'Tough decision:' Chris Abele is not seeking reelection as Milwaukee County Executive

MILWAUKEE -- Chris Abele announced on Wednesday, Oct. 16 that he will not seek reelection as Milwaukee County Executive in April 2020. The news came as a surprise to even his staff in the office.

Abele was first elected in 2011 when he finished out Scott Walker's term as County Executive. Abele was re-elected in 2012 and 2016.

Abele told FOX6 News part of this decision was personal. He said he just got married a week-and-a-half ago -- and is looking forward to spending time with his wife and three daughters. Abele said the politics of the position also played a role in his decision -- so has the "State versus Milwaukee" attitude.

"You could be forgiven for being an outsider and thinking, 'Hey, here’s a crazy idea. What if the state and Milwaukee saw themselves as partners as opposed to arbitrarily-decided enemies," Abele said. "I think a lot of people get that, I think the governor as worked hard to build that relationship. But I think there is a shared clarity -- that when Milwaukee does well, the state does well -- we’re all going to move forward."

Abele also said priorities did not always jive with politics.

"I've always thought, but I think more strongly now, it is a waste of time looking for fights and enemies as opposed to allies and solutions," Abele said.

No one can forget former President Barack Obama mispronouncing Abele's name -- or the demolition of his 100-year-old Shorewood mansion earlier this year.

"I'd be really curious to hear someone's logic on how that had anything to do with my decision not to run," Abele said.

Abele did not share who he will be supporting for the April 2020 election. He said he did not seek office as a stepping stone to anything -- and does not plan to pursue another public office.

Complete statement of Chris Abele

Reaction to Chris Abele's decision

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett

Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton

Milwaukee County Sheriff Earnell Lucas

Who will be in the running for the position?