John Chisholm won't seek reelection in 2024: 'Honored to have served'
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm announced Friday, Jan. 5 that he will not seek reelection in 2024 after nearly 30 years of state service.
It's a job that only two people have held since 1969. Chisholm, first elected in 2006, has not lost a race since.
"You can’t ignore when you have a change in leadership," said Julius Kim, a criminal defense attorney.
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In 1994, Chisholm was hired as Milwaukee County assistant district attorney by then-District Attorney E. Michael McCann. Chisholm said in a statement it's time for him to move on.
"I think he is leaving the door open for more improvement," Kim said.
John Chisholm
Kim said Chisholm's run should be celebrated: "My feeling is that John Chisholm has always done his best to pursue justice."
Chisholm gained a national reputation as a progressive district attorney. Democrats said he got convictions in police misconduct cases, but he drew criticism from Republicans.
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"We have to stop (the) soft-on-crime approach, to take bail seriously, we have to take violent people off of our streets," said State Sen. Julian Bradley (R-Franklin).
After the 2021 Waukesha Christmas Parade attack, there was a push to remove Chisholm from office. Darrell Brooks, convicted in the attack, was out on bond in a Milwaukee County domestic violence case when he drove through the parade.
Milwaukee County Courthouse
Chisholm spoke with FOX6 News in 2022 about that decision: "I have already acknowledged our response and ability for not making a much stronger recommendation for detention in that case."
Multiple sources tell FOX6 News that Milwaukee County Chief Deputy District Attorney Kent Lovern has discussed running for the office.
"That would be a logical person to step into his shoes because they worked so closely together," Kim said.
Chisholm's current term will end Jan. 6, 2025. In a statement, he said the district attorney's office remains committed to its mission of carrying out justice.
John Chisholm statement
"The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office remains steadfastly committed to its mission: to carry out the work of justice without fear or favor.
"We have vigorously prosecuted crimes of violence, abuse, and corruption, while uniting community stakeholders around a nationally recognized public health and community partnership approach to violence prevention. I am honored to have served our community by pursuing justice alongside the finest prosecutors, investigators, victim/witness advocates, and clerical specialists in our profession."
"Since I was first elected in 2006, I have been clear that the District Attorney’s Office is here to serve the people of this community in a fair and just way that promotes safety.
"After nearly 30 years as a prosecutor, it is time for me to pursue new endeavors, and for the people of Milwaukee County to choose a new District Attorney to continue the work of ensuring a safe, just, and prosperous community for all. As I complete my term, I will work closely with Chief Deputy District Attorney Kent Lovern and our leadership team to ensure the continuity of all District Attorney's Office operations."