Franklin Mayor John Nelson, who has been embroiled in scandal after scandal–including a criminal investigation into misconduct in office–won re-election in a race that grew exceptionally heated.
Controversial Franklin Mayor John R. Nelson won re-election in Tuesday’s general election, defeating challenger Basil Ryan and write-in candidate and former mayor Steve Olson in a contentious race.
Nelson won despite multiple scandals that dominated headlines throughout his first term and the 2026 campaign.
West Allis Police launched a misconduct in public office investigation against Nelson in December, and a search warrant accused him of misusing city funds and resources for social media and marketing work that allegedly benefited him personally and politically. Nelson has dismissed the probe as a “political witch hunt.”
Earlier, while serving as a lieutenant with the Waterford Police Department, Nelson faced nearly 20 allegations of workplace misconduct. Allegations included sexual harassment of female officers, showing inappropriate images of women to colleagues, keeping untruthful time records, and conducting Franklin city business while on duty. He retired as the investigation unfolded.
Similar complaints from over a decade earlier surfaced from his time as a Milwaukee County Sheriff’s deputy.
The mayoral campaign itself grew heated in recent weeks. Challenger Ryan filed a civil lawsuit against Nelson, alleging a campaign mailer falsely claimed an endorsement from local blogger Richard Busalacchi. An elections commission complaint also targeted Nelson’s campaign over the matter.
Despite the controversies, Nelson won with nearly 44% of the vote. Basil netted 35%, while Olson received 21% as a write-in candidate.
