Janel Brandtjen is an American businesswoman and politician.
From Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Brandjten received her bachelor's degree in finance and marketing from University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and is the owner of an advertising agency. Brandtjen served on the Waukesha County Board of Supervisors and is a Republican. On November 4, 2014, Brandtjen was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly.
On June 1, 2016, at 1 p.m., suspects armed with a handgun stole a car from an older woman in the city of Milwaukee. Just after midnight, police spotted the car and began a 20 mile high-speed chase that ended on foot in Richfield. Around 4:45 a.m., following a citizen report, and using police dogs, five juveniles were arrested.
On June 7, 2016, Brandtjen issued a press release in response to a Milwaukee car chase ending in neighboring Washington County. She stated "Families were forced to unlock their gun cabinets and instruct their loved ones to shoot to kill" and that she "will be openly advocating for funding cuts to Milwaukee unless steps are taken to dramatically cut crime in Milwaukee". Opinion articles responded that her statements were representative of a larger divide between Milwaukee and suburbs. Democratic State Legislators called her comments "dangerous rhetoric", "irresponsible", and "Donald Trump style fear mongering". In response, Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke "ripped the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's coverage of Tuesday's statement... claim[ing] the coverage 'cues up race politics'" and Rep. Bob Gannon thanked Brandtjen for "speaking out and demanding action to stop this violence."