John Pokrandt has announced his candidacy for the Wisconsin State Assembly in the 13^th District.

A sales and marketing professional, Pokrandt was a candidate for mayor of Wauwatosa and is an advocate for urban ecology and preserving urban green spaces.

Pokrandt is a lifelong resident of Wisconsin and a resident of the 13^th District for over 11 years. John and his wife Miyoshi are the proud parents of two children: a son, Kaito, who is 6 years old, and a daughter, Hana, who is 4 years old.

They live in the Quarry Heights neighborhood of East Wauwatosa and are active in their community and part of the Washington School family.

“I am running for the 13^th Assembly District because our district deserves a strong leader who can balance the needs of a diverse constituency, I know the importance of good schools, strong public safety services, affordable healthcare, and family supporting jobs,” Pokrandt said.

“I believe that our elected officials need to serve their constituents above all else. We need to put an end to the partisan bickering and radical agendas and get Wisconsin moving forward again.”

Pokrandt has said that his top priorities will be jobs and the economy, education funding, women’s rights and workers’ rights. His website further outlines his positions and can be viewed at www.johnforwisconsin.com.

His campaign kick-off event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. May 8 at The Chancery, 7615 W. State St.

Democrat David Cullen had held the 13th District seat but lost it to redistricting when his residence fell outside the new lines. Pokrandt is the first Democrat to declare candidacy.

Other declared candidates for the 13^th Assembly District include Republicans Matt Adamczyk, an advisor to Sen. Leah Vukmir, and Rob Hutton, a former Waukesha County supervisor.