Meet Mike

Representative Mike Bare is a longtime public servant guided by progressive values.

Before joining the State Assembly, Representative Bare advocated for Wisconsin’s low-income population at the Community Advocates Public Policy Institute. He worked to solve Wisconsin’s housing crisis, expand healthcare and improve coverage, extend paid leave and other economic security solutions, reform our criminal justice and corrections systems, and bring Wisconsinites out of poverty through work-based solutions. He also taught graduate students at UW-Milwaukee’s Zilber School of Public Health about social and economic health determinants, including the acute and direct link between public policy and public health.

Previously, Representative Bare was an aide to U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, former Alder in the City of Verona, and later served on Verona’s Plan Commission. He also chaired the City of Verona’s Parks and Recreation Commission when the City designed and opened its new splash pad and renovated beach at Fireman’s Park. Notably, Representative Bare is a former founder and Chapter Director of Wisconsin’s chapter of New Leaders Council, an organization dedicated to promoting the next leaders of Wisconsin’s progressive movement.

Representative Bare formerly served on the Dane County Board where he was a progressive voice for open and transparent government, fiscal responsibility, supporting County workers, advocating relief for families, businesses, and healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and he offered solutions to housing insecurity, broadband access, and environmental conservation.

Representative Mike Bare Inaugurated to Wisconsin State Assembly, January 3rd, 2023

When meeting Representative Bare, it's clear that his passion for serving his community is deeply rooted in his personal life. In 2017, he started a community-focused and family-friendly business: The Biergarten at Olbrich Park. Each year, tens of thousands of families enjoy The Biergarten, which has raised significant money for public parks and community causes.

His family has been a driving force behind his work, providing him with the support and inspiration needed to pursue a career in public service. Representative Bare and his wife met while interning together for U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, and now have two young sons and happily reside in the City of Verona.