Green Bay Council President Brian Johnson (City of Green Bay)
GREEN BAY (WLUK) – Green Bay City Council President Brian Johnson has decided he will not be running for reelection.
Johnson, who is also president and CEO of On Broadway, Inc., has served on the council since 2018.
Johnson tells our TV partner, FOX 11, he’d like more time for his family and other interests as he found himself devoting about 30 hours per week to his city council role. He also says it’s time for fresh ideas on the council.
“Right now, I think I’ll take some time, focus on me a little bit, focus on my daughters, my family, and we’ll see what’s next,” Johnson told FOX 11.
Johnson has been viewed as a potential candidate to run for Green Bay mayor in 2027, but he tells FOX 11 the possibility played no role in his decision to not run again.
“I can honestly say that hasn’t even been a contemplation in the back of my mind,” said Johnson. “I’m really focused on taking care of some of these things that are in front of me right now. There’s a lot of opportunity in this city and I’ve always said there’s more than one way to give back. You don’t have to be in elected office. You don’t have to be on city council or mayor. That’s one of the great things about Green Bay – the access and ability to make a difference.”
One project Johnson has been working on the past few years is the effort to bring a public market to the city. The project has faced a series of funding setbacks, but Johnson says that also did not play a role in his decision to not run for another city council term.
“I think it’s unfortunately a lot of fabricated tension,” said Johnson. “We’re very comfortable with where that project is at and what the path forward is.”
At least three people have declared their intentions to run for Johnson’s District 9 position. They include Michael Brezinski, Ben DeBaker, and Tarl Knight. Johnson beat Knight in the previous two elections.
Johnson says he is endorsing Brezinski in the race.
“It’s not to say there aren’t other qualified candidates in the race, but I’ve told Mike I would support him on this and I think he’s going to do a great job,” said Johnson.
Before Johnson, Guy Zima represented the near west side district for 40 of the previous 42 years.
Johnson’s exit from the council marks the second in a leadership position as Bill Galvin, vice president of the council, previously announced he also will not run for reelection.
City council members serve two-year terms. Green Bay has term limits preventing people from serving on the council for more than six consecutive terms.
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