Nelson Projected Winner Over Olson In Race For Mayor Of Franklin

FRANKLIN, WI — John R. Nelson is projected to defeat incumbent Steve Olson, who was first elected in 2014, in the race for mayor of Franklin, according to the latest unofficial vote totals.

Nelson most recently held a seat on the common council, but in running for mayor, he did not decide to run again for alderman. Ahead of the election the city saw one of its largest employers, Northwestern Mutual, announce plans to re-locate.

Both candidates told Patch they are conservatives, but both also expressed several differences and beliefs as to why they are the best fit for Franklin. At the top of the issues was development and working to improve the city.

Many voters across the city also got the chance to choose a new alderperson Tuesday night. Yousef Hasan ran unopposed for the district 3 seat, while Paul Rotzenberg faced off against Courtney Day for the district 4 seat, and Lee Fry ran against Jason Craig for the district 6 seat.

Here are the unofficial results from Franklin's 2023 spring election:

Unofficial results last updated 10:30 p.m. Absentee ballots have yet to be 100 percent processed.

• Mayor - 27 of 27 precincts reporting.
  • Steve Olson: 5,099
  • John Nelson: 6,703

• District 4 Alderperson - 8 of 8 precincts reporting.
  • Courtney Day: 954
  • Paul Rotzenberg: 796
• District 6 Alderperson - 3 of 3 precincts reporting.
  • Lee Fry: 854
  • Jason Craig: 892

Behind the mayoral candidates:

Nelson told Patch ahead of the election that the most pressing issues are interlinked.

"Debt, Development, Decorum, and Direction," said Nelson. "I will re-build qualified support staff and share information with fellow elected officials so we can work together to attain a laser-focused direction for our future."

Meanwhile, Olson argued the most pressing issue is sustaining growth for city services and working toward an income solution with state government. Olson asserted he has strong relationships with leaders across the region working to fix state funding formulas.

For Nelson, it was his interpersonal skills that set him apart, he said.

"I've developed a solid ability to manage different personalities and resolve conflicts," Nelson told Patch. "My qualifications can and will build consensus among staff and council members, while respecting developers' and taxpayers’ views – in stark contrast to the current mayor’s approach. My transparent and inclusive decision-making process will ensure a well-thought-out path for success."

Olson, however, touted his years of experience as the city's mayor and the many responsibilities that come with the role. He argued that the mayor must know about emergency responders and law enforcement, financing, ordinances and more. He also pointed toward aldermanic turnover in the city, saying his institutional knowledge will be invaluable to keep the city going forward.

Read the full candidate profiles for both mayoral candidates:

Steve Olson For Mayor Of Franklin

John R. Nelson For Mayor Of Franklin