Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett nominated as ambassador to Luxembourg

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has been nominated as the next United States Ambassador to Luxembourg, the White House announced Wednesday, Aug. 25. 

Mayor of Milwaukee since 2004, Barrett is currently the nation’s longest-serving big city mayor. 

Barrett was born in Milwaukee and grew up on Milwaukee's west side, graduating from Marquette High and the University of Wisconsin at Madison. 

Barrett won re-election in 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020 by capturing an average of 67 percent of the vote. 

He was a Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor in 2010, and the 2012 recall election. He lost to former Gov. Scott Walker both times. Barrett previously served as the a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for five terms. 

Now he says he's ready to move into this new role.

"As a lifelong Milwaukeean, I will bring the values of our community to this new post," Mayor Barrett said. "Values we share such as hard work, honesty and caring for others."

Barrett says he's humbled by President Biden's nomination. 

"I want you to know it is a remarkable privilege to be the mayor of Milwaukee. In the period between my nomination and final Senate consideration, I will continue to focus my full attention on mayoral duties."

Once the mayor officially leaves office, Common Council President Cavalier Johnson will be acting mayor until a special election is held.

Luxembourg is located in northwestern Europe, bordered by Belgium, France and Germany.