Milwaukee County’s political landscape is set for a change as County Executive David Crowley prepares to take on his new role as Wisconsin’s governor. Crowley’s move to the gubernatorial office leaves his current position vacant, prompting questions about the future leadership of Milwaukee County.
Having served as the county executive since 2020, Crowley will be inaugurated as governor on January 4. According to state law, when a county executive seat becomes vacant, the chairperson of the county board steps in to fulfill the duties temporarily. This places Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell in the role of Acting Milwaukee County Executive.
State law dictates that Nicholson-Bovell has 30 days to appoint an interim county executive, subject to board confirmation. This interim leader will serve until a special election allows voters to select a permanent replacement to complete Crowley’s term.
The county clerk must call a special election within seven days of the vacancy. If the vacancy arises after October 31 but before 49 days prior to the spring primary, the election will coincide with the spring primary and election.
Crowley has not disclosed the exact date he will vacate his current role. An internal communication indicated he will continue as county executive “until he resigns or until his inauguration as Governor on January 4, 2027, whichever comes first.”
Crowley’s term was set to end in April 2028. In a statement to WPR, Nicholson-Bovell, who was elected in 2016, expressed her plans to run for the position, stating, “I intend to earn this position from the voters of Milwaukee County in the next special election.” However, she has not decided on her choice for the interim appointment.
In a similar situation back in 2010, former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker stepped down as Milwaukee County executive after his election to the governorship. Lee Holloway, then Milwaukee County Board Chairman, assumed the role temporarily and appointed Marvin Pratt, a former acting mayor of Milwaukee, as county executive. A special election in April 2011 saw Chris Abele win the position, serving until 2020.
