Progressive Bridget Maniaci Announces Democratic Primary Bid for Wisconsin State Representative
MILWAUKEE, WI — MARCH 3, 2026 — Bridget Maniaci, a small business owner and former local elected official, is proud to announce her candidacy for District 19 of the Wisconsin State Legislature, representing the East Side, Downtown, Third Ward, and Bay View neighborhoods of Milwaukee.
“I’ve had the privilege of serving as a local elected official, working in roles across local, state, and federal issues – including supporting community partners trying to build vital community assets in Milwaukee,” Maniaci said. “Our city’s future is too important to leave in the hands of those who can’t deliver results for our community.”
Maniaci owns GoodLand Home & Goods, a small home and lifestyle shop she opened in 2022 on Milwaukee’s Downer Avenue utilizing a Main Street Bounceback grant from the State of Wisconsin after stepping away from elected public office and a career in policy advocacy. The store is a Milwaukee Magazine Readers’ Choice Award Winner for the last two years and supports local entrepreneurs in this era of large corporations stifling small businesses and local economies.
“It’s great to see a dedicated, local female business owner stepping up to serve her community. I’m proud to support her,” said Milwaukee County Comptroller Liz Sumner. “Bridget’s many years of experience and depth of knowledge will be a great asset to get results for Milwaukee and represent the entire district in the State Capitol.”
With a professional background in community development and access to capital in underserved communities, Maniaci is focused on improving public allocation for the city’s many pressing needs – with a particular focus on improving public education and daily cost of living – and fostering investment in the city core. District 19 includes the City of Milwaukee’s downtown neighborhoods east of the Milwaukee River, and is home to significant economic and cultural assets within Milwaukee. These assets include multiple museums, the Summerfest grounds and harbor, significant employment centers, and multiple higher education campuses.
“Milwaukee is sitting at a critical juncture in the future of our state’s economy and our national political future. We cannot afford leadership that squanders our talent and continues a long history of financial and political disinvestment,” Maniaci added.
Maniaci, 42, previously served as a City of Madison Alderperson (2009-2013), representing a portion of downtown Madison where she unseated four-term Democratic Socialist Alder Brenda Konkel to win her election.
Maniaci served as the founding State Secretary of the Wisconsin Young Democrats (2018-2021), and during her tenure she was known as a fierce advocate for tenant’s rights, affordable housing, parks advocacy and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. She authored a groundbreaking tenant voter registration ordinance that was used nationally as model voting access legislation in communities including Minneapolis, MN; East Lansing, MI; and Seattle, WA.
“Our district needs a strong representative who works with local government and can get things done. Bridget’s ability to collaborate with others will make the difference in getting results for our community,” said County Board Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman.
Community members from across the district are invited to join the campaign in its effort to bring progressive, responsive, effective leadership to the State Legislature that’s focused on getting results for Milwaukee.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
