Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson Wants Young Voters to Get to the Polls

The city of Milwaukee woke up Wednesday to its first elected African-American mayor. This historic election comes at a time when a majority minority city is currently crying out to city leaders to address the increase in crime and violence.

Johnson was acting mayor in place of now United States Ambassador to Luxembourg Tom Barrett beginning December of 2021. Residents were expecting Johnson to win. The final tally showed Cavalier Johnson ended up with 62,143 total votes giving him a 72% lead. His incumbent, former alderman Bob Donovan, got 24,543 votes.

Media Milwaukee asked Cavalier Johnson what his message was for young voters. This is what he had to say:

“I want everyone to get involved. We have to get more people out to the polls next time around. We have big elections coming up later this year too. A lot of that hinges on young people. We want them to get out and vote.”

Statistically, young people in America do not vote as much as older people. Half of young people ages 18-24 are not registered to vote. Studies collected by Civic Engine find that this lack of registration coupled with a lack of accessible information are to blame.

However, voting officials say more young people were voting in recent years. According to a report from Circle, 50% of youth ages 18-29 voted in the 2020 presidential election. From 2016 to 2020, 11% more young people voted.  

In Milwaukee, The Milwaukee Election Committee reports the turnout this year for voters was 31%. This is a significant increase compared to the 15% turnout this time last year. The 2020 presidential election saw just about 79% of voters.

“Chevy,” as those close to Johnson call him, addressed key issues at his election party at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center Tuesday night. The former 53206 resident detailed his dreams of a safer community, as well as a better relationship between community members and government.

At Johnson’s election party last night, several supporters expressed how important it was to them to have a young, Black mayor representing them. Media Milwaukee interviewed several people on what this win meant for the city.

“I am so proud of Chevy,” said supporter Kristen Hardy. “And him being young and him being Black, and me being young and Black, it’s amazing to see yourself reflected in leadership.”

Having an African-American mayor who loves the city of Milwaukee is very important to a lot of voters. Self-proclaimed Milwaukee-lover David White says this love for the city is important since people hear so many bad things on the news.

“For me, it’s representation,” said White. “Which I think is good for people to see that no matter who you are you can be whatever.”

“It’s a win for our city to elect a Black mayor,” said Arnita Holliman with the Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention. “It’s also a win for our city to elect a mayor that is committed to the issues that we’re facing including the rise in gun violence.”

Johnson addressed the violence in the city, saying, “A healthy city will be a safe city.” Gun violence and unsafe driving were fundamental to his campaign. And voters at the election party Tuesday night said these issues were on their minds as they went to the polls earlier that day.

“I was thinking about the brokenness in this city,” said supporter Venice Williams. “And what it means to hope and to believe that something can change. And the power of the vote.”

Long-time friend of Johnson’s family, David Marstellar, said that having an African-American mayor is really important to him. He and his partner threw an LGBTQ fundraiser for Johnson during his time as an alderman.

“I think Chevy is perfectly positioned to address crime and the underserved communities in our city,” Marstellar said.

Cavalier Johnson addressed the children of Milwaukee- and said he hoped that all the Black and brown kids woke up Wednesday knowing, “… there is a place for them in our city.”