Bauman and Brower face off in tight District 3 Common Council race

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- In the upcoming April 1 special election, Milwaukee's District 3 voters will choose between Daniel Bauman and Alex Brower to fill the seat left vacant by the late Alderman Jonathan Brostoff. Brostoff's passing in November 2024 prompted this election to determine his successor. 

Daniel Bauman: Building on Established Foundations

Daniel Bauman emphasizes enhancing public safety and addressing housing challenges. He advocates for "working on safer streets" and tackling "bad landlord activity" that complicates life for working residents. Bauman believes in leveraging existing city structures, highlighting the importance of understanding current municipal efforts and collaborating within City Hall to achieve results. His campaign underscores the value of trust and accessibility, aiming to be a reliable point of contact for constituents. Notably, Bauman has secured the endorsement of Mayor Cavalier Johnson, suggesting alignment with the city's current leadership.

Alex Brower: Advocating for Transformative Change

Alex Brower, a self-identified Democratic socialist, calls for significant reforms in Milwaukee's governance. He shares the goal of a safer city but emphasizes the need for systemic change, stating, "we need to completely change the way City Hall is going, because it's not working right now." Brower prioritizes housing justice, advocating for "more voices for housing, for people over profits," and a firm stance against exploitative landlords. His strategy involves grassroots mobilization, aiming to build a broad coalition across the city to support his vision.

A Razor-Thin Primary Race

The Feb. 18 primary highlighted the competitiveness of this race, with fewer than 50 votes separating the top two candidates:

• Alex Brower: 1,623 votes (29%)
• Daniel Bauman: 1,576 votes (28%)
• Alexander Kostal: 1,518 votes (27%)
• Nas Musa: 362 votes (6%)
• Frank Ferrante: 173 votes (3%)
• Josh Anderson: 172 votes (3%)
• Bryant Junco: 123 votes (2%)
• Ieshuh Griffin: 93 votes (2%)

With such a close result, both Bauman and Brower now have just over six weeks to persuade east side and Riverwest voters that they are the best choice to represent District 3.

Contrasting Visions and Strategies

While both candidates recognize public safety and housing as critical issues, their methods diverge. Bauman focuses on collaborating within existing frameworks, leveraging established relationships, and maintaining continuity in leadership. In contrast, Brower seeks a departure from current practices, promoting a transformative agenda rooted in Democratic socialism and widespread community engagement.

More on Alex Brower: https://www.alexbrowerforcommoncouncil.org/

More on Daniel Bauman: https://www.danielbaumanformke.com/