Born in Ashland, Pennsylvania, Emil Seidel moved, with his family, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1869. Later, while studying woodcarving in Germany for six years, he embraced the cause of socialism. Returning to Milwaukee he helped organize the Social Democratic party, emphasizing gradual democratic reform. In 1904 the party was able to elect nine aldermen, among them, Seidel.
Emil Seidel was defeated in his bid to become mayor in 1908, and was elected an alderman again the following year. In 1910 he became the first socialist mayor in a major American city, when the Social Democratic party swept the Milwaukee city and county offices. Although defeated as mayor in 1912, he was Eugene V. Debs' vice-presidential running mate that same year. From 1916 to 1920, and from 1932 to 1936, he again served as an alderman.
As both mayor and alderman, Seidel was charged with sectarianism and increased spending; but he, himself, always stood for honesty and efficiency. He was outspoken in his advocacy of public ownership and planning, and in his criticism of America's entry into World War I.
