Milwaukee approves new election chief ahead of 2024 election

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Just under five months until the presidential election, the City of Milwaukee approved a new election chief.

On Tuesday, The Milwaukee Common Council voted to confirm Paulina Gutiérrez to lead the city's election commission.

It comes after Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson nominated Gutiérrez to the position in a surprise move last month to replace Claire Woodall, who served about a decade at the election commission.

Gutiérrez previously held a series of positions with the city and state government before serving as the deputy director of the Milwaukee Election Commission, a role she took in February of 2023.

Her first major task will be overseeing a July special election for the 4th Senate District after former state Sen. Lena Taylor resigned to serve as a Milwaukee County judge.

November's presidential election will be Gutiérrez' first federal election to administer, which has raised some red flags with some GOP lawmakers and election staff.

Rep. Scott Krug, chairman of the Campaign and Elections Committee, said he hopes Gutiérrez' confirmation will not sow distrust in elections during a pivotal election year as he's worked as chairman to try and restore confidence back in elections.

"My struggle is fighting back against misinformation this session already, and it makes it harder when you see things like this," Krug said. "I just want to be able to trust (the council) is doing the right thing, just like the voters want to be able to trust elections."

In a May 3 letter, days before Johnson appointed Gutiérrez, an election commission employee told the mayor about his "deep concerns" about her leadership.

Johnathan Zuñiga, who worked closely with Gutiérrez, wrote she does not have the "experience or knowledge" needed to oversee the presidential election.

Zuñiga told CBS 58 his feelings have changed over the last month and fully supports Gutiérrez and "all the staff does too."

A spokesman for Johnson said the mayor "vehemently disagrees" with the statements in the letter, adding Gutiérrez is "highly qualified" to administer elections.

"She has already improved processes and is well prepared for the special election, the primary election, and the general election coming up over the coming months," said Jeff Fleming, a spokesman for Mayor Johnson.

"It is clear from the unanimous confirmation vote at the Milwaukee Common Council this morning that Gutiérrez is highly respected by leaders at the City of Milwaukee. The mayor has great confidence in her ability and integrity as she leads elections here."

Woodall has helped Gutiérrez ease into the position after reaching a separation agreement with the city. Part of the agreement allows Woodall to remain in an advisory position until August. She also cannot have any communication with anyone besides Gutiérrez.