The Milwaukee County GOP Should Have Thought Twice Before Endorsing John Nelson
By Dr. Richard A. Busalacchi
Franklin Community News
FRANKLIN, Wis. — The Milwaukee County Republican Party Executive Committee voted Wednesday evening to support Franklin Mayor John Nelson as he seeks reelection in the city’s upcoming mayoral race.
The vote occurred during a meeting of the party’s Executive Committee held March 11 at the Milwaukee County GOP office, 801 S. 108th Street in West Allis.
Nelson, who has served as mayor of Franklin since 2023, has been seeking support from Republican Party leadership as part of his reelection campaign.
Although municipal elections in Wisconsin are officially nonpartisan, party endorsements can provide candidates with organizational support, volunteer networks, and fundraising assistance during a campaign.
Executive Committee Considered Endorsement
According to individuals familiar with the meeting, the Executive Committee discussed whether the organization should support Nelson’s candidacy before voting on the matter.
The meeting took place following communications sent to Executive Committee members the night before raising concerns about the endorsement and asking members to review information related to Nelson’s candidacy prior to taking action.
Anonymous Text Messages Circulated Before Meeting
On the morning of the meeting, several Executive Committee members reportedly received anonymous text messages from a phone number identifying the sender as “Joe from Franklin off County Line Road.”
The messages referenced the Executive Committee meeting and indicated that the sender intended to attend. In one message shared among recipients, the sender stated that he had been “recruited” to attend the meeting.
Recipients said the sender also referenced a restraining order matter involving an individual who had raised concerns related to the endorsement.
One recipient of the messages, later contacted the Franklin Police Department to report the communication. According to individuals familiar with the report, Franklin police responded but declined to take further action.
Prior Controversy and Reporting
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In reporting on a closed-door Franklin “emergency meeting,” journalist Jessica McBride of Wisconsin Right Now reported that Mayor Nelson referred to some residents raising concerns about city matters as “idiots.” McBride also reported that Milwaukee County Supervisor Steve Taylor referred to county supervisors supporting those residents as “terrorists.”
The remarks drew criticism from some residents who argued that elected officials should avoid using such language when discussing constituents and colleagues.
Waterford Police Department Investigation
Before becoming Franklin’s mayor, Nelson worked for the Town of Waterford Police Department after retiring from the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office.
Multiple media outlets reported that Nelson was placed on administrative leave during an internal investigation in Waterford examining workplace conduct allegations. Nelson later retired from the department before the investigation concluded.
Sheriff’s Office Career and Personnel Records
Nelson previously served as a lieutenant with the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, where internal personnel records later released through public records requests documented a series of allegations during his career.
Those records included allegations involving workplace misconduct and inappropriate comments toward female staff, as well as issues related to law enforcement exam procedures. Nelson has denied wrongdoing and previously attempted to block the release of those records before withdrawing his legal challenge.
Search Warrant and Public Integrity Investigation
Nelson has also been connected to an ongoing investigation involving the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit, with investigative work conducted by the West Allis Police Department.
In December 2025, a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge authorized a search warrant as part of that investigation, which examines whether public resources may have been improperly used for political purposes.
The warrant references allegations that a public relations consultant retained by the City of Franklin under a $25,000 annual contract may have been involved in social-media activity supporting Nelson’s political messaging while being paid with city funds.
The warrant also notes that investigators sought records related to social-media activity and billing invoices associated with the consultant contract.
Court records indicate the warrant was issued after a judge found probable cause to examine whether public resources may have been used for political purposes, though the investigation remains ongoing and no criminal charges have been filed.
John Doe Petition Filed
Separately, a John Doe petition has been filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court requesting judicial review of allegations involving several public officials, including Mayor Nelson.
The petition asks the court to consider whether a John Doe investigation should be opened to examine allegations involving potential misuse of public office and the use of law-enforcement systems in connection with political disputes.
Under Wisconsin law, a John Doe proceeding allows a judge to determine whether a formal investigation should proceed. The filing of a petition does not indicate that any wrongdoing has been proven.
Franklin Demographics and Political Landscape
Franklin is a suburban city in Milwaukee County with a population of approximately 36,000 residents and has experienced significant residential growth over the past two decades.
The city historically leaned Republican but has shown increasingly competitive voting patterns in recent statewide elections.
For example:
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In the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump received about 52.8% of the vote in Franklin, while Democratic nominee Kamala Harris received roughly 44%.
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In the 2022 Wisconsin governor’s race, Republican Tim Michels received about 52.6%, while Democratic Gov. Tony Evers received about 46.6% in the city.
These results illustrate why political analysts often describe communities like Franklin as competitive suburban districts, sometimes referred to as “purple” areas where both major parties compete for voters.
Why the Endorsement Matters
Because Franklin’s mayoral race is officially nonpartisan, party affiliation does not appear on the ballot. However, endorsements from local political organizations can influence campaign resources, volunteer networks, and voter turnout operations.
The Milwaukee County Republican Party’s decision to support Nelson therefore signals that local party leadership views the race as politically significant within Milwaukee County’s suburban landscape.
Endorsement Decision
Following discussion during Wednesday’s meeting, the Milwaukee County Republican Party Executive Committee voted to support Nelson’s candidacy.
While the endorsement will not appear on the ballot, it represents formal backing from the county’s Republican Party organization as Nelson seeks reelection.
To lean more about John Nelson visit - John Nelson for Franklin
Editorial: The Milwaukee County GOP Should Have Thought Twice Before Endorsing John Nelson
With investigations ongoing and questions surrounding his record, party leaders should have demanded greater accountability.
