Milwaukee County DA Chisholm will not seek reelection in 2024

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm announced Friday he will not seek reelection in 2024, after nearly 30 years of service. 

“The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office remains steadfastly committed to its mission: to carry out the work of justice without fear or favor,” said District Attorney Chisholm. “We have vigorously prosecuted crimes of violence, abuse, and corruption, while uniting community stakeholders around a nationally recognized public health and community partnership approach to violence prevention. I am honored to have served our community by pursuing justice alongside the finest prosecutors, investigators, victim/witness advocates, and clerical specialists in our profession."

"Since I was first elected in 2006, I have been clear that the District Attorney’s Office is here to serve the people of this community in a fair and just way that promotes safety”, continued District Attorney Chisholm. “After nearly 30 years as a prosecutor, it is time for me to pursue new endeavors, and for the people of Milwaukee County to choose a new District Attorney to continue the work of ensuring a safe, just, and prosperous community for all. As I complete my term, I will work closely with Chief Deputy District Attorney Kent Lovern and our leadership team to ensure the continuity of all District Attorney's Office operations.”

DA Chisholm entered public service in 1986 when he enlisted in the US Army, later obtaining a law degree from the University of Wisconsin. 

In 1994, he was hired as an assistant district attorney for Milwaukee County until his appointment as supervising attorney for the Firearms Enforcement Unit in 1999. In 2006 he was elected DA and was reelected in 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020.