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
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
City Will Construct Mini-Neighborhood in King Park
Proposal is an outgrowth of Growing MKE vision, 'Year of Housing' effort.
May 14th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
May 13th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
LGBT Community Center Returns to Walker’s Point
A historic change and return home for nonprofit facing federal cuts.
May 13th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Divided Council Reaches Deal on Leftover Federal Pandemic Funds
Twice-rejected proposal gets 10-5 vote of approval from full council.
May 13th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Legendary Doctor William Finlayson Dies at 101
Trailblazing doctor delivered an estimated 10,000 babies in his career.
May 12th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Rakes Back Leaf Bagging Plan
A compromise with more options for residents comes after council push back.
May 12th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Lawsuit Seeks to Block Food Truck Curfew
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty argues city's food truck curfew is unconstitutional.
May 7th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
So Many Needs, So Few ARPA Dollars Left to Spend
A divided council can't decide how to spend remaining federal grant funds.
May 6th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
New Library Planned For Key Milwaukee Location
City has been seeking a replacement for aging branch library for seven years.
May 4th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Districts Could Be Affected by Voting Rights Act Ruling
Could US Supreme Court ruling lead to changes in Common Council and school board maps?
May 4th, 2026 by Alexander Shur
Food Truck Operators Rally at City Hall
Demonstration aims to put the brakes on new late-night restrictions.
Apr 30th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
City Unveils New Rooftop Solar Installation
Latest sustainability push aims to reduce carbon footprint and utility costs. Homeowners can benefit, too.
Apr 30th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
Severe Storms Push Milwaukee To Change Leaf And Street Sweeping Rules
Climate change, clogged drains and angry residents are driving DPW changes.
Apr 29th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Why Milwaukee’s Potholes Are So Bad, And What’s Changing
A brutal winter, new repair gear, Brewers funding and AI detection reshaping the city’s response.
Apr 28th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Common Ground Unveils Plan Targeting South Side Problem Properties
5-point agenda focuses on nuisance landlords, policing trust and youth crime prevention.
Apr 27th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Downtown Food Truck Operators Balk at New Curfew
New restrictions cut peak hours for vendors. City leaders cite need for safety.
Apr 27th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
City Issued 4 Times More Parking Tickets in Recent Flood
City issued far fewer tickets in August flooding. Why the change in policy?
Apr 26th, 2026 by Devin Blake
Milwaukee Will Become ‘Sensory-Inclusive City,’ Mayor Declares
How city plans to become more accommodating for people with sensory needs.
Apr 21st, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
New Violence Prevention Director Narrowly Approved
Karin Tyler endured rocky approval process, but the job is now hers.
Apr 21st, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
City Approves Dropping Cesar Chavez Street Name
But a bigger question for the south-side street remains.
Apr 21st, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Drive-Thru Cafe Opens on Layton Avenue
7 Brew held a grand opening Monday for its first Milwaukee location.
Apr 20th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
City, County, MMSD Form Flood Task Force
Three governments team up to plan for short and long-term impacts of climate change.
Apr 18th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Milwaukee Again Cleaning Up From ‘Overwhelming Force of Nature’
City officials said there was little more they could have done to prepare.
Apr 16th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor, County Executive Raise Concerns About Safety at Train Station
Ald. Bauman calls on state DOT to take over managing Milwaukee Intermodal Station.
Apr 15th, 2026 by Evan Casey
Salary Revealed for New Housing Authority Leader
Harold Ince takes on HUD sanctions, financial turmoil and key vacancies at HACM.
Apr 15th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Scooter Users in Milwaukee Smash Ridership, Revenue Records
Love 'em or hate 'em, they're everywhere.
Apr 13th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Why Milwaukee’s Shootings Are Falling Faster Than Its Homicides
National research and local officials point to reasons Milwaukee appears to be bucking national trend.
Apr 13th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Showdown Set Over Violence Prevention Director
And just how far is Mayor Cavalier Johnson willing to go to fund the department?
Apr 10th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Officials Break Ground on Deer District Apartments
Vacant city block will soon feature affordable housing.
Apr 9th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
Milwaukee Plans 60 Traffic Safety Projects for 2026
Where will projects occur and what will be the impact?
Apr 8th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Incumbents Sweep County Board Elections
The next county board will only have one new supervisor after Tuesday's election.
Apr 7th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
ICE Arrests Milwaukee Islamic Society Leader
Attorneys allege Salah Sarsour targeted over pro-Palestinian speech, DHS cites teenage arrest. Community rallies in his support.
Apr 2nd, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
City Subsidies Proposed For Two Affordable Housing Developments
Proposals include former hospital, land owned by sausage company.
Apr 2nd, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
The Amazingly High Cost of Housing
Why the American Dream is becoming impossible in Wisconsin.
Apr 1st, 2026 by Bruce Murphy
Mayor’s Message To Milwaukee – Home Is Where City Policy Starts
State of the City address spotlights housing.
Mar 30th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Despite Objection, Milwaukee Approves Laser Scanning Requirement
Demolishing a historic building will now require an additional step.
Mar 27th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Hits Pause On Violence Prevention Pick After Grant Snub
Loss of a $2 million state grant deepens doubts about Karin Tyler and the future of the new department.
Mar 27th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Legislators Call for Traffic Cameras to Save Lives
Legislature didn't vote on bill letting Milwaukee use cameras to deter reckless driving.
Mar 24th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
Milwaukee Democrats Hold Gala
400-strong gathering of politicos at Italian Community Center, with high hopes for 2026.
Mar 23rd, 2026 by Michael Horne
