Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickles is considering a run for the Sixth District Congressional seat being vacated by Representative Tom Petri. “I don’t think it’s a surprise to anybody in the city that government and politics is what I love most in life, and everyone knows that ever since I was a young boy I wanted to be president of the United States,” said Nickles, who was became on of the nation’s youngest-ever mayor when he was elected at age 22 in 2009. “It’s not surprising that when an opportunity makes itself available, that I would look at the options that I have in front of me.”
Nickles, a Democrat, said he was ” a bit shocked” when Petri announced he wouldn’t seek another term. He reiterated that running the city is his top priority but admits a door has opened to explore what he calls “an amazing opportunity.” Nickles said he’ll make a decision “very soon.”
Also on Friday, state Senator Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan) confirmed that he’ll make an announcement regarding entering the race. If he does, he’d join fellow state Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) and state Representative Duey Stroebel (R-Saukville).
WOMT