Mayor Johnson replaces Milwaukee's election chief 6 months before 2024 election

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Just six months from the November election, there is a major change in leadership at the city's election commission.

On Monday, May 6, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson announced he is replacing the Election Commission's executive director.

Paulina Gutierrez, who served for more than a year as deputy director of the commission under now-former Executive Director Claire Woodall, will now hold the position.

Claire Woodall (credit: CBS 58)

The mayor's office declined CBS 58's request for an interview but confirmed Woodall was offered a different position in the city, one focused on civic engagement. Woodall turned down the job despite writing the description for it herself last June.

Gutierrez has previously held management positions in state and local government, is a graduate of Alverno College, and earned a Master of Arts degree from Marquette University. While Guiterrez has never overseen an election, Mayor Johnson said in a statement that he is confident in her abilities.

“Paulina’s integrity and capabilities are ideally suited to this position. She will lead the office at an important juncture when public scrutiny of the work of the department will be extremely high,” Mayor Johnson said. “I have confidence in her, and I will make certain the department has the resources it needs to fulfill its duties.”

Milwaukee Common Council President José Pérez said he has little details about the change but feels Gutierrez will handle it well.

"I think she'll have all the support she'll need," Pérez said. "She has worked elections in the number two spot, and I think she'll be ready to go when the time is right."

Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, Ben Wikler, addressed Gutierrez's appointment while in Milwaukee on Monday.

"I know that the mayor and his team and all the folks on the Common Council are going to ensure that the Milwaukee Elections Commission has the staffing and the resources it needs to run a great election in which every voter's voice can be heard," he said.

State GOP representatives told CBS 58 they have no comment on the change.

Gutierrez's appointment will require confirmation from the Milwaukee Common Council.