April 12, 2004

Tom Barrett, a former U.S. Congressman, defeated veteran Alderman and acting Mayor Marvin Pratt, in an April 6 runoff election. Pratt was the first African American candidate for mayor in the Wisconsin city of 596,974. Barrett, white, served eight years in the Wisconsin State Legislative before running successfully for congress where he served for a decade.

He left Congress after an unsuccessful 2002 race in the Democratic gubernatorial primary. Barrett, in his victory remarks, pledged to work hard to improve schools, create jobs, cut crime and hold the line on taxes.

With voting largely along racial lines, the mayor elect sounded a unity theme. "We're a city that is rich with diversity. Our diversity is our greatest strength."

Milwaukee has not had a new mayor since 1988 when John O. Norquist was elected. Norquist said he would not run again in 2004 and left office early, allowing Alderman Pratt to become acting mayor in January 2004.

The late Henry Maier, mayor of Milwaukee for 28 years, was a Past President of the Conference of Mayors.

Frank Zeidler, mayor of Milwaukee from 1948 to 1960, said Barrett will face many challenges. "The needs of the inner city, the north side in particular, are great. There are needs in education, housing and jobs," Zeidler said. Barrett will be sworn in at a city hall ceremony April 20.

Pratt began his involvement in Milwaukee politics when he became an intern to Mayor Maier in 1973. He was first elected to the Common Council in 1986 and was serving as Council President when he became Acting Mayor.