Julian Bradley

Marc Julian Bradley is a Republican politician and businessman currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, representing the 28th Senate district. He was born on February 11, 1981, in Baltimore, Maryland, and has made significant contributions to Wisconsin's political landscape. Notably, he is recognized as the first Black Republican to serve in the Wisconsin Senate and only the second Black Republican to serve in the Wisconsin Legislature. His political career has been marked by various roles within the Republican Party, as well as multiple attempts at elected office.

Early life and career

Julian Bradley spent his early years in Baltimore before relocating to La Crosse, Wisconsin, with his mother in 1992. This move occurred when he was 11 years old. From a young age, he exhibited a keen interest in politics, which would later influence his career choices. After completing his education at La Crosse Central High School in 1999, he faced financial challenges due to his mother's declining health, which hindered his ability to pursue a college education immediately. To support his family, he turned to his childhood passion for professional wrestling and enrolled in a wrestling school in Philadelphia. He made his professional debut in the wrestling circuit in August 1999 under the ring name Kris Krude.

Following several years in Philadelphia, Bradley entered Temple University but only attended for one year before leaving to focus on his wrestling career. In 2007, he decided to step away from professional wrestling and returned to Wisconsin to complete his education. He enrolled at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science and economics in 2014. While studying at UW–La Crosse, he began his professional career as an area repair supervisor for the telecommunications company CenturyLink. By 2017, he had advanced to a managerial position at CenturyLink. In 2019, he transitioned to a managerial role at Northwestern Mutual, which required him to relocate to Franklin, Wisconsin, in Milwaukee County.

Legislative service

Julian Bradley's political journey began in earnest in 2002 when he identified with the Republican Party after a significant conversation with his mother regarding abortion. This moment marked a turning point in his life and set him on a path toward political involvement. His first attempt at elected office came in 2010 when he ran for the Wisconsin State Assembly in the 95th assembly district. Although he was unsuccessful in the Republican primary, he remained active in the Republican Party, working as an organizer and volunteer during the general election.

In 2011, he was elected vice chair of the La Crosse County Republican Party, a position he held until he was appointed chairman later that same year after the previous chair stepped down to pursue a State Senate seat. Bradley served as chairman until 2014, during which time he also became vice chair of the state Republican Party for the 3rd congressional district and was an ex officio member of the state party's executive committee. His grassroots activism was recognized in 2013 when he was named Charlie Sykes's Right Wisconsin grassroots activist of the year.

In 2014, Bradley made another bid for public office by challenging the long-serving Wisconsin Secretary of State Doug La Follette. He successfully won the Republican primary but ultimately lost in the general election, falling short by a significant margin in a year when Republicans secured victories in other statewide offices.

After relocating to Franklin in 2019, Bradley renewed his political ambitions and announced his candidacy for the Wisconsin State Senate in 2020, seeking to replace retiring State Senator Dave Craig. He faced a competitive Republican primary with several candidates, but he distinguished himself through endorsements from prominent figures within the state party, including assembly members and former Governor Scott Walker. Bradley won the primary with a notable share of the vote and subsequently defeated his Democratic opponent in the general election, securing a substantial majority.

As a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, Bradley has continued to engage with his constituents and participate in legislative processes. His tenure has included navigating the complexities of state governance and addressing various issues pertinent to his district and the state at large.

Policy focus and district

As a state senator, Julian Bradley represents the 28th Senate district, which encompasses parts of Milwaukee County. His political positions and policy focus reflect his Republican affiliation and the interests of his constituents. Throughout his legislative service, he has addressed a range of issues, including economic development, public safety, and education. His background in business and economics informs his approach to policy-making, as he advocates for measures that promote fiscal responsibility and economic growth.

Bradley's representation is significant not only for his political affiliation but also for his historical role as the first Black Republican in the Wisconsin Senate. This aspect of his identity has brought attention to discussions around diversity and representation within the state's political framework. He has indicated intentions to continue serving in the Senate, even as the 2024 redistricting process has drawn him out of his current district. Bradley has expressed plans to relocate in order to maintain residency and seek re-election.

In summary, Julian Bradley's journey from his early life in Baltimore to his current role in the Wisconsin State Senate illustrates a commitment to public service and political engagement. His experiences in business, grassroots activism, and legislative responsibilities contribute to his understanding of the challenges faced by his constituents and the broader state. As he continues his political career, he remains a figure of interest in Wisconsin's evolving political landscape.