From Wrestling Rings to the State Senate: Julian Bradley’s Journey to Wisconsin Politics

Senator Julian Bradley’s journey to Wisconsin’s State Senate is one shaped by personal growth, family influence, and a desire to make a tangible difference. Born in Baltimore and raised in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, Bradley’s early experiences were steeped in political discussion, thanks to his mother, a staunch Democrat.

“My earliest memories of politics were watching the DNC with her and canvassing for Dukakis in 1988. She always encouraged conversation, making sure I had a place to ask questions and find the real answers,” Bradley shared, reflecting on the foundations of his political views.

Although raised in a Democratic household, Bradley’s political evolution took a significant turn in 2002. “It wasn’t about switching parties, it was about changing my label. I started with an abortion debate with my mom, and after doing my own research, I realized I was a Republican,” he recalled. That realization led him to the Republican Party, much to his mother’s surprise. “When I told her, she said, ‘You’ve always been a Republican.'”

Bradley credits his mom, who raised him through challenging circumstances, with instilling the drive to make a difference. “We grew up in pretty extreme poverty, but my mom made sure I could read and write before I went into first grade,” he said. This early literacy, he believes, was crucial in shaping his focus on education policy today, especially addressing literacy issues tied to poverty and crime.

“Literacy is where we start,” Bradley explained. “If we can solve our literacy problem, we can tackle bigger issues like poverty and crime, including financial literacy.”

His passion for public service grew not only from personal experiences but also from the relationships he built in his community. “When I entered the Senate at the start of this year’s session, I reached out to incoming Democrat colleagues to have conversations. We need to remove the toxicity in politics, and it starts with establishing relationships, even with those who don’t agree with you.”

Bradley’s diverse past includes a stint as a professional wrestler, where he learned valuable lessons about communication and crowd dynamics. “Wrestling taught me how to read a crowd and communicate non-verbally. It’s something that helps me today in engaging with people, just like Donald Trump – he knows how to work the crowd,” he noted.

Bradley’s focus in politics centers on addressing public safety, especially after seeing the challenges first-hand. “During the unrest in 2020, I stood up to remind people that painting all law enforcement officers with the same brush was prejudice. These men and women are heroes who run toward danger to protect us,” he said.

He is particularly proud of legislative changes to Wisconsin’s bail system. “In the past, judges focused only on flight risk. Now, they take a deeper look at an individual’s history and background before making decisions. It’s a critical shift that helps ensure public safety.”

Bradley also believes strongly in the impact of legislation on everyday people. “I’ve seen the toll healthcare policy has taken on families, particularly with Obamacare. After its passage, health costs skyrocketed, and it became harder for single mothers to work while managing the costs. These are the stories that stick with me and shape my votes,” he shared.

For young people considering a future in politics, Bradley is firm in his advice: “Do it. If you’re passionate about an issue, get involved. Knock doors, write letters, run for office. The only way the system works is if you’re a part of it.” He stresses that, despite the challenges, stepping into politics can be the most direct way to bring about the change you want to see in your community. He believes that young people should not wait for the “perfect time” or be discouraged by negativity; rather, they should seize opportunities to engage and make their voices heard. For Bradley, it’s not just about holding office—it’s about taking action, making a tangible impact, and working to improve the systems that govern our lives.

Bradley’s own journey, from a childhood marked by hardship to his role as a state senator, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service and his belief in the power of change from within. His path wasn’t easy, but it was shaped by a determination to rise above circumstances and contribute meaningfully to society. “If you want to impact change, don’t delay – get involved,” he emphasizes. He encourages young people to take that first step—whether it’s running for office, volunteering for a cause, or even just speaking out about an issue they care about. For Bradley, his story is not just about achieving personal success, but about inspiring others to follow suit and make their own impact, regardless of the obstacles they might face along the way. His message is clear: it’s never too early to get started, and every voice matters in shaping the future.