(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Kenosha, Wis. — After more than a decade away from formal Republican Party gatherings, Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala made a highly anticipated return to his political roots Wednesday night at the Republican Party of Kenosha County’s “Pints and Politics” event.
Bogdala, a former sergeant-at-arms for the county GOP, was greeted with applause and handshakes from dozens of enthusiastic Republicans who praised his leadership and his historic 2024 win over liberal challenger Lydia Spottswood. Brian Gonzales, the party’s current sergeant-at-arms, introduced Bogdala as “the City’s first conservative mayor in history.”
“Thank you, Brian. I don’t know how it’s going being mayor—you tell me. I work for you,” Bogdala said, opening with a blend of humor and humility. He promised transparency, accessibility, and a continued focus on public safety.
A Conservative Platform in City Hall
Bogdala used his appearance to share key highlights from his first year in office, pointing to a 13% drop in crime, increased code enforcement, and what he called “nation-leading” EMS response times. He emphasized that none of these improvements would be possible without the dedication of police officers, firefighters, and other frontline city staff.
He also discussed Kenosha’s partnerships with major employers like Uline and Microsoft and hailed new housing initiatives and redevelopment of the city’s downtown and uptown areas. One example: a $450 million private investment expected to reshape the downtown skyline.
Calling 2020 What It Was
One attendee asked why the mayor, in describing redevelopment efforts, had referred to the aftermath of the 2020 unrest in vague terms. “It was a riot,” Bogdala responded without hesitation. “I don’t mince words with that. I didn’t at the time.”
Police Support and Facebook Policy
Another citizen asked Bogdala why the city’s official social media pages—unlike his personal ones—do not allow public comments.
“That was my decision,” he said. “Social media can be a great tool, but it’s also a cesspool. I don’t think it’s valuable to allow public comments on city-run pages because it derails conversations and adds unnecessary toxicity.”
However, Bogdala drew a distinction between City Hall accounts and the Kenosha Police Department’s Facebook page, where comments are allowed. He admitted that, personally, he wouldn’t have permitted comments there either, but chose not to reverse that long-standing policy.
“If I had my way, I wouldn’t have allowed it on the police department’s page either—but it’s already there, it’s going, and I’m not going to change the policy for that,” he said.
Bogdala stressed that he remains personally accessible to anyone who wants to share concerns or criticisms. “If you can’t find me, I don’t know how to help you,” he said. “I’m at almost every event across this city.”
Endorsement Controversy Addressed
Bogdala was also pressed on his past endorsement of Democrat Peter Barca for Congress—an eyebrow-raiser for many conservatives in the room.
He defended the decision by emphasizing personal loyalty and effectiveness. “There are things I disagree with Peter on, but when I needed something as an alderman, he always got back to me,” Bogdala said. “For me, it’s about who picks up the phone.”
He added, “That doesn’t mean I don’t like [Congressman] Bryan [Steil]. I’ve talked to him before and since. We’re in a good place.”
A Homecoming for a Conservative Mayor
Bogdala’s appearance at “Pints and Politics” felt like a homecoming. Though his office is officially nonpartisan, the mayor made it clear he has not forgotten his conservative foundation.
He closed the night by thanking the crowd, saying: “This city has a lot of things going for it. But as I said in our State of the City address—the best is yet to come.”
30 Responses
He’s meeting the Dems next week
He will probably be introduced as a Democrat 🤪
One of the best if not the best mayor we have ever had. Neglectful and absentee landlords beware.
I really like him as mayor. He’s constantly at every event and not lazy like the former mayor.
Trolley John Antaramian?
There isn’t one conservative holding any office in Kenosha or Kenosha county.
Can you please define conservative so I can better understand your position? Even within the conservative sphere, there are many definitions.
People that conserve things
Wow, Kevin. Could you kiss his ass any more? No “conservative “ would EVER endorse Peter Barca.His “friends” comment is very telling as well as disturbing.
Yeah confused because this site has trashed him several times. He fucking blows as a mayor.
I agree, his “friends” comment just shows his true colors (and it doesn’t include red).
What next-fish fry with Bob Wirch?
Buffet Bob only goes if someone else is paying or it’s a free potluck.
You should go to the Democrat party meeting. He’s speaking there and see what he has to say there
Conservative!! Hahahahaha. It doesn’t matter anyway, that fraud John Morrissey tells him what he’s going to do anyway.
Are you talking about the John Morrissey with the fake college degree?
Bagdala is as conservative as the old Sheriff Beth was. So many RINOs will blow smoke up your ass.
ok, but no one is as awful as Dave Beth
Bogdala thinks he’s very important. Above the common folk. He’s totally a Republican that has fooled the Democrats. John Morrissey with the fake college degree is also a big Republican. Both have a a Big ego…
Then you have Bagdala wife in charge of Brookside nursing facility she also will tell you how important she is.
I agree with the comment above.
I don’t believe it I talked to him last week did not get that feeling at all total BS
Bogdala is not a Conservative.
He is a RINO…
RINO !!!!! enough said!
Can tout code enforcement but can’t replace all the sun faded street signs. Also, who’s going to go to a $450 Million development downtown when getting there is a tour through the crappiest parts of the city.
Barca, really, Barca? Steil would pick up the phone, also. Lame as lame can be. He needs greater penance than that. No absolution yet.
Not really sure about him being a conservative, but he saved us from having Lydia Spottswood as our Mayor , and that’s huge !
2 wings of the same bird.
Bogdala? Is this the individual who organized last year’s Pride Festival at the harbor, where the speaker repeatedly used inappropriate language, endorsed drug use, while being funded by taxpayers? Now he is seeking to become a Republican again. No more rainbow warriors? No more “happenings” affair? I’m too old for this shit
Bogdala is a blow hard … he shows up for the publicity and then never follows through. He was a crappy alderman,an even worse mayor, and in general a horrible human being.
I am a resident of Kenosha. My opinion of mayor Bogdala rests on one weekly utterance on WLIP’s morning show with Pete. “Go Cubs Go”. Move to Illinois if you want to spout that every week.