Cavalier Johnson made history Tuesday – and brought new generations to political power in the city hall – to become first African American elected as mayor of Milwaukee.
johnson, who was born, raised and still lives on in cityx north sideoverloaded former south side Old. Bob Donovan in but special election to the reduced two-year term.
Just 35 years old, Johnson from Milwaukee. first thousand-year-old mayor, his triumph confirms his rapid six-year rise from Common Council Freshman to Place of power in largest in Wisconsin city.
“This city for in first time in our 176-year history It has elected this first Black mayor. We made it,” Johnson told supporters at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center.
Accompanied by his wife and their three children, Johnson said: “We want our city be loving, caring and stable. That’s why I ran for mayor.”
Johnson said “we have a lot to do”, adding city must stop the violence, rebuild their neighborhoods, create jobs and mend broken relationships with condition government.
In the unofficial results, Johnson had 62,143 votes to 24,543 Donovan. It works out Johnson demanding 72% of in vote up to 28% for Donovan.
Johnson and Donovan were looking for voters support become Milwaukee first new mayor in 18 years old, after intermediate departure of former Mayor Tom Barrett in December. He resigned to become US Ambassador to Luxembourg.
johnson, who was President of the Common Council, automatically became Acting Mayor after Barrett left.
In 2004, Marvin Pratt followed suit. path after resignation of then Mayor John Norquist. Pratt rose from leading General advice to become first Black to act as mayor. But after winning the 2004 primary, Pratt was unable to claim the top spot. office losing to Barrett in in general elections.
In his victory speech, Johnson hailed Pratt and other political trailblazers, including Vel Phillips, Gwen Moore, Isaac and Marcia Coggs, stating: “I support on shoulders of giants in this community.”
Johnson became acting mayor of Milwaukee. just before Christmas and methodically seized the opportunity to establish itself as a city leader.
He took a solemn oath-in this featured every piece of pomposity and pomp expected of but post-elections event.
And he kept steady public holding presence regular news conferences. Technically, Johnson still held role as 2nd District Alderman and President of the Common Council. But as acting mayor, he always referred to those positions. in in past time.
He had a city hall office in the mayor’s office and was not going to give it up.
Less than an hour after the polls closed, Donovan conceded on election night. party at McKiernan’s Irish Pub on in citysouth side.
Donovan congratulated Johnson and said, “Well, we took This on chin tonight but boy oh boy we don’t down.”
“No shame in follow him and come up Long story short, Donovan said. “We had a vision, a goal plan for Milwaukee I still believe in in”.
Asked what nextDonovan said “I’m going to have a beer!”
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donovan, former alderman, faced great chances for win. he is not just drag in fundraising, he couldn’t match citywide support Johnson dumped up in seven-way elementary.
In general, Johnson raised and spent more than four times so many money How did Donovan do it? in in race. Insofar as start of in the year Johnson spent more over $650,000 compared to with $160,000 for Donovan.
Johnson also received $100,000 from the state Democratic Party, an unusually large contribution in local, non-partisan race. Donovan enlisted the support of two Republicans who ran for for Governor Kevin Nicholson and former Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Clifish.
Donovan, a determined activist, also criticized Johnson for in support he received from Fair Future Action. Secretive group thought to be funded former Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. And he has invested at least $150,000 in television advertising to help Johnson campaign.
It was Donovan’s second campaign for mayor. He failed overthrow Barrett in 2016.
The race offers contrasts
The differences between Johnson and Donovan are many and obvious: north side and south side black and white, democrat and conservativemillennium and baby boomer and half- ten years in elected office and two decades.
But obviously not enough. of electoral energy, with many voters say they are throwing ballots out of feeling of civil duty.
“I’m always involved in the electoral process because it matters,” said Terry Eiland, 56. who vote on the James Madison Academic Campus on northwest side. “You have nothing to say if you don’t vote”.
Eiland didn’t say who he voted for. for but admitted that it was hard decision.
“There are so many problems in Milwaukee, so you need to find the right person. in there,” he said.
At the Clinton Rose Center for Seniors on in cityx north sidePasion Terrell, 48, teacher with Milwaukee public schools, said she always votes as well as for yo threw ballots for Barret.
This time she went with johnson, drawn his youth and hopes that he will be able to solve problems of violence, crime, youth employment and the perceived gap of MPS.
“You may have several years or many of yo, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring something new and fresh, or others, to the table,” she said.
For Melissa DeBot, chief issue it was simply, “That cavalier Johnson wins.”
deBot, who said that she walks all over in the city said Johnson was a supporter of doing milwaukee more friendly to pedestrians.
Colleen Richter, 50, said she voted for Donovan because he thinks he will good” for in city.
“I think he would help fight crime. I think he would good for neighborhood, she said. “I think he good boy.”
Next mayor faces historic challengesopportunity
Johnson’s honeymoon is likely to be short.
He enters office how city facing increasing murder rate, reckless driving cutting short life of residents and issues of how in city should fund – and override – public safety.
Not speaking about fast- approaching spike in annual pension contribution that threatens city services and, officials agree, will take over help to address. This assistance, whether in the form of an increase in sales tax or an increase in overall revenue, has long been requested by Milwaukee’s leadership to no avail.
But Johnson also become mayor when city will receive a historic sum of almost $200 million. more — in federal aid to fight the pandemic, which could make significant progress possible on a little of most up-to-date problems. Key decisions on how to spend it will fall on him and the Common Council.
Everything work must happen ahead on accelerated schedule. Johnson will only have two years left on Barrett term instead of typical foursome to convince voters that he is the person who lead Milwaukee in future.
Extraordinary elections for District 2 common council seat
Johnson’s election leaves open a seat on the Common Council representing District 2. on in citynorthwest side.
next the president of the council will elected at a meeting on 19 April, after which special elections are expected to be called.
Milwaukee Electoral Commission Executive Director Claire Woodall-Vogg said she hopes the election will coincide. with autumn cycle, but elections can be scheduled in summer.
Contact Alison Dirr at 414-224-2383 or email adirr@jrn.com. follow her on Twitter @AlisonDirr.
