SHAPED BY MADISON'S STRENGTH, READY TO FIGHT FOR MADISON'S FUTURE.
Get to Know Mayoral Candidate Syed Abbas
Madison is where my family calls home. I have had the privilege of serving Madison before as an alder and President of the Madison Common Council, and today I serve Wisconsin as Deputy Legislative Director at the Department of Health Services. Throughout my career, I have worked at the intersection of government, community, and public service, helping turn ideas into action and making sure the people we serve have a voice at the table.
My commitment to Madison is also deeply personal. My wife was born here and graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and both of our daughters were born in Madison. We chose Madison as the place to put down roots, raise our children, and build our future.
I am running for Mayor because I believe Madison can do more and do better. We need leadership that listens before it acts, brings people together rather than dividing them, and focuses on getting things done. We need to make housing more affordable, strengthen our neighborhoods, support economic opportunity, invest wisely in public safety and infrastructure, and make sure every Madisonian has a chance to succeed.
As a community advocate, an elected official, a public servant, and a taxpayer, I have seen the government from many sides. I know that progress doesn't happen through slogans. It happens by bringing people together, doing the hard work, and following through. I am running for Mayor because I believe in Madison. I believe in the people who make this city special. And I believe our best days are ahead of us.
Syed Abbas
Experience That Delivers
Public service, community leadership, and management experience working to make government and organizations work better for the people they serve.
President, Madison Common Council
City of Madison, WI
April 2021 - April 2022
Helped lead the Common Council through major decisions affecting Madison’s budget, racial and environmental justice, housing, transportation, public safety, and neighborhoods, including stepping into the acting mayor’s role when needed.
Alder, District 12
City of Madison, WI
April 2019 - November 2022
Represented Madison’s north and east sides, listening to residents and bringing their voices to the Common Council on housing, transportation, economic development, and racial and environmental justice.
Deputy Legislative Director
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
March 2024 - Present
Works across state government, the Legislature, and communities to advance health policy, navigate complex legislative issues, and help address challenges affecting health and human services across Wisconsin.
Director of Education & Training
Slipstream
April 2022 - March 2024
Led programs and teams focused on energy efficiency, sustainability, workforce development, and education while collaborating with partners across the Midwest.
United Nations & International Policy Experience
October 2011 - October 2012
United Nations Headquarters · New York City
Worked on governance, economic and social development, diplomacy, and international policy, contributing to projects and collaborating with diplomats and international partners at United Nations Headquarters in New York City.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Proud to Have Their Support
Syed is honored to have the support of community leaders and Madisonians from across our city who share a commitment to a more affordable, inclusive, and vibrant Madison.
“
Having served as Council President alongside Syed as Vice President, I saw firsthand how he approaches leadership and the responsibility of governing. Whether we were working through city budgets, shaping policy, or navigating difficult issues, Syed came prepared, listened to different perspectives, and stayed focused on finding solutions. He understands both the details of city government and the importance of staying connected to the people we serve.”
Sheri Carter
FORMER PRESIDENT
MADISON COMMON COUNCIL
“
As a longtime Madison resident, community advocate, and former alder, I know how important it is to have leaders who genuinely listen when residents raise concerns. I’ve seen Syed take community voices seriously, ask questions, and engage on difficult issues affecting our neighborhoods. His record reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship, thoughtful growth, and making sure residents have a meaningful voice in the decisions shaping Madison’s future.”
Kristen Slack
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE & FORMER
MADISON COMMON COUNCIL ALDER
“
Syed has spent years helping to grow the North and Eastside by advocating for the people, growing the housing stock while building and supporting economic opportunity and leadership. His executive leadership is straightforward, trustworthy, transparent and rooted in listening, bringing people together, being inclusive and making sure the people have a meaningful voice in Madison’s future while getting things done.”
Amani Latimer Burris
FORMER ALDER,
MADISON COMMON COUNCIL
Add Your Voice
Join community members across Madison who are supporting Syed.
