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
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
Key Milwaukee Leader Weighs In On Chavez Debate
Council President José G. Pérez offers clear stance on what should happen next.
Mar 23rd, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Reckoning With Cesar Chavez Allegations
Labor activist and civil rights leader subject of substantial sexual abuse allegations.
Mar 19th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
How Milwaukee Lost Its DEI Director
It wasn't President Donald Trump. But the name of office will change.
Mar 18th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Pays Nearly $1 Million For 2022 Police Shooting
Common Council backs payout for violent handling of mental health call.
Mar 17th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Fire Chief in Line For Huge Pay Increase Due to ‘Mistake’
Council decision led to 'enormous' raise for police chief, could benefit fire chief.
Mar 17th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
$14.1 Million Plan Targets Safer Streets In Walker’s Point, Valley, Westown
TIF funds would pay for repaving, new lighting and bike lanes in three key areas.
Mar 12th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
The $26 Million Plan to Turn MKE Renters Into Homeowners
Acts Housing has raised $26.4 million to expand homeownership. How will it do this?
Mar 11th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Signs ‘Sanctuary City’ Resolution, With Key Caveat
Will Trump administration label Milwaukee a 'sanctuary city'?
Mar 9th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Early Data Shows Mayor’s ‘Vision Zero’ Traffic Deaths Plan Is Working
Deaths on city's roadways down by 26% since peak year of 2022.
Mar 9th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
The Clause in Milwaukee’s ICE Package That Could Trigger ‘Sanctuary City’ Label
Former alderman blasts council's actions.
Mar 5th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee The Regional Leader In Large Project Permitting
But projects requiring a zoning change can still take more than a year.
Mar 5th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Opposes We Energies Data Center Plan
Ald. Dimitrijevic says proposal could leave ratepayers on the hook for new power plants.
Mar 4th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Did Milwaukee Just Make Itself A Sanctuary City?
City Attorney warns of Trump Adm. reaction as council passes 'ICE Out' proposal.
Mar 3rd, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Names New Department of Administration Director
Familiar face being given key city job.
Mar 2nd, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
City Receives $400,000 Grant For Lead Screening
Monthly clinics focus on early intervention following MPS lead crisis.
Feb 24th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
Milwaukee Continues Preparing for Possible ICE Surge
1,800 letter writers urge Common Council to sign ICE OUT proposals.
Feb 24th, 2026 by Isiah Holmes
Milwaukee Loves Peter Feigin
Outgoing Bucks leader, replaced by the team, showered with praise by community, given rare 'key to the city.'
Feb 24th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Donovan’s Assembly Measure Restricts Oversight Of Police
Former alderman adds amendment with no debate on unrelated health bill.
Feb 23rd, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Cargill Closing Last Milwaukee Meatpacking Plant
Closure of 'protein processing plant' marks the end of an overlooked era in Milwaukee's history.
Feb 13th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Sidesteps Another Controversial Historic Designation
Property owner objected to designating East Side properties.
Feb 11th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
After Surprise Loss, Mayor Names New Violence Prevention Czar
Cavalier Johnson goes back to one of the original candidates for the job.
Feb 10th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Inside the Police Report on Marty Brooks’ Alleged Pinch of José Pérez
Newly obtained report reveals recorded call, witness statements and why prosecutors closed the sexual assault case without charges.
Feb 10th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Council Approves Historic District Over Owner’s Objections
Vote is unanimous. Former church also gets historic designation without opposition.
Feb 10th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
City Unveils Plan to Curb Grocery Store Closures
Grant program would help cover costs; proposed ordinance aims to attract new stores.
Feb 10th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
Police Union Blames City Attorney For ‘Repeated Failures’
City Attorney Goyke takes issue with criticism, union's 'political game.'
Feb 6th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Fire-Police Commissioner Leaves Milwaukee for West Bend
'I'm very disappointed,' Mayor Johnson says. 'I'll be investigating this.'
Feb 4th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Loses Its Violence Prevention Czar Because of State Constitution?
Mayor, fire chief express disappointment, frustration.
Jan 30th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
Mayor Cavalier Johnson Buys New House
Milwaukee's mayor is moving again. Learn why, and to where.
Jan 28th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Silver Spring Sentry is Closing
Latest in a string of grocery closings in the city, worsening food deserts.
Jan 19th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
Every Other Day, A Reckless Driver’s Car Is Now Getting Towed
A state law change lets police seize more vehicles, part of a broader push to curb reckless driving.
Jan 15th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Infusing AI Into 911 Emergency Calls
City hopes artificial intelligence will ramp up speed, quality of responses.
Jan 14th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Wins $8 Million To Make Streets Safer
Federal grant will improve two major streets, focusing on children's safety.
Jan 12th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Police Have No Plan If ICE Descends on City
Problems in Minneapolis raise concerns. 'We got to prepare,' mayor says.
Jan 12th, 2026 by Henry Redman
County Awarded $25 Million for Road Safety Projects
Federal grant will fund 67 projects at many locations in the county.
Jan 12th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Homicides Back Up in Milwaukee in 2025
But non-fatal shootings, other major crimes declined.
Jan 6th, 2026 by Evan Casey
Milwaukee Paid $10 Million in Policing Settlements in 2025
And tacked on even more for a run-away garbage truck and other issues.
Jan 1st, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Brewers Weigh In On Parking Lot Development Proposal
Final study estimates possible tax revenue -- if Brewers agree to it.
Dec 30th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Offers Olive Branch On Oversight of Cabinet Officials
But will Common Council members accept it?
Dec 23rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
City May Pay To End Lawsuit Claiming Inspector General Was “Judge, Jury, Executioner”
$50,000 settlement would resolve lawsuit from one of Tearman Spencer's top deputies.
Dec 19th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
New Report Identifies What Market Would Support at Former Northridge Site
City looking to hit a home run.
Dec 18th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
$43 Million Later, MPS Says Classrooms Are Safe From Lead Dust
Superintendent Brenda Cassellius and city leaders mark the end of cleanup effort.
Dec 18th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Council Blocked In Fight To Oversee Top City Officials
City Attorney says proposal isn't legal or enforceable. What will council do?
Dec 16th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
FTA Tells Milwaukee to Crack Down on Fare Evasion — Even Where Fares Don’t Exist
Feds want both county and city to crack down fare evasion, only one doesn't collect fares.
Dec 12th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Milwaukee Mayor’s Power in Decline?
Council grabbing more power, overriding nearly every veto by Mayor Johnson.
Dec 10th, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
City Plan For Marcus Parking Structure Repairs Falling Apart
Financial data is murky. 'More unanswered questions than answers,' says comptroller.
Dec 10th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Mayor Declines to Sign Historic Preservation for Arena, Auditorium
Facing unanimous council vote, Johnson punts on the issue.
Dec 9th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