The Milwaukee County Republican Party’s decision to endorse Franklin Mayor John Nelson did not occur quietly or without controversy. In the hours before the Executive Committee meeting where the endorsement was considered, party members received anonymous text messages referencing the meeting and a restraining order matter involving a local critic of the mayor. The messages raised concerns among several recipients, and one member contacted the Franklin Police Department to report them.
The circumstances surrounding the meeting only added to an already complicated question: why was the party rushing to endorse a candidate whose record raises so many unresolved issues?
When political parties issue endorsements, they are not simply backing a candidate. They are making a statement about judgment, leadership, and the standards they expect from those who seek public office.
That is why the Milwaukee County Republican Party Executive Committee’s decision this week to support Nelson deserves closer scrutiny.
In a nonpartisan mayoral race in a politically competitive suburb like Franklin, party endorsements should be issued cautiously and only after careful consideration of a candidate’s record and public conduct. Instead, the decision to endorse Nelson raises a troubling question: why move forward with an endorsement when so many issues surrounding the candidate remain unresolved?
The Republican Party frequently speaks about transparency, accountability, and restoring trust in government. Those principles resonate strongly with voters who believe public officials should be held to high standards.
Yet the record surrounding Nelson should have prompted far greater caution before granting the party’s support.
During his career in law enforcement, internal records from the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office documented allegations involving workplace conduct and other internal concerns. Nelson has denied wrongdoing, but the records were significant enough that he attempted to block their public release before later withdrawing his legal challenge.
Later, while working for the Town of Waterford Police Department, Nelson was placed on administrative leave during an internal investigation examining workplace conduct. He left the department before the investigation concluded.
More recently, Nelson’s name has surfaced in connection with an ongoing investigation involving the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit. Court records indicate that a judge authorized a search warrant as part of an inquiry examining whether public resources may have been used for political purposes.
Authorities have not announced criminal charges, and the investigation remains ongoing. But the existence of a judicially authorized warrant means investigators presented evidence sufficient for a judge to determine that further examination was warranted.
At the same time, a John Doe petition has been filed asking a judge to review allegations involving several public officials, including Nelson, regarding possible misuse of public office.
None of these developments constitute proof of wrongdoing. That distinction matters.
But responsible leadership is not only about reacting after misconduct is proven. It is also about exercising sound judgment before granting political endorsements.
Political parties frequently argue that government should be transparent and accountable. If those principles mean anything, they should apply equally to the candidates parties choose to support.
There is also a broader issue of leadership and tone.
In reporting on a closed-door Franklin meeting, journalist Jessica McBride of Wisconsin Right Now reported that Nelson referred to some residents raising concerns about city matters as “idiots.” McBride also reported that Milwaukee County Supervisor Steve Taylor referred to other public officials as “terrorists.”
Public service demands a different level of respect. Leaders are expected to listen to criticism—even sharp criticism—without dismissing citizens who raise concerns.
Franklin is not a one-party community. Like many suburban areas across Wisconsin, it has become politically competitive. Recent statewide elections show that Republican candidates often win in Franklin, but by margins that reflect a divided electorate.
In communities like this, endorsements carry real significance. They help shape public perception and signal which candidates party leaders believe represent their values.
That is precisely why endorsements should be granted carefully.
The Milwaukee County Republican Party had several options. It could have declined to endorse in a nonpartisan race. It could have waited until ongoing investigations reached conclusions. It could have demanded clearer answers before offering its support.
Instead, the Executive Committee chose to move forward.
What the Party Should Do Now
If the Milwaukee County Republican Party wants to demonstrate that it takes accountability seriously, there are several steps it should consider.
First, party leaders should publicly clarify the process used to evaluate candidates before issuing endorsements. Transparency about how these decisions are made would help restore confidence that endorsements are based on careful judgment rather than political convenience.
Second, the party should consider adopting a policy of withholding endorsements when candidates are connected to active investigations or unresolved legal matters. Such a standard would protect the party from appearing to prejudge issues that are still under review by law enforcement or the courts.
Third, the party should reaffirm its commitment to respectful leadership and civic engagement. Public officials who seek party support should demonstrate a willingness to engage constructively with citizens—even critics—rather than dismissing them.
Finally, party leaders should remember that endorsements reflect not just a candidate, but the values of the organization granting them.
Political parties often ask voters to trust their judgment. When they issue endorsements, they are effectively saying: this is the leadership we believe deserves your confidence.
Franklin voters will ultimately make their own decision.
But the lesson for party leaders should be clear.
If the Republican Party truly believes in transparency, accountability, and responsible government, those principles cannot be applied only to political opponents. They must apply to everyone — especially the candidates the party chooses to endorse.
And when that standard is ignored, voters notice.
This piece reflects the author’s personal opinion and experiences. All statements are presented as commentary protected under the First Amendment. Readers are encouraged to review public records, filings, and documented evidence referenced throughout this article.
Dr. Richard Busalacchi is the Publisher of Franklin Community News, where he focuses on government transparency, community accountability, and local public policy. He believes a community’s strength depends on open dialogue, honest leadership, and the courage to speak the truth—even when it makes powerful people uncomfortable.
đź•Ż️ The solution isn’t another insider in a new office. It’s sunlight, scrutiny, and the courage to vote differently.
Because until voters demand honest, transparent government, the corruption won’t stop — it will only change titles.
Elections have consequences — and Franklin’s next one may decide whether transparency makes a comeback.
đź’¬ If you value hard-hitting, fact-based investigative reporting about our hometown of Franklin — follow Franklin Community News on Facebook.
Together, we can keep local government honest, transparent, and accountable
— for the greater good.
đź’¬ If you value hard-hitting, fact-based investigative reporting about our hometown of Franklin — follow Franklin Community News on Facebook.
Together, we can keep local government honest, transparent, and accountable
— for the greater good.
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