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

Large Crowd Attends Rain-Soaked Groundbreaking for Stella’s Playground

Large Crowd Attends Rain-Soaked Groundbreaking for Stella’s Playground

A mother’s pledge after her daughter’s brain tumor sparks Milwaukee’s first fully inclusive play space.

After Library Director Nomination Pulled, Darnell Says Milwaukee ‘Made A Mistake’

After Library Director Nomination Pulled, Darnell Says Milwaukee ‘Made A Mistake’

Rejected library director pick attacks city, degree rule and Urban Milwaukee’s coverage.

Commission Endorses Milwaukee Data Center Moratorium After Fiery Hearing

Commission Endorses Milwaukee Data Center Moratorium After Fiery Hearing

After two hours of testimony, commission unanimously backs a one-year halt on new facilities citywide.

City Seeks Firm To Boost Advertising Revenue From The Hop

City Seeks Firm To Boost Advertising Revenue From The Hop

Recent performance has been abysmal.

‘We Screwed Up,’ Mayor Rescinds Nomination of New Library Director

‘We Screwed Up,’ Mayor Rescinds Nomination of New Library Director

Jean Darnell will not serve as new leader of Milwaukee Public Library.

New Plaza Connects Riverwalk, City, Embodies Its Namesake Gary Grunau

New Plaza Connects Riverwalk, City, Embodies Its Namesake Gary Grunau

Gary P. Grunau Plaza was developed through a complicated and collaborative process, honors civic booster.

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Council Adopts Legislation Implementing Stiffer Penalties for Failure to Notice Road Closures
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As Residents Fume Over Potholes, City Tries A Different Kind of Fix

As Residents Fume Over Potholes, City Tries A Different Kind of Fix

Ald. Burgelis wins support for a concrete-panel replacement pilot focused on alleys.

After Bad Legal Advice, Council Tries Again On Elected Official Raises

After Bad Legal Advice, Council Tries Again On Elected Official Raises

A 10–5 vote replaces a raise formula tied to city workers.

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Common Council Seeks Public Input During 2027 Budget Process
City Budget Boosts Police, Fire and Violence Prevention, But At A Price

City Budget Boosts Police, Fire and Violence Prevention, But At A Price

Mayor's budget proposal relies on heavy reserve withdrawals, big parking cost increases and small tax and fee increases.

MKE GO Pilot Aims To Cut Solo Driving, Not Take Away Cars

MKE GO Pilot Aims To Cut Solo Driving, Not Take Away Cars

City-backed effort targets one or two trips a week, with incentives to try alternatives to driving alone to work.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson Still Wants His Meeting With VP About Elections

Mayor Cavalier Johnson Still Wants His Meeting With VP About Elections

He's headed to DC Wednesday, poised to take the VP up on his prior offer.

Mayor Picks AI-Focused Educator To Lead Milwaukee Public Library

Mayor Picks AI-Focused Educator To Lead Milwaukee Public Library

Jean Darnell, a former school librarian and AI policy consultant, picked to lead $33 million department.

Mayor’s Budget Proposal Includes Record Amount For Local Streets

Mayor’s Budget Proposal Includes Record Amount For Local Streets

Will the council and public demand even more?

Proactive Rental Inspections Poised To Return To Milwaukee

Proactive Rental Inspections Poised To Return To Milwaukee

Uptown neighborhood would be first test site.

Attorney Ayanna Ellzey Joining Housing Authority Board

Attorney Ayanna Ellzey Joining Housing Authority Board

She already has two key City Hall connections.

City Attorney Says Council Needs A Do-Over On Giving Elected Officials Raises

City Attorney Says Council Needs A Do-Over On Giving Elected Officials Raises

Conflicting legal opinions effectively block 2024 vote.

Search Underway for 2026 City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree
Press Release

Search Underway for 2026 City of Milwaukee Christmas Tree

Annual Tradition Continues with Search for the City’s 113th Christmas Tree

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Milwaukee Election Mistake Drew National Attention, Official Says Safeguards Worked

Milwaukee Election Mistake Drew National Attention, Official Says Safeguards Worked

County caught wrong files, outside experts validated logs, and city now plans more visible checks and releases.

Donald Baumgartner Remembered In Music, Dance And Laughter

Donald Baumgartner Remembered In Music, Dance And Laughter

A 300-guest memorial at the art museum mixed Puccini, Les Mis and family stories of generosity and adventure.

UWM Removing Its Flock Cameras

UWM Removing Its Flock Cameras

More than 30 cities and law enforcement agencies have now bailed.

