Bukiewicz announces bid for Wisconsin State Assembly

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The mayor of Oak Creek and president of Milwaukee Building & Construction Trades Council will run for another office.

Dan Bukiewicz, who leads both the city and the council, on Thursday announced his bid to represent the 21st Assembly District. Bukiewicz has served as the mayor of Oak Creek since 2017 and president of the union since 2014.

“I am excited to announce that I am running for the 21st Assembly District,” Bukiewicz said in a statement. “From rising costs to stagnant wages, Wisconsin families are struggling to make ends meet. I have a proven track record of supporting Wisconsin workers, and I want to bring that to our Legislature.”

Bukiewicz represents more than 15,000 men and women in the trades and he negotiated more than $2 billion in project labor agreements, which ensure union construction work on certain projects, according to his campaign website.

Both Assembly Democratic Leader Greta Neubauer and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson endorsed Bukiewicz’s bid as it was announced.

In a statement, Neubauer said Bukiewicz was a “proven leader” and credited his experience as mayor, a labor leader and an electrician. Johnson said he spent much of his career supporting working families and making Oak Creek a thriving community.

In the building trades, Bukiewicz replaced Lyle Balestrieri, who served as president of the union for 18 years. He was also elected after former Oak Creek Mayor Steve Scaffidi resigned in 2017.

Bukiewicz was an alderman in Oak Creek and a business representative for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 494 in Milwaukee.

“I have served this community for 18 years and I have delivered real results for businesses and families – building Oak Creek into a thriving, growing community,” Bukiewicz said in a statement. “I have supported hardworking Wisconsinites, securing higher wages and safer working conditions to help families thrive. We need more servant leadership in Madison and I am running to be a voice for working families in the Legislature.”

During his time as mayor, Bukiewicz saw the development of the Swedish furniture retailer IKEA store off Interstate 94 in Oak Creek. He also pushed for the gas station chain Buc-ee’s to set up shop in the city, and said it would create opportunities for local businesses and residents.

State Representative Karen Kirsch, Milwaukee Alderperson Scott Spiker, Oak Creek Alderperson Alicia Haase, Oak Creek Alderperson Greg Loreck and Oak Creek Alderperson Chris Guzikowski also endorsed Bukiewicz.

The 21st Assembly District covers the city of Oak Creek and a southern slice of the city of Milwaukee containing the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.

The next election for Wisconsin State Assembly will take place on Nov. 3, 2026.