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
A mother’s pledge after her daughter’s brain tumor sparks Milwaukee’s first fully inclusive play space.
Oct 2nd, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
After Library Director Nomination Pulled, Darnell Says Milwaukee ‘Made A Mistake’
Rejected library director pick attacks city, degree rule and Urban Milwaukee’s coverage.
Oct 1st, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Sep 30th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
City Seeks Firm To Boost Advertising Revenue From The Hop
Recent performance has been abysmal.
Sep 30th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
‘We Screwed Up,’ Mayor Rescinds Nomination of New Library Director
Jean Darnell will not serve as new leader of Milwaukee Public Library.
Sep 29th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Sep 28th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Sep 23rd, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
After Bad Legal Advice, Council Tries Again On Elected Official Raises
A 10–5 vote replaces a raise formula tied to city workers.
Sep 22nd, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Sep 22nd, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Sep 21st, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Sep 21st, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Sep 21st, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor’s Budget Proposal Includes Record Amount For Local Streets
Will the council and public demand even more?
Sep 20th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Proactive Rental Inspections Poised To Return To Milwaukee
Uptown neighborhood would be first test site.
Sep 18th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Attorney Ayanna Ellzey Joining Housing Authority Board
She already has two key City Hall connections.
Sep 15th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
City Attorney Says Council Needs A Do-Over On Giving Elected Officials Raises
Conflicting legal opinions effectively block 2024 vote.
Sep 14th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Sep 14th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Sep 11th, 2026 by Michael Horne
UWM Removing Its Flock Cameras
More than 30 cities and law enforcement agencies have now bailed.
Sep 11th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
‘Revive’ Housing Pilot Advances After Months Of Negotiations
City finally names four teams to design replicable, attached homes on standard Milwaukee lots.
Sep 10th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
City, We Energies Finish New ‘Utility-Scale’ Solar Array
City triples size of solar array near Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.
Sep 10th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Outsourcing, Overtime and a City Full of Potholes
Why Milwaukee can't catch up on filling potholes.
Sep 9th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Both Attorney General Candidates Dump on Flock
But Josh Kaul's criticism also extends to Tom Tiffany.
Sep 8th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Sep 3rd, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Lincoln Elementary School Moves to Pulaski High
Some hiccups amid optimism as students and staff make the adjustment.
Sep 2nd, 2026 by Terry Falk
Crowley Calls for Restrictions on Sheriff’s Flock Cameras
County executive calls for new policy limiting use of controversial Flock surveillance cameras.
Sep 1st, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Mayor Demands Restrictions on Milwaukee’s Flock Cameras
New policies come after Common Council escalated issue and third officer investigated for abuse.
Aug 31st, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Tiffany Splits with Trump on Renaming Lake Ontario
Crowley says new round of tariffs on Canada would hurt Wisconsin farmers.
Aug 29th, 2026 by Danielle Kaeding
Lincoln Village Businesses, Property Owners Plan To Tax Themselves
Funding would be used improve key commercial corridor.
Aug 27th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor, Democrats Gather To Talk About Winning
Majority Democrats organization hosts series of Milwaukee events.
Aug 26th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Aug 25th, 2026 by Evan Casey
Investments Changed Sherman Park Neighborhood After 2016 Uprising
Some improvements resulted, but how many Sherman Park residents benefited?
Aug 23rd, 2026 by Meredith Melland
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.
Aug 19th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Aug 15th, 2026 by Meredith Melland
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.
Aug 12th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Election Results Delayed by Download Error
'Human error' keeps entire nation waiting to see who won gubernatorial primary.
Aug 12th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
City Financing Will Help Complete Bronzeville Arts and Tech Hub
Construction poised to start soon on next phase of $29 million development.
Aug 11th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Aug 11th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
A Century-Old School, A Trash Can And A Five-Alarm Inferno
Plus: MPS faces sprinkler problem that could cost $280 million to fix.
Aug 10th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Work Starts on Southside Townhomes
VIA CDC scales up its efforts to create owner-occupied, affordable housing.
