Milwaukee Ald. Joe Davis expected to announce mayoral run

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Milwaukee Ald. Joe Davis

Rich Kirchen

Senior Reporter- Milwaukee Business Journal

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A second Milwaukee alderman — Joe Davis, who represents part of the city's northwest side — is expected to announce Wednesday afternoon that he will run for mayor and challenge incumbent Tom Barrett.

Davis, who has served as Milwaukee's 2nd District alderman since 2003, formed an exploratory committee this summer on a possible mayoral run. He issued a press release Tuesday night announcing he will "make a special announcement to the city of Milwaukee" at a 4 p.m. Wednesday press conference.

"After forming an exploratory committee back in July, Ald. Davis spent many hours collecting feedback from local businesses and the citizens of Milwaukee about their concerns on the current leadership and general direction of Milwaukee," the press release states.

The press release includes what appears to be a campaign photo of Davis with the slogan "Davis for Leadership."

Davis would be the leading African-American candidate at the moment, but Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke also reportedly is considering a run for mayor.

In July, Milwaukee Ald. Bob Donovan, who represents part of the city's south side, announced he will challenge Barrett.

Barrett is expected to seek his fourth term as mayor in 2016.

In August, Davis proposed that the city expand its bonding authority by $100 million, which could be used to fund a new downtown arena. He said city leaders need to ensure that all their funding options are available to participate as a partner "in this critical project."

Senior Reporter Rich Kirchen covers health care, sports business, politics and media/advertising for the Milwaukee Business Journal.