La Crosse has elected its first-ever Black and openly LGBTQ+ mayor
In a historic win, Shaundel Washington-Spivey defeated City Council President Chris Kahlow in La Crosse's mayoral race this week, becoming the first Black mayor and first openly LGBTQ+ mayor in the city's history.
Washington-Spivey narrowly defeated Kahlow, with just 451 votes separating the two candidates, according to unofficial election results from the La Crosse County Clerk's Office. He received 9,012 votes —or 50.82% — of the vote while Kahlow received 8,561 votes.
Washington-Spivey will replace Mayor Mitch Reynolds, who did not seek re-election. Washington-Spivery will take office on Tuesday, April 15, according to WXOW.
The incoming mayor told WXOW on Tuesday he is "excited and ready to get to work on day one," before highlighting some priorities for his first 100 days in office.
Washington-Spivey went on to tell WXOW "the identities we hold matter."
'While race is a social construct, at the end of the day, who we are and our lived existence needs to be understood, appreciated and respected for what it is," he said. "And I just look forward to making sure that we bring this community together across difference.'
His campaign did not immediately respond to the Journal Sentinel's requests for comment.
Washington-Spivey co-founded non-profit Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge (B.L.A.C.K. ), Inc., and currently serves as its executive director, according to his campaign website. He is a member of Gov. Tony Evers' Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council and previously served as an elected member on the La Crosse School Board.
According to his campaign website, Washington-Spivey is a "proud two-time alumnus" of the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, receiving his bachelor's degree in political science and master's degree in student affairs administration. He is also currently pursuing graduate degrees in mental health counseling and counselor education at Viterbo University.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: La Crosse, Wisconsin elects first Black, openly LGBTQ+ mayor
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