Aug 7th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
New Deer District Hotel Breaks Ground
AC Hotel Milwaukee Downtown, with the same ownership as The Trade, is expected to open in late 2027.
Aug 6th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
The Blue Building To Become Housing
Partial conversion will add more than 200 apartments to Westown.
Aug 5th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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?
Aug 5th, 2026 by Bruce Murphy
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.
Aug 4th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Johnson, Police Chief Norman Talk About Growing Up Around Gun Violence
Both emphasized the role of parents, adult mentors in dealing with issue.
Aug 4th, 2026 by Devin Blake
Legislative Primaries to Watch in August Elections
Key primary races could help decide which party controls both the state Assembly and Senate.
Aug 4th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
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?
Aug 3rd, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Jul 31st, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Targets Airbnb Party Houses With Neighbor Notices and Registry
Council backs requirements while eyeing even more restrictions.
Jul 31st, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Rejects Mayor’s Fire & Police Oversight Nominee
Not about qualifications, but ideology says one council member.
Jul 31st, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Mayor Pushes Early Voting, Absentee Drop-Offs
Early voting sites are now open and accepting absentee ballot drop-offs for Aug 11 primary.
Jul 28th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
Federal Government Sues Milwaukee Over ICE Mask Ban
Attempt to get all law enforcement officers to wear identification, remove masks headed to court.
Jul 23rd, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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?
Jul 22nd, 2026 by Bruce Murphy
Marquette Poll Shows Hong Leading, Barnes Second
But results not so meaningful as Rodriguez was still in race and Crowley out when survey done.
Jul 22nd, 2026 by Bruce Murphy
Marty Brooks Makes Scorched-Earth Case Against Convention Center Board
Brooks says Wisconsin Center District owes him more than $900,000.
Jul 22nd, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Meet Milwaukee’s New DEI Director
Mary Reed leads new city department with a not-so-memorable name.
Jul 21st, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
10 New Projects For Walker’s Point, Menomonee Valley
New infrastructure funded with tax revenue from new corporate HQs, apartment buildings.
Jul 21st, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Was Rodriguez Campaign the Worst in State History?
Experts from both parties weigh in. And where does this leave Democrats?
Jul 20th, 2026 by Bruce Murphy
Crowley Reenters Governor’s Race With Evers’ Endorsement
Outgoing governor makes dramatic endorsement. Mayor Johnson, others add their backing.
Jul 18th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
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.
Jul 15th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.'
Jul 13th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Spencer’s Exit From FPC Marks ‘Big Loss’ As Mayor Names Successor
Executive director hails her impact on commission; Jordan Morales nominated as replacement.
Jul 13th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
DOJ Warns Milwaukee Over Ban On Masked Federal Agents
But lead sponsor says it is the Trump administration that is in the wrong.
Jul 10th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Jul 8th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Jul 8th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Opposes Replacing I-794 Connection With Downtown Boulevard
Johnson backs compromise: modernized freeway with smaller footprint, some development.
Jul 8th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene and Sophie Bolich
Homicides Down 30% in Milwaukee in First Half of 2026
Mayor Johnson says the city is a 'safer community.'
Jul 8th, 2026 by Evan Casey
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.
Jul 7th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
City Starting Housing Inspection Program in Uptown Neighborhood
Pilot initiative is the latest 'Adopt-a-Neighborhood' effort championed by Mayor Johnson.
Jul 6th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Two Waukesha County Communities Want Milwaukee’s Water
They would join city of Waukesha in tapping Lake Michigan, but only after high-stakes vote.
Jul 1st, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Special Housing Project Breaks Ground
With new six-story complex, NeuVue aims to put young adults on solid ground.
Jul 1st, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Lincoln Avenue School Heavily Damaged By Five-Alarm Fire
Southside elementary school could be a total loss.
Jun 30th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Downtown Tailgate Party Will Celebrate New Bob Uecker Mural
Lunchtime party Tuesday includes free beer, brats and entertainment.
