Mayor Cavalier Johnson (right) and Police Chief Jeffrey Norman address the city's record homicide total. Photo by Jeramey Jannene.

Cavalier “Chevy” Johnson, was elected mayor of Milwaukee on April 5, 2022.

Elected to Milwaukee Common Council in 2016. Became council president in 2020 after re-election.

On Dec. 22 Johnson became acting mayor of Milwaukee following the resignation of Tom Barrett. Johnson was elected to the remainder of Tom Barrett’s term (through 2024) on April 5, 2022.

Campaign Finance Reports

2026 - January Continuing - $69,853 - 210 contributions

2025 - July Continuing - $69,081 - 172 contributions

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Content referencing Cavalier Johnson

Work Starts on Southside Townhomes

Work Starts on Southside Townhomes

VIA CDC scales up its efforts to create owner-occupied, affordable housing.

Hear From Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson
New Deer District Hotel Breaks Ground

New Deer District Hotel Breaks Ground

AC Hotel Milwaukee Downtown, with the same ownership as The Trade, is expected to open in late 2027.

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The Blue Building To Become Housing

The Blue Building To Become Housing

Partial conversion will add more than 200 apartments to Westown.

Murphy’s Law: Crowley Is Only One Who Could Beat Hong
Murphy’s Law

Crowley Is Only One Who Could Beat Hong

It’s a two-person race. Can the county executive make up the gap in one week?

Milwaukee Throws The Book at Illegal Sales of Tobacco, Alcohol, THC to Youths

Milwaukee Throws The Book at Illegal Sales of Tobacco, Alcohol, THC to Youths

City is now 'the most expensive place to sell harmful products to children' in the state.

Mayor Johnson, Police Chief Norman Talk About Growing Up Around Gun Violence

Mayor Johnson, Police Chief Norman Talk About Growing Up Around Gun Violence

Both emphasized the role of parents, adult mentors in dealing with issue.

Legislative Primaries to Watch in August Elections

Legislative Primaries to Watch in August Elections

Key primary races could help decide which party controls both the state Assembly and Senate.

Milwaukee’s Police Chase Policy Is Stuck In Neutral

Milwaukee’s Police Chase Policy Is Stuck In Neutral

Despite 10 deaths from high-speed chases, council won't crack down on police pursuits. Why?

After GOP No-Shows, Baldwin Accepts Johnson’s Invite To See How Milwaukee Votes

After GOP No-Shows, Baldwin Accepts Johnson’s Invite To See How Milwaukee Votes

Mayor says tour dispels 'lies' about city elections, senator touts system's rigor and bipartisan oversight.

Baldwin Tours Milwaukee Elections Operation Center as Trump Lays Groundwork for Election Interference
Council Targets Airbnb Party Houses With Neighbor Notices and Registry

Council Targets Airbnb Party Houses With Neighbor Notices and Registry

Council backs requirements while eyeing even more restrictions.

Milwaukee Leads: Ordinance Imposes the Maximum Penalties Permitted Under Wisconsin Law on Businesses that Sell Intoxicating Products to Minors
Council Rejects Mayor’s Fire & Police Oversight Nominee

Council Rejects Mayor’s Fire & Police Oversight Nominee

Not about qualifications, but ideology says one council member.

Milwaukee Mayor Pushes Early Voting, Absentee Drop-Offs

Milwaukee Mayor Pushes Early Voting, Absentee Drop-Offs

Early voting sites are now open and accepting absentee ballot drop-offs for Aug 11 primary.

Downtown Employee Appreciation Week Returns for 21st Year Week of August 17
Press Release

Downtown Employee Appreciation Week Returns for 21st Year Week of August 17

Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 to host a week of free lunches, pickleball tournament and after-work events downtown

City of Milwaukee Election Commission Announces Start of Early Voting for August 11 Partisan Primary
Press Release

City of Milwaukee Election Commission Announces Start of Early Voting for August 11 Partisan Primary

Early Voting begins Tuesday, July 28, at six sites across Milwaukee

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Federal Government Sues Milwaukee Over ICE Mask Ban

Federal Government Sues Milwaukee Over ICE Mask Ban

Attempt to get all law enforcement officers to wear identification, remove masks headed to court.

Murphy’s Law: Mayor’s I-794 Stance Betrays His Grow Milwaukee Goal
Murphy’s Law

Mayor’s I-794 Stance Betrays His Grow Milwaukee Goal

The mayor who wanted to grow Milwaukee's population to 1 million has suddenly turned timid. Why?

Marquette Poll Shows Hong Leading, Barnes Second

Marquette Poll Shows Hong Leading, Barnes Second

But results not so meaningful as Rodriguez was still in race and Crowley out when survey done.

