Political party Democrat Website www.justinnickels.com Spouse(s) Not Married Name Justin Nickels | Children None Role American Politician Religion WELS Lutheran | |
Preceded by Kevin M. Crawford (1989-2009) Born January 9, 1987 (age 37)
Manitowoc, Wisconsin ( 1987-01-09 ) | ||
Justin nickels being sworn in as manitowoc mayor 4 21 09
Justin Michael Nickels (born January 9, 1987) is an American politician. On April 7, 2009, he was elected the 27th mayor of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the youngest full-time mayor in the country at the time. He took office April 21, 2009, was re-elected for a second term on April 2, 2013, and was re-elected for a third term on April 4, 2017.
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Early life
Born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Nickels said his parents named him after Justin Hayward, vocalist and lead guitarist of the Moody Blues. He graduated from Manitowoc Lutheran High School in 2005 where he served as student body president, and then attended the University of Wisconsin–Manitowoc until 2008, where he served as student senate president.
Political career
Nickels finished first out of five candidates for mayor of Manitowoc in the February 17, 2009 primary election. He won the general election against Dave Soeldner on April 7, 2009 by 15 votes, succeeding Kevin Crawford, who had not sought re-election. Soeldner requested a recount, which increased Nickels' lead to 17 votes, 4,722 to 4,705. Nickels became the youngest full-time mayor elected in Wisconsin and one of the youngest mayors in the United States.
When Nickels crafted his first budget and presented it to the city council in late 2009, he included many of his campaign promises, including no tax increase. The budget paid off more debt than it incurred. It did not reduce any services or lay off any employees. The city council passed the budget in December by a 9-1 vote.
Nickels was re-elected to a second term April 2, 2013. He defeated Manitowoc businessman Tony Burgarino with 83.6% of the vote.
Nickels was re-elected to a third term April 4, 2017, defeating challenger Barry Nelson with 65% of the vote.