Peter W. Barca

Peter W. Barca is an American politician and former member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 64th district from 2013 to 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served a single term in the United States House of Representatives from 1993 to 1995. Barca's career has been marked by leadership roles within the Wisconsin Legislature, including serving as Minority Leader of the Wisconsin State Assembly.

Early life and education

Peter Barca was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, a city in the southeastern part of the state along the shores of Lake Michigan. He pursued his higher education within the University of Wisconsin System, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and economics from the University of Wisconsin–Parkside. He later attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he received a Master of Arts in public policy and administration. His academic focus on public policy laid the groundwork for his subsequent career in government and politics.

Political career

Barca began his political career with his election to the United States House of Representatives in 1992, succeeding Les Aspin to represent Wisconsin's 1st congressional district. During his term in the 103rd United States Congress, he served on committees including the House Committee on Small Business and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. After losing his seat to Mark Neumann in the 1994 Republican wave, Barca later served as the Midwest Regional Administrator for the Small Business Administration under President Bill Clinton. He returned to elected office in 2008, winning a seat in the Wisconsin State Assembly. In the Wisconsin Legislature, Barca was elected by his caucus as the Minority Leader of the Wisconsin State Assembly, a position he held during politically turbulent times, including the protests against the Wisconsin Act 10 and subsequent recall elections. He was a prominent figure in opposition to policies advanced by Governor Scott Walker and the Wisconsin Republican Party.

Electoral history

Barca first won election to the U.S. House of Representatives in the 1992 election, defeating Republican candidate Mark Neumann in their initial matchup. In the 1994 election, Neumann defeated Barca in a rematch, a result consistent with the national gains of the Republican Revolution. After a long hiatus from elected office, Barca won a special election in 2008 for the Wisconsin State Assembly seat vacated by John Steinbrink. He was subsequently re-elected in the 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020 general elections. He chose not to seek re-election in 2022, and the seat was won by Democrat Tip McGuire.

Personal life

Barca has maintained strong ties to his hometown of Kenosha, Wisconsin, throughout his life and career. He is married and has children. Beyond his political service, Barca has been involved in various community and civic organizations in Kenosha County. His tenure in public office has been characterized by a focus on economic development, labor issues, and education policy, reflecting the industrial and working-class character of his southeastern Wisconsin district.

Category:1955 births Category:Living people Category:Members of the Wisconsin State Assembly Category:Democratic Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Wisconsin Category:People from Kenosha, Wisconsin Category:University of Wisconsin–Parkside alumni Category:University of Wisconsin–Madison alumni