Marty Brooks Makes Scorched-Earth Case Against Convention Center Board

Marty Brooks Makes Scorched-Earth Case Against Convention Center Board

Brooks says Wisconsin Center District owes him more than $900,000.

Meet Milwaukee’s New DEI Director

Meet Milwaukee’s New DEI Director

Mary Reed leads new city department with a not-so-memorable name.

10 New Projects For Walker’s Point, Menomonee Valley

10 New Projects For Walker’s Point, Menomonee Valley

New infrastructure funded with tax revenue from new corporate HQs, apartment buildings.

Mayors of Waukesha, Wauwatosa, and Sheboygan Endorse David Crowley for Governor
Murphy’s Law: Was Rodriguez Campaign the Worst in State History?
Murphy’s Law

Was Rodriguez Campaign the Worst in State History?

Experts from both parties weigh in. And where does this leave Democrats?

Crowley Reenters Governor’s Race With Evers’ Endorsement

Crowley Reenters Governor’s Race With Evers’ Endorsement

Outgoing governor makes dramatic endorsement. Mayor Johnson, others add their backing.

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The City Could Develop This Prime Site, But It’s Shown No Interest

The City Could Develop This Prime Site, But It’s Shown No Interest

Unusual lease provision with Summerfest could make city millions on parcel of land.

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Opposing Mayor, Council Members Back Boulevard to Replace I-794

Opposing Mayor, Council Members Back Boulevard to Replace I-794

'The mayor is only one part of local government; his position does not reflect that of the entire city.'

Spencer’s Exit From FPC Marks ‘Big Loss’ As Mayor Names Successor

Spencer’s Exit From FPC Marks ‘Big Loss’ As Mayor Names Successor

Executive director hails her impact on commission; Jordan Morales nominated as replacement.

I-794 Highway-to-Boulevard Option is Best for City of Milwaukee
Press Release

I-794 Highway-to-Boulevard Option is Best for City of Milwaukee

Statement from Alderman Alex Brower, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, and Alderwoman Sharlen P. Moore

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DOJ Warns Milwaukee Over Ban On Masked Federal Agents

DOJ Warns Milwaukee Over Ban On Masked Federal Agents

But lead sponsor says it is the Trump administration that is in the wrong.

Vice President Invites Mayor Johnson To DC To Talk Elections

Vice President Invites Mayor Johnson To DC To Talk Elections

Also offers subtle slap at mayor. But Johnson says he'll take Vance up on invitation.

Vance Speech Uses Milwaukee Case To Sell Trump’s Fraud Agenda

Vance Speech Uses Milwaukee Case To Sell Trump’s Fraud Agenda

Visiting city to raise money at $10,000 per couple event at Pfister Hotel.

MMAC Supports Mayor’s Recommendation for I-794 Lake Interchange Project
Press Release

MMAC Supports Mayor’s Recommendation for I-794 Lake Interchange Project

Hybrid option modernizes critical infrastructure while keeping Milwaukee moving

Mayor Opposes Replacing I-794 Connection With Downtown Boulevard

Mayor Opposes Replacing I-794 Connection With Downtown Boulevard

Johnson backs compromise: modernized freeway with smaller footprint, some development.

Former Ambassador and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett Endorses Dan Bukiewicz for Assembly District 21
Homicides Down 30% in Milwaukee in First Half of 2026 

Homicides Down 30% in Milwaukee in First Half of 2026 

Mayor Johnson says the city is a 'safer community.'

Mayor Johnson Offers VP Vance A Special Tour For His Milwaukee Visit

Mayor Johnson Offers VP Vance A Special Tour For His Milwaukee Visit

Offering a tour of city's election operations. Vance will speak at airport, host fundraiser.

City Starting Housing Inspection Program in Uptown Neighborhood

City Starting Housing Inspection Program in Uptown Neighborhood

Pilot initiative is the latest 'Adopt-a-Neighborhood' effort championed by Mayor Johnson.

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Two Waukesha County Communities Want Milwaukee’s Water

Two Waukesha County Communities Want Milwaukee’s Water

They would join city of Waukesha in tapping Lake Michigan, but only after high-stakes vote.

Special Housing Project Breaks Ground

Special Housing Project Breaks Ground

With new six-story complex, NeuVue aims to put young adults on solid ground.

Lincoln Avenue School Heavily Damaged By Five-Alarm Fire

Lincoln Avenue School Heavily Damaged By Five-Alarm Fire

Southside elementary school could be a total loss.

