Milwaukee County Executive Crowley wins governor race; what's next?
Milwaukee County executive seat to be vacated
David Crowley won Wisconsin's governor race on Tuesday, which means the Democrat will vacate his role as Milwaukee County executive.
MILWAUKEE - David Crowley won Wisconsin's governor race on Tuesday, which means the Democrat will vacate his role as Milwaukee County executive. Here's what to know.
How long will Crowley remain county executive?
What we know:
David Crowley will continue to serve as Milwaukee County executive until he resigns or he is sworn in as governor, which comes first. The gubernatorial inauguration is Jan. 4, 2027.
Who takes over as Milwaukee County executive?
What's next:
Once David Crowley leaves office, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors chair immediately becomes the acting county executive and the first vice-chair becomes acting board chair. That means Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell will become acting county executive and Steven Shea will become acting chair.
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Within 30 days, the acting county executive will appoint an interim county executive. The county board must then confirm that interim appointee. The interim Milwaukee County executive will serve until a special election is held.
COMPLETE RESULTS: Wisconsin elections, statewide races November 2026
The results of the 2026 Wisconsin November elections are in. David Crowley's win in the race for governor headlined a big night for Democrats.
When is the special election?
What we don't know:
The winner of the special election will serve the remainder of Crowley's term, which expires in April 2028. A date for a special election has not yet been set.
Will Nicholson-Bovell run?
What they're saying:
In a statement, Milwaukee County Board Chair Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell said she has no plans to appoint herself as the interim county executive – but plans to run in the special election.
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"The process is outlined in state law and I intend to follow it carefully and transparently. As County Board Chairwoman, I will assume the duties of County Executive whenever David decides to step down, according to state law. I will then have the responsibility of nominating an interim successor, subject to County Board approval, who will act in that role until the voters choose the next County Executive," Nicholson-Bovell said.
"I have no intention of appointing myself as interim County Exec. I intend to earn this position from the voters of Milwaukee County in the next special election.
"I haven’t made a decision about who the interim County Executive will be, but my priority is ensuring a smooth transition and steady, capable leadership while voters decide who will serve as their next County Executive."
All Wisconsin election results
Dig deeper:
FOX6 News has complete results for a number of key races across Wisconsin. Follow the links below to find the race you're looking for:
- Wisconsin statewide races, referendums
- Wisconsin Congressional races
- Wisconsin State Senate races
- Wisconsin State Assembly races
- Local races
Balance of Power
Big picture view:
FOX6 News and LiveNOW from FOX also kept tabs on race around the country:
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- How presidential vetoes work
The Source: FOX6 News obtained the message sent to Milwaukee County employees.