continue with Potawatomi grant
Press Release

Surveillance cameras, alley lighting to continue with Potawatomi grant

The grant will help continued funding for surveillance cameras monitoring business and residential areas.

Donovan Favors Journey House Plan

Donovan Favors Journey House Plan

Change is "scary,” he says of apartment complex serving youth aged out of foster care.

Donovan, Borkowski invite President-Elect Trump to Milwaukee
Press Release

Donovan, Borkowski invite President-Elect Trump to Milwaukee

Aldermen reach out to PEOTUS, feds for help with public safety issues

Eyes on Milwaukee: Unique Apartments for Clarke Square
Eyes on Milwaukee

Unique Apartments for Clarke Square

Unusual partnership will build "affordable, quality housing" for those raised in foster care.

Campaign Cash: $1 Million In Donations to City Politicians
Campaign Cash

$1 Million In Donations to City Politicians

Our Political Contributions Tracker hits $1 million, reveals who’s giving and getting cash.

Murphy’s Law: The Council’s Battle Over Police
Murphy’s Law

The Council’s Battle Over Police

Donovan and several aldermen demand more, Hamilton slaps them down. Who’s right?

Special Report: The Problem of Prostitution
Special Report

The Problem of Prostitution

Greenfield Ave. is the city’s hub for sex trade, where prostitutes, residents are victimized.

Council members call on Chief to boost South Side officer staffing
Press Release

Council members call on Chief to boost South Side officer staffing

Members seek MPD officer increases in Police Districts Two and Six

<< See Newer - See Older >>
Council members call on Chief to boost South Side officer staffing

Contribution to Bob Donovan of $6,000