Thomas M. Barrett

Democrat Representative of Wisconsin's 5th district

Representative
Wisconsin, district 5
January 5, 1993 - January 3, 1995
Representative
Wisconsin, district 5
January 4, 1995 - January 3, 1997
Representative
Wisconsin, district 5
January 7, 1997 - January 3, 1999
Representative
Wisconsin, district 5
January 6, 1999 - January 3, 2001
Representative
Wisconsin, district 5
January 3, 2001 - January 3, 2003

Congresses Served

House Terms

December 8, 1953 (71 years old)

Birthday

Served as the United States ambassador to Luxembourg since 2022
Served as the 44th mayor of Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 2004 until 2021
Elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly (1984–1989), Wisconsin Senate (1989–1993), and U.S. House of Representatives (1993–2003)
Unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for governor of Wisconsin in 2002, was the party’s nominee for governor in 2010 and 2012, losing both elections
Grew up in Milwaukee, the oldest son of a World War II veteran and a war widow
Graduated from Marquette University High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin Law School
Worked on the Harley-Davidson assembly line to help put himself through college and law school
Served as a law clerk for Judge Robert W. Warren and later entered into private practice and served as a bank examiner for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
As a U.S. Representative, worked on securing aid for flood remediation projects, modernizing the Community Reinvestment Act, and supported Milwaukee’s Midwest Express Airlines
As mayor, focused on downtown development, including the construction of new skyscrapers and the establishment of 10,000 units of affordable housing
Advocated for green jobs, economic development, and workforce training, and established Milwaukee’s Office of Sustainability
Took actions during the COVID-19 pandemic to support mail-in voting and assist businesses and property owners affected by the pandemic
Advocated for the construction of The Hop streetcar system and was involved in Milwaukee’s successful bid to host the 2020 Democratic National Convention
Was attacked outside the Wisconsin State Fair in 2009 while helping a woman, resulting in hospitalization and surgery for his injuries
Lives in Milwaukee’s Washington Heights neighborhood with his wife, where they raised their four children