The race for Wisconsin’s 21st Assembly District is a competitive contest this election, as Democrats aim to gain control of both legislative chambers and the governor’s office. Oak Creek Mayor Dan Bukiewicz, a Democrat, is seeking to flip the seat, which includes Oak Creek and parts of Milwaukee and Greenfield. Republican Jessie Rodriguez, who represented the district for nearly 13 years, is not seeking reelection and has endorsed the Republican candidate in the race.
Mayor Bukiewicz, known as “Mayor Dan” around town, has led the Milwaukee County suburb of Oak Creek as mayor for 10 years, following 10 years as an alderman. Born and raised in Milwaukee, he graduated from Hamilton High School. Bukiewicz has expressed concern about declining populations throughout Wisconsin and aims to draw more residents to his city, the district he seeks, and the state as a whole.
In an interview, Bukiewicz stated that voters are deeply concerned about affordability, specifically about "making ends meet." He noted these concerns extend beyond recreational activities to essential expenses such as groceries, tax bills, mortgage payments, and medical bills. He attributed these rising costs to a "trickle-down" effect of expenses onto working people.
Bukiewicz outlined his top priorities if Democrats achieve legislative control, emphasizing the need for a better system of shared revenue and returning funds to municipalities. He stated that current shared revenue and general transportation aid formulas, created a long time ago, need re-examination. The goal is to ensure communities receive adequate funding for essential services like street maintenance, plowing, garbage pickup, police, fire departments, and schools. These services, which form the backbone of community quality of life, are largely supported by property taxes, with too much money sent to Madison not returning to serve local residents.
Throughout his municipal career, Bukiewicz has collaborated with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, including on the county’s first affordable subdivision in Oak Creek. This project involved rezoning properties and a unique contract for a Habitat for Humanity subdivision, with the county holding the land for new homes. Bukiewicz also chairs the Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee (ICC), an organization where local leaders from Milwaukee County address shared issues such as transportation, affiliated libraries, parks, and roads.
Reflecting on his path to municipal government, Bukiewicz shared that he began his career in construction after high school, pursuing an apprenticeship through the IBW to become an electrician. He moved to Oak Creek while working on a factory expansion as an apprentice, deciding it was a cool place to live. He eventually bought a lot and built the house he still lives in today. Encouraged by neighbors due to his community involvement, he successfully ran for alderman, serving five terms over 10 years. Subsequently, he was encouraged to run for mayor, a position he has held for another 10 years, totaling two decades in part-time municipal government.
Bukiewicz also discussed the 40-year age difference between himself and his Republican opponent, Dylan Pfaffenbach, emphasizing what he sees as a lack of experience. Bukiewicz stated that Pfaffenbach has "never been an active part of a community." In response to Bukiewicz's comments, Pfaffenbach issued a statement saying he has spent five years working on public policy in both chambers of the Wisconsin Legislature, most recently serving as a Legislative Aide in the State Senate. He added that he believes maturity is demonstrated through actions, not age, and that his focus remains on representing the community where he was born and raised.
Historically, the power plant played a significant role in Oak Creek. The plant arrived in the 1950s when Oak Creek was still a village, and at that time, the city of Milwaukee considered annexing Oak Creek, partly to secure the power plant.
