Supreme Moore Omokunde to run for Wisconsin Legislature; Rep. Leon Young stepping down

MADISON – State Rep. Leon Young announced Wednesday he would not seek re-election, just weeks after a Milwaukee County supervisor and the son of U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore told him he was planning to run for his seat. 

Supreme Moore Omokunde said he told Young his plans two weeks ago. Both are Democrats. 

"There are a lot of great things that are on the horizon for the Sixteenth Assembly District," Moore Omokunde said while taking a break from knocking on doors. 

Young, who was first elected to the Assembly in 1992, filed initial paperwork this January to run for re-election but said Wednesday he would not seek another term. A former cop, Young said he would return to a job at the Milwaukee Police Department. 

He called the decision to leave the Legislature a difficult one. 

"The current state of partisan politics and sheer gridlock at the state have made this choice a little easier," he said in a statement. 

Signatures to get on the ballot are due June 4. A primary in the overwhelmingly Democratic district will be held Aug. 14.

Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) stripped Young of his committee assignments and a part-time staffer in March. Young said the change was the result of his attempt to bring an assault weapons ban to the Assembly floor.