Downtown Tailgate Party Will Celebrate New Bob Uecker Mural

Downtown Tailgate Party Will Celebrate New Bob Uecker Mural

Lunchtime party Tuesday includes free beer, brats and entertainment.

Milwaukee’s Push to Restore Swimmable Rivers

Milwaukee’s Push to Restore Swimmable Rivers

City joins international movement aiming to buoy safety, stewardship and recreation for local waterways.

Passenger Rail Advocates Gather in Milwaukee

Passenger Rail Advocates Gather in Milwaukee

High Speed Rail Alliance hosts event at Oriental Theatre.

DPW Says Its Still Combating ‘Unprecedented’ Pothole Season

DPW Says Its Still Combating ‘Unprecedented’ Pothole Season

Crews are working overtime to clear 18,000 repair requests after "volatile" weather.

More Than 130 Sites Offer Summer Meals For Youth

More Than 130 Sites Offer Summer Meals For Youth

Milwaukee Summer Meals Collaborative provides free breakfast, lunch and dinner to kids countywide.

Condo Tower Would Provide Millions For City Services

Condo Tower Would Provide Millions For City Services

Development team, city officials express optimism about project.

New All-American Cruise Ship Calls on Milwaukee For First Time

New All-American Cruise Ship Calls on Milwaukee For First Time

American Cruise Lines hopes new vessel's regulatory advantage yields competitive edge.

MKE County: County Seeks ‘Missing Middle’ Housing for South Side Land
MKE County

County Seeks ‘Missing Middle’ Housing for South Side Land

Hoping for affordable townhomes to be developed on vacant land at S. 6th Street.

State Senator Dora Drake Endorses Dan Bukiewicz for Assembly
Wisconsin Elections Chair Pushes Milwaukee to Destroy 2020 Ballots

Wisconsin Elections Chair Pushes Milwaukee to Destroy 2020 Ballots

FBI could demand ballots it did in Georgia. 'No one is entitled to see those ballots,' Millis says

City Unveils ‘Reimagined’ Tippecanoe Playfield

City Unveils ‘Reimagined’ Tippecanoe Playfield

Emigh Playfield features new splash pad, basketball courts and modern equipment.

Plenty of Horne: Milwaukee Honors Cecilia Gilbert, Longtime ‘Queen’ Of City Hall
Plenty of Horne

Milwaukee Honors Cecilia Gilbert, Longtime ‘Queen’ Of City Hall

Cathedral Square event honoring her draws more than 200 friends, family and officials.

Milwaukee Scooter Crash Spurs Calls For Tougher Scooter Rules

Milwaukee Scooter Crash Spurs Calls For Tougher Scooter Rules

Other Wisconsin cities also considering restrictions on electric-powered devices.

SEIU Wisconsin Endorses Dan Bukiewicz for State Assembly
County Executive Crowley, Mayor Johnson, Chairwoman Nicholson-Bovell Highlight Innovative Community-Led Food Access Pilot in Milwaukee’s Near West Side
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Reckless Driving Convictions Surge Under City Attorney Goyke

Reckless Driving Convictions Surge Under City Attorney Goyke

New policy sharply cuts plea bargains and is convicting far more repeat offenders.

Port Bids Bon Voyage to Longtime Board Chair

Port Bids Bon Voyage to Longtime Board Chair

Mayor, port officials, board colleaues wish smooth sailing to Timothy Hoelter.

Police Chief Promises to Focus More on Nuisance Properties, Landlords

Police Chief Promises to Focus More on Nuisance Properties, Landlords

'Sometimes you take your eye off the ball.' Chief admits decline in activity.

MPS, Mayor Hail Success of ‘Adopt-A-School’

MPS, Mayor Hail Success of ‘Adopt-A-School’

Volunteer program helped increase student attendance and engagement, officials say.

Politicians Deal With Fallout of Fired CEO’s Campaign Contributions

Politicians Deal With Fallout of Fired CEO’s Campaign Contributions

And a campaign finance investigation could follow

Milwaukee Education Leaders Frustrated With DPI Over Reading Program Funds

Milwaukee Education Leaders Frustrated With DPI Over Reading Program Funds

'We got rolled, gaslighted,' Howard Fuller says of Department of Public Instruction.

Marty Brooks Fired For Cause By Convention Center Board

Marty Brooks Fired For Cause By Convention Center Board

'Serious misappropriation of funds' says board member.

Murphy’s Law: A Democrat Will Again Oppose Rep. Ryan Clancy
Murphy’s Law

A Democrat Will Again Oppose Rep. Ryan Clancy

Challenger Bridget Maniaci promises more focus on local issues, not global conflicts

Mayor Launches ‘Trusted Messengers’ Program

Mayor Launches ‘Trusted Messengers’ Program

New nonprofit would provide 'civic information,' connecting citizens to supportive services.

