Milwaukee Alderman Jonathan Brostoff Dies at 41, Leaving Legacy of Public Service

Milwaukee Alderman Jonathan Brostoff, a dedicated public servant and advocate for the city, has died by suicide at the age of 41. Brostoff, who represented the city’s 3rd District, was found dead on Monday morning in a parking lot near Greenfield Park.

Brostoff was a native of Milwaukee and had a long history of public service. He was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2014, representing the 19th district until 2022, when he transitioned to the Milwaukee Common Council. He was known for his passion and dedication to his work, as well as his unique energy and enthusiasm. Mayor Cavalier Johnson described Brostoff as a close friend and praised his commitment to the community, saying, “Jonathan brought a unique energy to his work at City Hall. His passion and dedication were evident every day. No elected official brought more enthusiasm to their work than Jonathan.”

Brostoff was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he earned a degree in political science. He was married to Diana Vang-Brostoff and had three children. He was also known for his advocacy work, particularly in the disability rights community, where he famously went without a haircut from February 2018 to July 2019 to support a bill increasing the availability of American Sign Language interpreters.

The City of Milwaukee’s Common Council released a joint statement expressing deep sadness over Brostoff’s passing, highlighting his kindness, empathy, and dedication to the community. The council asked for privacy and time for his family to grieve.

An autopsy is scheduled to be completed on Tuesday, November 5th, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office. A special election will be necessary to fill Brostoff’s seat on the Milwaukee Common Council.