Correction: City of Milwaukee Collaborating With Four Development Teams to Build Affordable Homes on Vacant City Lots
Press Release

Correction: City of Milwaukee Collaborating With Four Development Teams to Build Affordable Homes on Vacant City Lots

City of Milwaukee collaborating with four development teams to build affordable homes on vacant City lots Revive Housing Development pilot will bring new attached housing to Milwaukee neighborhoods as part of Mayor Johnson’s Year of Housing

‘Revive’ Housing Pilot Advances After Months Of Negotiations

‘Revive’ Housing Pilot Advances After Months Of Negotiations

City finally names four teams to design replicable, attached homes on standard Milwaukee lots.

City Hall: City, We Energies Finish New ‘Utility-Scale’ Solar Array
City Hall

City, We Energies Finish New ‘Utility-Scale’ Solar Array

City triples size of solar array near Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.

Outsourcing, Overtime and a City Full of Potholes

Outsourcing, Overtime and a City Full of Potholes

Why Milwaukee can't catch up on filling potholes.

Both Attorney General Candidates Dump on Flock

Both Attorney General Candidates Dump on Flock

But Josh Kaul's criticism also extends to Tom Tiffany.

Council Says Mayor’s Flock Changes Don’t Settle Debate

Council Says Mayor’s Flock Changes Don’t Settle Debate

Plus: The county is addressing its own use, and Tom Tiffany tries to make it an issue in the gubernatorial race.

K-12 Education: Lincoln Elementary School Moves to Pulaski High
K-12 Education

Lincoln Elementary School Moves to Pulaski High

Some hiccups amid optimism as students and staff make the adjustment.

MKE County: Crowley Calls for Restrictions on Sheriff’s Flock Cameras
MKE County

Crowley Calls for Restrictions on Sheriff’s Flock Cameras

County executive calls for new policy limiting use of controversial Flock surveillance cameras.

Mayor Demands Restrictions on Milwaukee’s Flock Cameras

Mayor Demands Restrictions on Milwaukee’s Flock Cameras

New policies come after Common Council escalated issue and third officer investigated for abuse.

Tiffany Splits with Trump on Renaming Lake Ontario

Tiffany Splits with Trump on Renaming Lake Ontario

Crowley says new round of tariffs on Canada would hurt Wisconsin farmers.

Lincoln Village Businesses, Property Owners Plan To Tax Themselves

Lincoln Village Businesses, Property Owners Plan To Tax Themselves

Funding would be used improve key commercial corridor.

Mayor, Democrats Gather To Talk About Winning

Mayor, Democrats Gather To Talk About Winning

Majority Democrats organization hosts series of Milwaukee events.

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WI Assembly Elections Chair Seeks Answers on Delay in Milwaukee Election Results

WI Assembly Elections Chair Seeks Answers on Delay in Milwaukee Election Results

Director of the Milwaukee Election Commission says 'human error' didn't impact accuracy of results.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson Moves Up Volunteer Plans to Serve Milwaukee Neighbors Now as Summer Hunger Needs Rise
Investments Changed Sherman Park Neighborhood After 2016 Uprising

Investments Changed Sherman Park Neighborhood After 2016 Uprising

Some improvements resulted, but how many Sherman Park residents benefited?

City Hall: Even With Reserves And Sales Tax, Milwaukee Still Bleeds Red Ink
City Hall

Even With Reserves And Sales Tax, Milwaukee Still Bleeds Red Ink

New forecast from Comptroller Bill Christianson offers alarming view of city's long-term fiscal future.

Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDI) Announces 2026 Winners for Improving Milwaukee Neighborhoods
Sherman Park, 10 Years Later – Promise, Progress And Gaps

Sherman Park, 10 Years Later – Promise, Progress And Gaps

Millions flowed into housing, parks and small businesses after 2016, but not all residents feel the impact.

Despite Criticism, Challengers, Voters Keep Electing Ryan Clancy

Despite Criticism, Challengers, Voters Keep Electing Ryan Clancy

After past clashes over Act 12 and foreign policy, the 19th District sticks with its outspoken incumbent Democrat.

Milwaukee Election Results Delayed by Download Error

Milwaukee Election Results Delayed by Download Error

'Human error' keeps entire nation waiting to see who won gubernatorial primary.

City Financing Will Help Complete Bronzeville Arts and Tech Hub

City Financing Will Help Complete Bronzeville Arts and Tech Hub

Construction poised to start soon on next phase of $29 million development.

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Crowley Makes Final Pitch to Voters Ahead of Primary Election

Crowley Makes Final Pitch to Voters Ahead of Primary Election

County Executive David Crowley and Gov. Tony Evers finish whistlestop tour with campaign event in Milwaukee.

A Century-Old School, A Trash Can And A Five-Alarm Inferno

A Century-Old School, A Trash Can And A Five-Alarm Inferno

Plus: MPS faces sprinkler problem that could cost $280 million to fix.

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.

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