Washington-Spivey wins election for La Crosse mayor

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WLCX) – Shaundel Washington-Spivey is the winner of the mayoral election in the City of La Crosse, according to unofficial election results for the 2025 Spring Election posted on April 1st.

Washington-Spivey, who was endorsed by the Democratic Party in the officially non-partisan race, was also the leading vote-getter in the February primary.

Unofficial results show Washington-Spivey receiving 50.82% of the vote, defeating La Crosse Common Council President Chris Kahlow 9,012 to 8,561. Results aren’t official until after canvassing and certification.

Washington-Spivey, a community organizer and volunteer, was the first candidate to declare to run for mayor in La Crosse. He is a supporter of the Pathways Home program and disagreed with the Common Council’s decision to ban overnight camping in the city’s public areas. During his campaign, he frequently noted the city’s housing issues and homelessness as top priorities.

He also voiced support for the creation of a new city administrator position to take on some of the duties of the mayor’s office.

Washington-Spivey will be taking over for Mitch Reynolds, who declined to run for re-election after one term in office.

In La Crosse County, 61.66% of voters turned out for the election, according to unofficial summary results.