Former School Board Member, Police Officer, and Local Businessman vie for 65th State Assembly District seat

KENOSHA, Wis (WRJN) – Former K.U.S.D School Board Member and local community organizer Kyle Flood, former Kenosha Police officer Brian Gonzales, and longtime local businessman and educator Ben DeSmidt have announced their candidacies for the Wisconsin State Assembly District 65 seat. Flood and DeSmidt as Democrats, Gonzales, a Republican.

Flood’s Candidacy

Kyle Flood claims to be the youngest person ever elected to office in Kenosha County. His announcement said that he’s been an effective leader advocating for progress in the community for over a decade. “As a former Kenosha Unified School Board Member he championed policies to strengthen the student voice, lowered class sizes amid state funding cuts and created more transparency within the district.” Flood says he was influential in securing body cameras for the Kenosha Sheriff’s Department.

Gonzales’ Candidacy

Brian Gonzales, a former Kenosha Police officer, ran to be Kenosha County Sheriff in 2022. He was involved in the Michael Bell shooting in 2004 and wrote a book about the experience. In his campaign statement, Gonzlaes says he’s running for public office to help secure a safer and more stable future for the people of Kenosha and Wisconsin. Gonzales says he aims to strengthen public safety laws, expressing concern about the rising crime rates in neighboring Milwaukee and Chicago.

DeSmidt’s Candidacy

Ben DeSmidt has been endorsed by retiring State Rep. Tod Ohnstad. He has been a trustee of Gateway Technical College since 2022 and owns the Union Park Tavern and Pavle’s Lounge in Kenosha. He has a background in education, working as an Associate Professor at Carthage College for 15 years.

The 65th Assembly District includes part of the city of Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie in Kenosha County.