Jeremy Gragert, pictured, is the first to declare a campaign for Eau Claire City Council President.

Jeremy Gragert is likely a familiar face among Eau Claire residents. After years spent representing District 3 on city council – 2018-2024, to be precise – Gragert is looking to get back to the dais in an even larger role.

Days after current City Council President Emily Berge formally announced she would not be seeking re-election in order to focus on her congressional bid, former councilman Gragert declared his candidacy for the seat.

During his time on council, he served on the city’s Plan Commission, the Transit Commission and was the founding secretary of the Chippewa-St. Croix Rail Commission, among other duties. Back in 2024, Gragert decided not to seek re-election because had purchased a home outside of District 3 and planned to move there following his second term. 

A Minnesota native, Gragert joined the Eau Claire community in 2000 as a UW-Eau Claire student. After graduating with a history degree, he later earned his master’s in education from UW-La Crosse.

He currently works as an organizer for Citizen Action of Wisconsin and serves on five community boards including the Eau Claire Health Alliance, Bike Chippewa Valley and Friends of the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.

"From a city perspective, we need to make sure we are providign services and infrastructure that people expect and need to thrive, and do it in a way that is not only efficient and sustainable for the city, but also affordable to residents."

JEREMY GRAGERT

CANDIDATE FOR EAU CLAIRE CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Gragert said a council president should be able to unite people and facilitate conversation. "Understanding that there are more than two sides to an issue, that we can come up with better solutions if we are creative and welcome diverse perspectives to the table," he told Volume One. 

“From a city perspective, we need to make sure we are providing services and infrastructure that people expect and need to thrive, and do it in a way that is not only efficient and sustainable for the city, but also affordable to residents,” he added.

He noted the cyclical relationship between city services – like public transit and quality streets and environmental benefits and improved public health – Gragert said it is exciting to see Eau Claire's growth and continued ambition toward accomplishing more as a community.

“Just one example (of that): The success of the Menomonie Market Food Co-op,” Gragert said. “Having a thriving grocery store in the heart of our downtown, next to a new Children’s Museum, is san amazing accomplishments I am thankful for every day.”

Notably, City Council Vice President Andrew Werthmann has endorsed Gragert via social media.

Any additional candidates for council president will have to file for candidacy by Jan. 6, 2026. A spring primary would only be necessary if there is more than one candidate, otherwise election day would be in April.

Jeremy Gragert's declaration announcement:

Learn more about Jeremy Gragert on his campaign website at votejeremygragert.com.