WAUKESHA, WISCONSIN— This week, multiple media outlets reported on the criminal history of Diego Rodriguez, a name familiar to many in Waukesha and Milwaukee counties through political campaigns and State Party Caucuses.
It is with disappointment that I make this statement publicly: Upon learning of Mr. Rodriguez’s criminal past in November of 2025, I distanced myself, advised others to do the same, and warned colleagues about Mr. Rodriguez’s criminal history, and those warnings went unheeded.
I want to make one thing absolutely clear:
Diego Rodriguez has never signed a nomination form for my candidacy. He has never contributed to my Aldermanic campaign or my Assembly campaign. He has never knocked on a door in support of my campaigns, or worked directly or indirectly on behalf of my candidacy. In fact, it has now been made public that Diego Rodriguez managed the campaign of my former opponent.
That same cannot be said about the elected officials and candidates he has been confirmed to work with and be on payroll for– they knew about his criminal history prior to beginning a professional relationship, and now have only come out against Mr. Rodriguez because they are being held accountable. That is methodical deception.
I regret that the actions and reckless behavior of Mr. Rodriguez has brought negative light to the organizations he associated with– to be clear– this was not the responsibility of rank and file members with any caucus, organization, or campaign he worked for. This was the responsibility of leadership representing these respective organizations and campaigns, and this behavior cannot be excused.
As your State Representative there will be no ceiling of expectation for transparency and accountability. I am a father of three, and as a career educator I am a legally obligated mandatory reporter. I unequivocally hold no sympathy for sexual predators.
