City council president Chris Kahlow maes La Crosse mayor run official

After years of community activism and service in elected office, Chris Kahlow is now seeking the top job at La Crosse City Hall.

City council president Kahlow launched her run for mayor Thursday with an announcement at the corner of 2nd and Pearl streets.

Kahlow was asked why she’s campaigning for mayor now, following council experience.

“I’m council president for two years,” Kahlow said. “My other leadership has been running a small business, 27 years of managing staff, writing checks on both sides, I’ve done all that.

“Granted, I have not been the CEO of a major company, which I consider the city a company of a $70 million budget, but I’ve worked on that budget.”

“I’ve watched two mayors, served under two mayors,” she added, referring to Tim Kabat and Mitch Reynolds. “I understand the struggles right now, with the post-COVID economy. I think I have good relationships with our legislators. I have a good relationship with our council and our staff.”

Kahlow also pointed out that she has supported the Pathways Home effort to end homelessness in the city, and she campaigned against a proposed marsh road project in the 1990s.

Kahlow joins three other candidates — Vicki Markussen, Ellie McLoone and Shaundel Washington-Spivey — in the mayor’s race.

A primary vote will take place in February, with that voting period ending Feb. 18`primary ballot.