LACROSSE, Wis. – Voters chose Shaundel Washington-Spivey as mayor, making him the city’s first black and openly gay political chief. Washington-Spivey defeated City Council President Chris Kahlow. The vote was 9,012 to 8,561. Had Kahlow won she would have been the city’s first female mayor. Washington-Spivey is the co-founder and executive director of the nonprofit Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge. His campaign message focused on education and inclusion. He previously was elected to the La Crosse School Board. He currently is on Governor Tony Evers’ Council on Equity and Inclusion.
Washington-Spivey. As mayor he replaces Mitch Reynolds, who decided not to seek a second term.