Bublr Rolls Through Wisconsin Bike Week With Discounts, Partner Rides, and Community Fun
100+ Elected Officials Across Wisconsin Endorse Judge Pedro Colón for Wisconsin Supreme Court
MKE County: Milwaukee Officials Celebrate Beginning of Pride Month
MKE County

Milwaukee Officials Celebrate Beginning of Pride Month

County Executive, Mayor issue Pride Month proclamations at flag raising event.

Competing Visions Emerge for King Park Housing Plan

Competing Visions Emerge for King Park Housing Plan

But all sides agree the opportunity is large.

Mayor Johnson Celebrates Wisconsin Bike Week With Annual Community Bike Ride Highlighting Connectivity of the City’s Bike Infrastructure and Traffic Calming Improvements
Milwaukee County Development Projects Recognized by Mayor’s Design Awards
Brewers Players Partner With Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity to Build New Home
FBI Wants to Interview Milwaukee Police Officers Related to 2020 Election

FBI Wants to Interview Milwaukee Police Officers Related to 2020 Election

Investigation tied to absentee ballot counting.

Murphy’s Law: Sewerage District Problems Are Suspicious
Murphy’s Law

Sewerage District Problems Are Suspicious

Why did it resist an audit? And why does Mayor Johnson agree it must be done quickly?

Mayor Asks Tom Tiffany To Stop ‘Pandering to Dishonesty’ on Elections

Mayor Asks Tom Tiffany To Stop ‘Pandering to Dishonesty’ on Elections

Open letter includes an invitation to tour city's election systems, meet with officials.

See the 2026 Mayor’s Design Awards Winners

See the 2026 Mayor’s Design Awards Winners

Projects big and small win city's top design honor.

Wisconsin Bike Fed Celebrates Wisconsin Bike Week With Communities Across the State May 31 – June 7, 2026
How FBI Has Pressured Wisconsin Election Officials

How FBI Has Pressured Wisconsin Election Officials

How does it compares to probes in other states? And what comes next?

City Will Construct Mini-Neighborhood in King Park

City Will Construct Mini-Neighborhood in King Park

Proposal is an outgrowth of Growing MKE vision, 'Year of Housing' effort.

Downtown Tax Dollars To Be Invested West of I-43

Downtown Tax Dollars To Be Invested West of I-43

City plan channels Brewery District tax revenue into King Park streets, housing and green space.

LGBT Community Center Returns to Walker’s Point

LGBT Community Center Returns to Walker’s Point

A historic change and return home for nonprofit facing federal cuts.

Divided Council Reaches Deal on Leftover Federal Pandemic Funds

Divided Council Reaches Deal on Leftover Federal Pandemic Funds

Twice-rejected proposal gets 10-5 vote of approval from full council.

Legendary Doctor William Finlayson Dies at 101

Legendary Doctor William Finlayson Dies at 101

Trailblazing doctor delivered an estimated 10,000 babies in his career.

Mayor Rakes Back Leaf Bagging Plan

Mayor Rakes Back Leaf Bagging Plan

A compromise with more options for residents comes after council push back.

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Endorses Dan Bukiewicz for Assembly
Big Truck Day Returns to Downtown Milwaukee on Saturday, May 16
Press Release

Big Truck Day Returns to Downtown Milwaukee on Saturday, May 16

Red Arrow Park to host to dozens of big rigs from the Department of Public Works, Milwaukee Police Department, and Milwaukee Fire Department

Lawsuit Seeks to Block Food Truck Curfew

Lawsuit Seeks to Block Food Truck Curfew

The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty argues city's food truck curfew is unconstitutional.

Local Leaders Convene First Meeting of Flood Mitigation Task Force to Address Current and Future Storm Safety Work
Next Door’s Read for Children in May Strives to Read 135,000 Minutes to Kids!
Press Release

Next Door’s Read for Children in May Strives to Read 135,000 Minutes to Kids!

The month-long event promotes the importance of early childhood literacy in Milwaukee with volunteer reading opportunities for community members and special guest readers including Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Author Natasha Tarpley, DeDe Williams of Reach Out and Read, and Next Door Graduate Jace and his mother.

City Hall: So Many Needs, So Few ARPA Dollars Left to Spend
City Hall

So Many Needs, So Few ARPA Dollars Left to Spend

A divided council can't decide how to spend remaining federal grant funds.

New Documentary Exposes Federal Funding Cliff at the End of 2026, Wisconsins Push to Replace All Lead Pipes
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Celebrates National Travel & Tourism Week
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