MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — The race for Milwaukee County executive has officially begun.

Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell launched her bid Monday for the seat that will be left open by Wisconsin Governor-elect David Crowley.

Nicholson-Bovell is currently the chairwoman of the Milwaukee County Board, which means she will automatically become the acting county executive when Crowley resigns or is inaugurated on Jan. 4 -- whichever comes first -- but she hopes to win his seat and serve out the rest of his term, which ends in April 2028.

Nicholson-Bovell announced her campaign at Sherman Phoenix, surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues -- including Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

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Her announcement speech focused on connecting with the state government to create new opportunities for the county.

"For too long, Milwaukee County has been asked to do more with less," said Nicholson-Bovell. "With new leadership in Wisconsin, we have an opportunity to restore local control, secure more revenue, and invest in every corner of Milwaukee County, from Oak Creek to Brown Deer."

The chairwoman outlined her main priorities, including more affordable housing, improved social services, expanded transit and bus routes, completing repairs at county parks, and maintaining transparency with tax dollars, while fighting for resources needed in the community.

"We can stop acting like cuts to our services are just a fact of life," she said.

Nicholson-Bovell grew up near 12th and Burleigh in Milwaukee's disenfranchised 53206 ZIP code.

She worked a fourth-grade teacher at Milwaukee Public Schools and became a Milwaukee County supervisor in 2016.

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Several fellow Milwaukee County Board members showed their support at Monday's announcement, including Supervisors Shawn Rolland, Jack Eckblad, Caroline Gómez-Tom, and Leevan Roundtree Jr.

"We have somebody that is literally ready, as they say, to go on day one," said Roundtree Jr.

If she wins the special election, Nicholson-Bovell would make history has the first woman and first Afro-Latina to be elected as Milwaukee County executive.

"To be represented and have someone at the leadership role who understands our communities is so crucial to actually making sure that everyone thrives," said Gómez-Tom.

Once Crowley leaves his seat, Nicholson-Bovell will have 30 days to appoint an interim county executive, who will serve until the special election.

Though it is allowed, Nicholson-Bovell tells CBS 58, she will not nominate herself for the interim position. She said she aims to earn the community's vote in the special election process.

The special election for Milwaukee County executive could align with 2027 Spring Election, depending on the timing of Crowley's departure.

As of Monday night, no other candidates have announced official campaigns for the position.