KENOSHA, Wis. – Fourth District Alderperson Holly Kangas announced her resignation from the Kenosha Common Council on Monday night, revealing that she has been diagnosed with corticobasal syndrome, a rare and progressive form of Parkinson’s disease. Her resignation takes effect at midnight.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Personal Announcement
Speaking directly to her colleagues, Kangas said she wanted to share her story openly rather than have it told for her. She explained that eight months ago she began experiencing memory loss, dizziness, stiffness, shaking, and language difficulties. After extensive testing, she was diagnosed three weeks ago with corticobasal syndrome, which she described as a condition that causes the brain to shrink and currently has no treatment.
“My brain is literally shrinking,” Kangas told the council. “As you can imagine, hearing the news is devastating not only to me but to my husband, my daughter and son-in-law, and my grandchildren. There’s currently no cure and not even any treatment for this condition.”
Kangas said her decision to resign was for the good of the council, her mental health, and to spend more time with her family. She expressed gratitude for her nearly eight years of service.
“Being elected and sitting in this chair has been a blessing. I’ve enjoyed it immensely and will miss it terribly,” she said. “We have definitely not always agreed but we have always had the best interests of our beautiful city at heart.”
Mayor’s Response
Mayor David Bogdala, visibly moved, told Kangas she would always be part of Kenosha’s civic family.
“On behalf of all of us here, this is your Kenosha family,” Bogdala said. “We’re praying for you and Russ and we are here for whatever you need and we’ll do whatever we can to help you get through this very difficult time. We’re truly going to miss you.”
Next Steps for the 4th District
According to a city press release, the Common Council will formally declare the vacancy at its October 6 meeting and direct the City Clerk to publish public notice. After a 15-day application period, the Council will select a new alderperson to complete the remainder of Kangas’s term, which runs through April 2026.
Applicants must live in the 4th District and be a qualified elector, meaning at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and eligible to vote.
Kangas, a lifelong Kenosha resident and Bradford High School graduate, was first elected in 2018 and won reelection in 2024.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
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11 Responses
Prayers for Alderman Kangas and her family.
God bless Holly & her family. Please pray for them all.
Prayers for her and family. I’m not sure of her circumstances but I would definitely get another medical opinion.
Very sad.
Thank you for your service, prayers for healing.
Prayers to you and your family, Holly!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Best wishes to Holly and her family as they travel this terrible road.
Holly, we will miss you as our alderperson. May you remember the God is with you in all your struggles, May He comfort you.
You have been a responsive alderperson.
Prayers for this devastating news.
I’m so glad the libs aren’t cheering this woman’s fate on.
After my PD diagnosis, I started out taking only Azilect, then Mirapex and sinemet as the disease progressed but didn’t help much. In July last year, I started on PD-5 TREATMENT PROTOCOL from www. Uine healt hcentre. com. Few months into the treatment, I made a significant recovery. After I completed the recommended treatment plan, almost all my symptoms were gone, had wonderful improvement with my movement and tremors. Its been 6 months since I completed the treatment, I live a better life..