Washington-Spivey, Kahlow advance in race for La Crosse Mayor 

Shaundel Washington-Spivey and Chris Kahlow face off in April after winning a four-way primary race on Tuesday. 

Washington-Spivey, a former school board member and non-profit executive director, had 1,842 votes with Kahlow, who is the City Council President, collecting 1,663. 

In comments after the totals were known, Washington-Spivey said, “Our campaign has been about creating a community where everyone feels safe, valued, respected, and has the opportunity to thrive. I am forever grateful to the voters for trusting me to work towards building a La Crosse driven by collaboration and where everyone belongs. I have spent my entire professional life building community, fostering relationships, and striving to make positive change in our beautiful city and I will continue doing so. Tonight’s results clearly show that La Crosse is eager for a bold agenda that tackles the issues our residents face every day and I will continue working to deliver that progress for our city.” 

Kahlow also issued a statement following the election.

“Thank you to the people of La Crosse. Your trust and confidence in me to lead our City forward, to overcome the challenges we face and seize the opportunities before us is both humbling and inspiring. I look forward to the campaign ahead and the chance to continue to share my vision, unmatched experience, and love of La Crosse. I would be honored by your vote on April 1.”

The candidate who ran in the last election for Mayor, Vicki Markusssen, came in third with 1,618 votes.  

Local business leader Ellie McLoone had 1,014 votes on Tuesday.