MILWAUKEE— Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett was nominated as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, White House officials confirmed to Spectrum News 1 today. 

Barrett still needs Senate confirmation to serve, but the White House issued a statement with Barrett, a Democrat, saying he’s proud to be nominated and looks forward to serving. Until then, he said, he will remain as mayor.

Barrett delivered a statement this afternoon about the nomination. During the press conference, Barrett said he has been honored to be Milwaukee's mayor, and will continue to focus on his current responsibilities until a final decision on the ambassadorship is reached. 

"I will continue to focus my full attention on mayoral duties... my obligations to the people of this great city," he said. 

According to the City Charter, Cavalier Johnson would temporarily take over as mayor if Barrett becomes ambassador. 

Should he take on the position, he said he "will bring the values of our community to this position," such as hard work and compassion for others. In addition to values, Barrett noted how proud he was of Milwaukee for the tangible progress it has made when it comes to the economy, racial equity, the pandemic, environment and infrastructure. He did, however, note that he knows the city still has strides of progression to make. He said he has confidence in current leaders and the community. 

"I am confident about Milwaukee. As you all know, I care deeply about the future of the city," the life-long Milwaukeean said. "I have faith in the people here... that they are ready to meet these challenges." 

In a statement, the White House noted Barrett's previous roles as a five-term member of the House of Representatives, a Wisconsin state Senator and Representative and his leadership role as the chair of the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Cities Initiative, where he led both Canadian and U.S. officials. He is the "longest-serving big city mayor" and has held his current position since 2004.