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Gary Lawrence

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This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Gary Lawrence
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Elections and appointments
Last election
February 18, 2025
Education
High school
Nicolet High School
Personal
Birthplace
Milwaukee, WI
Profession
Computer programmer
Contact

Gary Lawrence ran in a special election to the Milwaukee Common Council to represent District 3 in Wisconsin. He was disqualified from the special primary scheduled on February 18, 2025.

Lawrence completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Gary Lawrence was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He earned a high school diploma from Nicolet High School and attended the University of Minnesota. His career experience includes working as a computer programmer.[1]

Elections

2025

See also: City elections in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2025)

General election

Special general election for Milwaukee Common Council District 3

Alex Brower defeated Daniel Bauman in the special general election for Milwaukee Common Council District 3 on April 1, 2025.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Alex Brower
Alex Brower (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
53.9
 
8,185
Image of Daniel Bauman
Daniel Bauman (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
46.1
 
7,000

Total votes: 15,185
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Nonpartisan primary election

Special nonpartisan primary for Milwaukee Common Council District 3

The following candidates ran in the special primary for Milwaukee Common Council District 3 on February 18, 2025.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Alex Brower
Alex Brower (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
28.8
 
1,623
Image of Daniel Bauman
Daniel Bauman (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
27.9
 
1,576
Alexander Kostal (Nonpartisan)
 
26.9
 
1,518
Image of Nasser Musa
Nasser Musa (Nonpartisan)
 
6.4
 
362
Franco Ferrante (Nonpartisan)
 
3.1
 
173
Josh Anderson (Nonpartisan)
 
3.0
 
172
Bryant Junco (Nonpartisan)
 
2.2
 
123
Ieshuh Griffin (Nonpartisan)
 
1.6
 
93

Total votes: 5,640
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Lawrence in this election.

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Gary Lawrence completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lawrence's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Hi, I’m Gary Lawrence, a proud sixth-generation Milwaukeean with deep roots in our city. My family has called Wisconsin home since the 1840s, contributing to our community in countless ways—from service in the Civil War to feeding the world at the Port of Milwaukee, to decades of dedication with Milwaukee Public Schools.

I grew up in Northeast District 3, and this community has shaped who I am today. I’m running for alderman because I believe in the power of unity and the potential of our district. Together, we can tackle public safety, support small businesses, and create opportunities for everyone to thrive.

Let’s honor our past and build a stronger, safer, and more connected District 3!
Public Safety – Addressing crime, supporting community policing, and ensuring a fair and equitable justice system.

Affordable Housing & Homelessness – Expanding access to affordable housing, preventing displacement, and improving resources for unhoused individuals.

Education & Youth Development – Strengthening Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), increasing funding for education, and providing better opportunities for students.

Economic Development & Job Growth – Supporting small businesses, creating job opportunities, and investing in workforce development programs.

Infrastructure & Public Transit – Improving roads, expanding public transportation, and addressing lead pipe replacements for clean drinking water.
Uniting Milwaukee’s East Side in Challenging Times

In uncertain times, we need leaders who bring people together. My mission is to unite our community, fight for fairness, and build a future where every voice matters.

1. Strength in Unity
We are stronger together. I will work to bridge divides and uplift all voices—students, families, business owners, and longtime residents—to ensure policies reflect our shared values and needs.

2. Justice & Opportunity for All
Equity is not optional—it’s essential. I will fight for access to affordable housing, quality education, and fair wages, while pushing for justice reforms that protect, not punish, our communities.

3. Economic Empowerment & Stability
A thriving East Side means opportunity for everyone. I will support small businesses, workforce training, and fair wages so that all residents have a path to success. No one should be priced out of their own community.

4. Leadership with Integrity
Milwaukee deserves leaders who serve with honesty, transparency, and real accountability—not those who put special interests first. I will work to restore trust in government and ensure it works for the people.

5. A Future Built on Unity
Now is the time to come together, not grow apart. By working across race, class, and political lines, we can build a Milwaukee where everyone belongs and prospers.

This campaign is about hope, action, and unity. Let’s move Milwaukee forward—together.
Qualities for Effective Leadership in Local, National, and International Politics

Successful leadership requires a broad perspective, strong ethics, and the ability to connect local issues to the bigger picture. My experience and values position me to serve effectively at all levels—from the neighborhood to the world stage.

Integrity & Accountability (Local) – At the local level, trust is everything. I believe in honest governance, transparency, and putting people first. Residents deserve a leader who listens, follows through, and ensures government serves the public—not special interests.

Deep Understanding of Community Needs (Local & National) – Effective policymaking starts with knowing the people you serve. I have a strong ability to engage with diverse communities, identify key challenges, and advocate for meaningful solutions—whether it’s economic growth, education, or public safety.

Collaboration & Bridge-Building (Local & National) – Leadership is about bringing people together, not driving them apart. I excel at finding common ground, working across political and social divides, and ensuring that all voices are included in decision-making.

Strategic Thinking & Policy Awareness (National & International) – Local issues are often shaped by national policies and global trends. I stay informed on how federal laws, economic shifts, and international affairs impact our communities, ensuring policies are forward-thinking and adaptable.

Global Perspective & Diplomacy (International) – In today’s world, even local leaders must understand how international events affect our economy, security, and opportunities. I bring a broad worldview, a commitment to justice, and the ability to navigate complex political landscapes to ensure our community thrives in an interconnected world.
Core Responsibilities of an Elected Official: Integrity & Understanding the People

An elected official’s primary duty is to serve the people with honesty, integrity, and a deep understanding of their needs. Leadership is not about power—it’s about listening, responding, and taking action to improve the lives of those in the district.

Leading with Integrity – Trust is the foundation of public service. An elected leader must be transparent, accountable, and committed to ethical decision-making, always putting the interests of the people before politics or personal gain.

Listening & Understanding the Community – Effective leadership starts with hearing the concerns of residents—from families and business owners to students and seniors. Being present in the community, engaging in open dialogue, and ensuring every voice is valued is essential.

Identifying & Addressing Needs – People deserve real solutions, not empty promises. A leader must identify key challenges—whether it’s housing, jobs, public safety, or education—and work to deliver meaningful change that improves daily life.

Building Unity & Trust – In a time of division, a true leader brings people together. They must work across different perspectives, foster collaboration, and ensure that government serves everyone fairly and equitably.

Taking Action & Delivering Results – Leadership isn’t just about words—it’s about getting things done. A dedicated official fights for policies that uplift the community and makes sure residents see real, positive change in their lives.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 21, 2025