Cavalier Johnson has made history as the first Black mayor of Milwaukee

By BOTWC Staff

Cavalier Johnson has made history as the first Black mayor of Milwaukee, NBC News reports. 

Johnson first got his start as a member of the Common Council, getting elected in 2016 and eventually becoming president in April 2020. When longtime Milwaukee mayor, Tom Barrett, decided to resign last December to become the U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg after a nearly two decade run, Johnson jumped at the opportunity to finish Barrett’s last two terms. 

Since his resignation, Johnson has served as acting mayor, the Wisconsin Democratic Party investing $100,000 into his campaign to run for mayor. This past week, Johnson claimed his victory, defeating a former alderman, winning the seven-person primary by 20 points and making history as the first African American mayor of Milwaukee. 

The 35-year-old won with 68 percent of the vote in comparison to his Republican running mate, Bob Donovan, 32 percent. Donovan has served on the council from 2000 to 2020, previously losing his run for mayor by 40 points in 2016 against Barrett. 

Johnson previously spoke to reporters about his passion for the city of Milwaukee and his desire to be mayor, saying, “I’ve been serving this community for 20 years, and have the opportunity to walk back into this office that I have wanted to serve for a number of years. After all the experiences that I’ve had growing up in the city, living in 53206, I’m ready. I’m ready to serve the city. I’m ready to be the mayor.”

Congratulations, Mayor Johnson! Because of you, we can!