Ahead of primary to fill seat, friend of late Alderman Jonathan Brostoff wants voters and candidates to remember him

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- On Tuesday, Feb. 18, voters on Milwaukee's east side will be asked to cast a ballot to fill a vacancy in the Milwaukee Common Council that was once the seat of Alderman Jonathan Brostoff, who died by suicide in November 2024.

Paulina Gutierrez, the executive director of the City of Milwaukee Election Commission, said eight candidates are on the upcoming ballot for the election following the alderman's death. 

“It was unfortunate, what happened. The process of democracy continues moving forward, we wish the best for his family, that’s really hard to go through, Gutierrez said. “It’s going to be a pretty competitive race, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens.”

Candidates got together for a forum at ZAO MKE Church on Thursday night, Jan, 23. The forum started with a moment of silence to honor Ald. Brostoff. 

Levi Stein, the executive director of the Friendship Circle and friend of Ald. Brostoff, said he wants candidates and voters to remember him as they head to the polls. 

“He was a mental health advocate, and he made himself accessible. I was able to reach him whenever needed, whenever something was important, and he had guts, he wasn’t afraid to say what he thought," Stein said. “We want to do everything we can to keep his memory alive. I think this day, whoever takes his seat, I hope really takes that to heart.”

Stein is behind a series of 41 suicide prevention trainings in honor of the 41 years of Ald. Brostoff's life.  Stein has a goal of educating 1,000 people through the class. You can find a link to register for the free upcoming classes across Wisconsin, here.

Information for voters ahead of the February Primary is available on the city's website.