Hinkfuss to Announce Green Bay Mayoral Run

Ald. Kathy Hinkfuss plans a Tuesday news conference to launch her candidacy after Mayor Eric Genrich said he will not seek a third term.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Elections

Flat-color editorial illustration of a civic municipal building with a limp flag on a pole under a pale grey sky, evoking an open mayoral race. — Green Bay Alderperson Kathy Hinkfuss will announce her candidacy for mayor at a news conference Tuesday, Nov. 10, after Mayor Eric Genrich said he will not seek a third term. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Green Bay Ald. Kathy Hinkfuss, who represents District 12 on the city's southwest side, called a news conference for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, to announce she is running for mayor. The announcement follows Mayor Eric Genrich's statement last month that he would not seek a third term.

Why it matters

The open seat has drawn several declared candidates, including county board member Patrick Evans, former mayor Jim Schmitt, council president Alyssa Proffitt and past council candidate John Plageman. The field could be narrowed or expanded before the April 6, 2027 general election, which would be preceded by a Feb. 16 primary if more than two candidates remain.

At least five candidates have announced for Green Bay mayor, and a Feb. 16, 2027 primary would be triggered if more than two remain in the race ahead of the April 6 general election. Whether additional candidates enter before filing deadlines has not been reported.

The players

Kathy Hinkfuss

Green Bay alderperson representing District 12 on the city's southwest side, who is seeking the city's top job.

Eric Genrich

Green Bay mayor who announced he will not seek a third term, leaving the office open.

Alyssa Proffitt

Green Bay City Council president who has also announced a bid for mayor.

Patrick Evans

Brown County board member who has announced his candidacy for Green Bay mayor.

Jim Schmitt

Former Green Bay mayor who has announced a return bid for the office.

The details

Hinkfuss, who has served on the council representing the city's southwest side, will make her announcement at a news conference Tuesday morning. Her entry joins a crowded field that already includes county supervisor Patrick Evans, former mayor Jim Schmitt, council president Alyssa Proffitt and John Plageman.

Last month: Mayor Eric Genrich said he would not seek a third term.
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 10:30 a.m.: Hinkfuss news conference to announce her candidacy.
Feb. 16, 2027: Primary election if more than two candidates are on the ballot.
April 6, 2027: General election for Green Bay mayor.

Political Context

The crowded open-seat contest mirrors Green Bay's 2019 mayoral race, when Genrich won an open election after the prior mayor stepped aside. The current field, which includes a former mayor returning to the race, is competing for the same kind of narrow pool of voters.

Voters in Green Bay will choose a new mayor in April 2027 after a crowded primary if three or more candidates stay in the race. Residents should watch for filing deadlines and the primary date to know who will appear on the ballot.

The takeaway

Voters in Green Bay face an open mayoral race with several declared candidates and a February primary that could narrow the field before the April general election. Tracking candidate filings will show who ultimately appears on the ballot.

What happens next

Candidates must file paperwork before the primary, and the Feb. 16, 2027 primary will occur only if more than two candidates remain in the race. The April 6, 2027 general election will follow.