Jun 29th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee’s Push to Restore Swimmable Rivers
City joins international movement aiming to buoy safety, stewardship and recreation for local waterways.
Jun 26th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
Passenger Rail Advocates Gather in Milwaukee
High Speed Rail Alliance hosts event at Oriental Theatre.
Jun 25th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
DPW Says Its Still Combating ‘Unprecedented’ Pothole Season
Crews are working overtime to clear 18,000 repair requests after "volatile" weather.
Jun 25th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
More Than 130 Sites Offer Summer Meals For Youth
Milwaukee Summer Meals Collaborative provides free breakfast, lunch and dinner to kids countywide.
Jun 25th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
Condo Tower Would Provide Millions For City Services
Development team, city officials express optimism about project.
Jun 25th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
New All-American Cruise Ship Calls on Milwaukee For First Time
American Cruise Lines hopes new vessel's regulatory advantage yields competitive edge.
Jun 24th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
County Seeks ‘Missing Middle’ Housing for South Side Land
Hoping for affordable townhomes to be developed on vacant land at S. 6th Street.
Jun 24th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
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
Jun 23rd, 2026 by Rich Kremer
City Unveils ‘Reimagined’ Tippecanoe Playfield
Emigh Playfield features new splash pad, basketball courts and modern equipment.
Jun 22nd, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
Milwaukee Honors Cecilia Gilbert, Longtime ‘Queen’ Of City Hall
Cathedral Square event honoring her draws more than 200 friends, family and officials.
Jun 21st, 2026 by Michael Horne
Milwaukee Scooter Crash Spurs Calls For Tougher Scooter Rules
Other Wisconsin cities also considering restrictions on electric-powered devices.
Jun 19th, 2026 by Evan Casey
Reckless Driving Convictions Surge Under City Attorney Goyke
New policy sharply cuts plea bargains and is convicting far more repeat offenders.
Jun 15th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Port Bids Bon Voyage to Longtime Board Chair
Mayor, port officials, board colleaues wish smooth sailing to Timothy Hoelter.
Jun 11th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Police Chief Promises to Focus More on Nuisance Properties, Landlords
'Sometimes you take your eye off the ball.' Chief admits decline in activity.
Jun 10th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
MPS, Mayor Hail Success of ‘Adopt-A-School’
Volunteer program helped increase student attendance and engagement, officials say.
Jun 10th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
Politicians Deal With Fallout of Fired CEO’s Campaign Contributions
And a campaign finance investigation could follow
Jun 9th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Education Leaders Frustrated With DPI Over Reading Program Funds
'We got rolled, gaslighted,' Howard Fuller says of Department of Public Instruction.
Jun 8th, 2026 by Corrinne Hess
Marty Brooks Fired For Cause By Convention Center Board
'Serious misappropriation of funds' says board member.
Jun 8th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
A Democrat Will Again Oppose Rep. Ryan Clancy
Challenger Bridget Maniaci promises more focus on local issues, not global conflicts
Jun 6th, 2026 by Bruce Murphy
Mayor Launches ‘Trusted Messengers’ Program
New nonprofit would provide 'civic information,' connecting citizens to supportive services.
Jun 5th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Officials Celebrate Beginning of Pride Month
County Executive, Mayor issue Pride Month proclamations at flag raising event.
Jun 1st, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Competing Visions Emerge for King Park Housing Plan
But all sides agree the opportunity is large.
May 30th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
FBI Wants to Interview Milwaukee Police Officers Related to 2020 Election
Investigation tied to absentee ballot counting.
May 21st, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Sewerage District Problems Are Suspicious
Why did it resist an audit? And why does Mayor Johnson agree it must be done quickly?
May 20th, 2026 by Bruce Murphy
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.
May 20th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
See the 2026 Mayor’s Design Awards Winners
Projects big and small win city's top design honor.
May 20th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
How FBI Has Pressured Wisconsin Election Officials
How does it compares to probes in other states? And what comes next?
May 17th, 2026 by Alexander Shur
