What are the next steps for Milwaukee County’s executive following David Crowley’s win as governor? 

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is now Wisconsin’s governor-elect. So, what’s next for his seat? Crowley has been serving as county executive since 2020. He will be inaugurated as governor on Jan. 4. State law says when a vacancy in the office of county executive occurs, the chairperson of the county board assumes the duties of the office initially. That means Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell will temporarily take over as Acting Milwaukee County Executive. Understanding Wisconsin, Together. WPR’s “Wisconsin Today” newsletter keeps you connected to the state you love without feeling overwhelmed. No paywall. No agenda. No corporate filter. Facebook This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Email Subscribe Nicholson-Bovell then has 30 days to appoint an interim county executive, which the board must vote to confirm, according to state law. That interim county executive will serve in that role until voters choose a person to fill out the remainder of Crowley’s term during a special election. The county clerk will order a special election to fill the seat within seven days of the vacancy. State law says, “If the vacancy occurs after October 31 but not later than 49 days before the day of the spring primary, the special election shall be held concurrently with the spring primary and election.” Crowley has not yet said when he will officially step down. An email sent to county employees said Crowley will remain in his role “until he resigns or until his inauguration as Governor on January 4, 2027, whichever comes first.” Crowley’s term as county executive expires April 2028. In written statements sent to WPR, Nicholson-Bovell, who was elected in 2016, said she had “no intention” of appointing herself as the interim county executive, but does plan to run for the office. “I intend to earn this position from the voters of Milwaukee County in the next special election,” Nicholson-Bovell said. Nicholson-Bovell said she hadn’t yet decided who she will pick as the interim. In 2010, former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker stepped down from his role as Milwaukee County executive after he was elected governor. Former Milwaukee County Board Chairman Lee Holloway took over for Walker. Holloway then picked Marvin Pratt, the city of Milwaukee’s former acting mayor, to serve as county executive. A special election was held for the office in April of 2011. Chris Abele won that election , and served as county executive until 2020. Related Stories Democrat David Crowley makes history, defeats Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin governor’s race David Crowley’s pragmatic record a double-edged sword in Wisconsin governor’s race In shocking comeback, David Crowley wins Democratic primary for governor Mainstream Democrats pin hopes on David Crowley’s reboot campaign for governor Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley ends bid for governor, endorses Sara Rodriguez