Cavalier Johnson, former Alderman for Milwaukee’s 2nd district, has been elected Mayor of Milwaukee. On Tuesday night, former Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan conceded to Johnson in the race after early election results showed Johnson leading by nearly 40,000 votes.
I’m grateful to the people of Milwaukee for electing me as the 45th Mayor of the City of Milwaukee. We have a lot of work to do, and I’m looking forward to getting that work done in collaboration with community partners, @MKE_CC, the County, the State and the federal government. pic.twitter.com/IBkHhCZP2O
— Mayor Cavalier Johnson (@MayorMKE) April 6, 2022
“It’s this lived experience that’s woven into my DNA. And I carry that with me. So whether I’m meeting with school kids, the men and women who sweep the streets, or corporate CEOs, that carries with me and my calling is service,” Johnson said during his victory speech. “Because I’m a son of this city. I am a son of this city, and now we must continue our work and our next step is to listen. We know that safety and prosperity are the guideposts. We need every idea we get in order to achieve our goals. No idea is too small, no idea is too big. I want to hear from everyone.”
Johnson took over as acting mayor when then-Mayor Tom Barrett resigned in December to become U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg. Johnson becomes the first black mayor elected in the city’s history.
Alderman Michael Murphy of District 10 on Milwaukee’s West Side released a statement congratulating Johnson on his victory, saying in part, “I want to extend my sincere congratulations and well wishes to Mayor Cavalier Johnson … I’m confident that Mayor Johnson is the right person for the job. During his tenure as Common Council President, and in his months serving as acting mayor, he has shown a willingness to collaborate, listen to the people, and has already taken steps to address important issues facing our city such as reckless driving, strengthening neighborhoods and repairing our relationship with the state.”
The city notes that the election results are not final until the provisional ballots are tabulated on Fri., April 8th, 2022. Provisional ballots are issued when there are unresolved questions about a voter’s eligibility. Provisional voters have until 4:00 p.m. on April 8th to prove eligibility in order for their ballot to be tabulated.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Wisconsin Daily Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “Cavalier Johnson” by Cavalier Johnson.
