Milwaukee Democrats face off in Tuesday's special election

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Two Milwaukee Democrats are facing off in a special election Tuesday to fill a vacancy in the state Legislature.

Voters in the 4th Senate district will choose between representatives Dora Drake and LaKeshia Myers.

The district includes the northern third of Milwaukee County excluding places like Brown Deer, Fox Point, and Whitefish Bay. The candidates are seeking to fill a vacancy after former Sen. Lena Taylor resigned earlier this year to become a Milwaukee County Judge.

Drake, a former social worker and current chair of the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus, said she's centering her campaign on issues impacting Milwaukee including reckless driving and mental health needs.

"What it means to have healthy and safe communities, and the time is now to do things differently," Drake said. "Having a real plan to address reckless driving, whether that's red-light cameras, supporting our courts so it's not overcrowded, and also how that ties into mental health and what we're doing for our children, families."

Myers, who was elected in 2018 and previously worked at the Wauwatosa School District, said she's running on her legislative record.

"If they want an active legislator who has a voice and values… then I'm the candidate for you," Myers said. "I'm a workhorse and not a show pony. I take pride in the legislative record that I've had and the opportunity I've had to cultivate the last three sessions."

The July 2 special election is one of two matchups between Drake and Myers. That's because Tuesday will determine who will fill the remainder of Taylor's term, which ends in January.

On Aug.13, the same day as Wisconsin's presidential primary, both will be on the ballot again to run for a full four-year term in the state Senate.