Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell is running for Milwaukee County Executive with a big, bold agenda: stability for every family, free and safe parks in every neighborhood, and transit that expands, including a second bus rapid transit line. She believes Milwaukee County deserves to dream higher.

Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell was elected to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors in 2016, becoming Vice Chair in 2018 and making history in 2020 as the first Black Latina elected Chairwoman.

Inspired by her experiences as an MPS teacher, Marcelia ran for office to address systemic barriers such as food insecurity, unstable housing, and violence. As a Supervisor, she championed racial equity, leading Milwaukee County to become the first in the nation to declare racism a public health crisis. As Chairwoman, she co-authored legislation revitalizing the Youth Commission and spearheaded generational reforms that expanded revenue sources, creating a budget surplus while preserving essential services. As County Executive, she will build on that work to make life more affordable for every corner of Milwaukee County.

A proud Milwaukee native, Marcelia is the daughter of a Puerto Rican mother who works in Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) and a Black Southern father, a retired teacher and nationally recognized antique collector. Supported by dedicated educators, she earned a bachelor’s degree from UW-Milwaukee and, in 2024, completed Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program.

Now in her third term as Chair, Marcelia also serves on the boards of the Milwaukee Public Museum, Wisconsin Counties Association, Clean Wisconsin, and Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee. Nationally, she co-chairs Local Progress, trains new officials with the Progressive Governance Academy, and is a 2023 NewDEAL Leader, part of a network of rising progressive elected officials.

With new leadership in Madison, Marcelia sees a real chance to restore local control and secure a fairer deal for Milwaukee County. Expect more. Deserve more.