Wisconsin Democratic Party gives $100,000 to Cavalier Johnson in Milwaukee mayoral race

The state Democratic Party poured $100,000 into the campaign of Milwaukee Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson in the closing push of the mayoral race, campaign finance reports released Monday show. 

Johnson is competing with former Ald. Bob Donovan in the April 5 race. They are vying for the last two years of the term left open by former Mayor Tom Barrett's resignation in December to become U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg. 

Under state law, political parties can give unlimited amounts to candidates.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler in a statement called Johnson "the leader Milwaukee needs right now" and said the party was taking nothing for granted, even in the Democratic stronghold. 

"Right now, the stakes couldn’t be higher — for Wisconsinites, and the fate of democracy in our state," he said. "It’s critical to invest in inspiring candidates like Cavalier Johnson, a leader who meets the moment, to inspire and mobilize a new generation of voters."

Johnson's campaign manager Sachin Chheda noted that Republicans had thrown their support behind Donovan while the Democrats were supporting Johnson, a Democrat. 

The Democrats' level of spending in the race reflected the party's fundraising success, he said, and the funds helped Johnson's campaign boost its field program and advertising. 

Donovan, who has trailed in fundraising, slammed Johnson for the contribution.

"My opponent must be running scared to need that kind of money on top of everything he has already," Donovan said in a text message. "He's looking to buy this election and I'm counting on the people."

In all, Johnson reported raising $375,721 in the period between Feb. 1 and March 21, ending with $169,565 cash on hand.

Donovan raised $86,936 — with $1,250 coming from the Republican Party of Milwaukee County and $2,500 from Rebecca PAC of former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, one of three Republicans running for governor this fall.

Donovan finished the period with $2,775 cash on hand.

He also received $500 and the endorsement of Republican U.S. Marine veteran and gubernatorial candidate Kevin Nicholson.

Among the top donors on Johnson's most recent report were philanthropists Ted and Mary Kellner ($6,000 each), former U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl ($4,500), Summerfest CEO Don Smiley ($1,000), longtime giver to liberal causes Lynde Uihlein ($2,000) and Jim Villa ($1,334), a longtime ally of former GOP Gov. Scott Walker. 

Ted Kellner is a long-time donor to GOP causes but has also given to Democrats. In 2018, the Kellner hosted a luncheon fundraiser for then-President Donald Trump.

Lauren Lasry, the wife of Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alex Lasry, also contributed $5,000 (Johnson backed Alex Lasry when he got into the Senate race.)

Chheda said the contributors listed in the report demonstrated Johnson's support across the political spectrum.

Contact Alison Dirr at 414-224-2383 or adirr@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter @AlisonDirr.