Barrett Will Face Longtime Alderman Bob Donovan In Milwaukee Mayoral Race

Incumbent Tom Barrett and Alderman Bob Donovan will square off in Milwaukee’s mayoral election this April after advancing out of Tuesday’s primary.

Mayor Barrett ended up coming in first in the spring primary election, winning 45 percent of the vote, according to Associated Press. Donovan trailed him with 34 percent, about 7,000 votes behind. The other two candidates in the primary, Alderman Joe Davis and political newcomer James Mathu, were eliminated from the race after coming in third and fourth place, respectively.

Barrett, who will be seeking a fourth term in office, has campaigned on a platform focused on jobs and improving relationships between communities and law enforcement.

He said he wouldn’t be surprised if what he called Donovan’s conservative allies in the suburbs and state Legislature now try to unseat the more liberal mayor.

“I’m a big boy. I have been around the block,” Barrett said. “Obviously, I know that outside money is something that we’ve seen already lurking in this race.”

Barrett is thought to have a large fundraising advantage over Donovan. But Donovan emphasized the vote totals for Barrett’s three challengers Tuesday night were higher than the mayor’s tally.

“(A) majority of voters voted for change, so they are fed up with the status quo,” he said.

Donovan, for his part, has primarily focused on public safety and jobs. He has also denounced plans to build a streetcar route in the city’s downtown.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include statements from the candidates.