GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A Green Bay social worker, who previously ran for city council, says he will be running for mayor next year.
John Plageman lost his city council bid earlier this year in District 1 to incumbent Jennifer Grant, 1,132 to 846 votes.
In a 17-minute Instagram video, Plageman explained various reasons for why he plans to run for mayor including frustration about what he believes was a lack of notification of the Ray Nitschke Bridge being temporarily closed, his intention to find out the roles Newcap board members played in the nonprofit’s financial struggles, and his desire to improve roads.
WARNING: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS PROFANITY.
“Half that city department will all get fired,” said Plageman. “Draining the swamp, got a little Trump in me, right guys?”
Plageman says he is a little bit Republican and a little bit Democrat, and intends to operate as an independent.
Former Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt and city council president Alyssa Proffitt are the other candidates who have announced they will be running for the position.
State Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner, a Democrat who served as Mayor Eric Genrich’s chief of staff, and city council member Kathy Hinkfuss have said they will consider runs for the position as well.
Genrich announced he will not seek a third term.
The election is April 6, 2027. A primary would be held Feb. 16, 2027.
Candidates have until January 5th to file their paperwork to be on the ballot.
