Brown wins Wisconsin Rapids District 7 recall election over incumbent Timm

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WSAW) - The results are in for the recall election for Wisconsin Rapids District 7.

Rusty Brown (172 votes) defeated incumbent Michael Timm (144 votes) in Tuesday’s election.

Timm was at the center of a citizen petition over allegations that he abused his position and pressured a local hotel to stop selling opposition yard signs.

Brown said his campaign was driven by concerns surrounding data center development and a desire for greater transparency at City Hall.

“My main inspiration for running was the ongoing data center issue here in Wisconsin Rapids,” Brown told NewsChannel 7 by email. “We need more transparency in government and the residents need to be more involved. I would like to make local government representative and accountable again.”

Brown added that he aims to guide the city toward stricter regulations and zoning during its current moratorium, protect the community from “predatory development,” end what he termed “unconstitutional surveillance,” and serve the district with integrity.

The recall effort culminated after the Wisconsin Rapids Common Council voted 6-0 during a special meeting to schedule the election following the certification of recall petitions.

Petitioners alleged Timm infringed on First Amendment rights in July by emailing management at Hotel Mead Resorts and Conference Center to urge them to halt sales of “No Data Center” signs. According to reporting from the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, Timm allegedly told the hotel in an email that selling the signs was “alienating A LOT of people” and referenced another area business that closed after selling similar merchandise.

Timm said he wouldn’t resign ahead of the election, maintaining that his communication with the hotel was merely an expression of personal opinion rather than an official threat.

“Resigning under pressure would short-circuit the very accountability that recalls are meant to enforce. The proper place for judgment is the ballot box—not a forced exit,” Timm said in a statement released to constituents.

Addressing the allegations directly, Timm stated he used his personal email to contact the hotel general manager out of concern for the business amid community division over the project.

“There was no threat, no demand, no ultimatum, and no suggestion of any consequence if they declined. It was simply my opinion,” Timm said. “They considered it and voluntarily agreed.”

Brown will serve the remainder of the District 7 alderperson term, which expires April 19, 2027.

Click here to download the WSAW news app or WSAW First Alert weather app.

Click here to submit a news tip or story idea.