Milwaukee County Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez and Amanda Avalos, a longtime political and youth organizer, both declared their candidacies this week, setting up an early contest for the 8th District seat ahead of a spring special election.

Martinez, who represents part of the aldermanic district on the County Board of Supervisors, announced his run on social media Thursday. A union organizer first elected to the board in 2022 to represent the 12th District, Martinez said his deep local roots qualify him for the job.

"I will be running for alderman of the district I currently serve, because I live here and have for my entire life and know I can serve its residents properly," he wrote.

Martinez has been a vocal advocate for Milwaukee County Parks, especially Mitchell Park, which lies within his supervisory district. He also recently backed an effort to remove Flock and other automated license plate recognition systems from county property, a position likely to resonate with privacy-minded voters.

Avalos, who announced her candidacy Friday morning, brings a background in grassroots organizing and city governance. She is deputy executive director of political programs and strategy at the national Youth Civic Accelerator and previously served as co-executive director of the youth advocacy nonprofit Leaders Igniting Transformation. She also formerly served as vice chair of the Fire and Police Commission.

Currently, Avalos co-chairs the MKE Community Impact Committee, which is working to establish a participatory budgeting process to direct $600,000 toward non-police safety solutions.

"It is an absolute honor to announce that I am running for alderwoman of Milwaukee's 8th District," Avalos wrote. "For over a decade, I've built grassroots political power in our Black and Latino communities, from leading voter mobilizations every election to serving on city committees to make our communities safer."

Zamarripa's departure follows her election as secretary of state, making her the first Latina to hold a statewide office in Wisconsin history. She was elected alongside David Crowley, the state's first elected Black governor, and Yee Leng Xiong, the first Hmong state treasurer — a trio of breakthroughs that reshaped the state's executive branch.

Zamarripa has represented District 8 on the Common Council since 2020 and previously served 10 years as a state representative. She is stepping down from the council so the seat can be filled in a special election this spring.

The 8th District, which includes parts of Milwaukee's South Side, is a majority-Latino area where both candidates have strong community ties. Martinez's County Board district overlaps with the aldermanic seat, while Avalos has built a reputation through citywide organizing and committee work.

The special election will be a key test of progressive political power in a district that has become a focal point for debates over public safety, parks and community investment. With both candidates emphasizing their local roots and grassroots experience, the race is likely to highlight competing visions for how to best serve one of the city's most diverse neighborhoods.