Zeidler, Frank Paul

ZEIDLER, FRANK PAUL. (September 20, 1912-July 7, 2006). The last socialist mayor of Milwaukee and the most prominent figure in the Socialist Party since Norman Thomas, Frank Zeidler was a remarkably successful politician as well as an important spokesperson for the Left during the second half of the twentieth century. Zeidler became active in the Milwaukee movement as the older generation of German immigrant activists dwindled and the Depression offered new opportunities to propose a local socialist alternative to capitalism. Serving as secretary of the Milwaukee socialist movement for several years, he ran unsuccessfully for a variety of positions until elected as county surveyor for Milwaukee on the Progressive Party ticket in 1938. Three years later, he was elected to the Milwaukee Board of School Directors. In 1948 Zeidler was elected mayor, the marked exception to the Cold War trend of disappearing Left regional or local parties and diminished socialist votes.

In the face of extremely difficult days for the Left generally, Milwaukeeans thrived under Zeidler and elected him to two more terms. Frugal budget polices, the upgrade of city services, and cultural and educational advances made him a popular city figure. Declining to run for a fourth term in 1960, he continued active involvement with the Socialist Party and a host of other religious, pacifist, and community organizations.

During 1972-1973, Zeidler helped spearhead the movement to reorganize the Socialist Party. In May of 1973, when the Party was reconstituted at a founding convention in Milwaukee, Zeidler was unanimously elected as National Chair of the new organization. Three years later, he ran for President on the Socialist Party ticket, its first standard bearer in twenty years. Zeidler continued to serve as Chair Emeritus of the Socialist Party USA, and he remained active in the Socialist Party of Wisconsin and of Milwaukee until his death.

Beck, Elmer. The Sewer Socialists. Fennimore, Wis.: Westburg Associates Publishers, 1982

Hendrickson, Dave. “The Zeidler Legacy”. Wisconsin Magazine, 28 February 1988.

Luders, Bill. “Last of a Breed”. Milwaukee Magazine, November 1985.

Frank P. Zeidler. A Liberal in City Government: My Experiences as Mayor of Milwaukee. Milwaukee Publishers, 2005.

Zeidler, Frank P, The Poetry of a Young Frank Zeidler. Milwaukee Public Library, 2002.

Carl F. and Frank P. Zeidler Papers, 1918-1981. Milwaukee Public Library, Local History Manuscript Collection, https://www.mpl.org/content/pdfs/352_Zeidler_finding_aid.pdf

Oral History Interview with Frank P. Zeidler, July 17, 1981. UWM Oral History Project Interviews, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Libraries. https://www.mpl.org/content/pdfs/352_Zeidler_finding_aid.pdf