David Crowley Wins Democratic Nomination for Governor in Wisconsin

Supporters gathered during a primary night watch party for Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Crowley in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, witnessed a significant win for their candidate. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley secured the Democratic nomination for governor of Wisconsin, as announced by the Associated Press.

Crowley faced a tough contest, narrowly defeating state Representative Francesca Hong. Hong, a democratic socialist, was known for challenging the party establishment. Initially, Crowley suspended his campaign due to low poll ratings and inadequate funds. However, he restarted his campaign with the support of outgoing Democratic Governor Tony Evers, aiming to counteract Hong’s growing support.

The outcome of this race reflects a shift among Democratic voters, highlighted by Hong’s narrow loss despite recent progressive victories in other state primaries nationally.

If successful in the general election, Crowley, aged 40, could become Wisconsin’s first Black governor. In November, he will face U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany. Tiffany, endorsed by Trump, won his primary decisively. Known for his conservative voting record, Tiffany contested the 2020 election results. As Trump’s approval declined, Tiffany aimed to position himself as a relatable Wisconsinite and a stable choice against what he termed Democratic disorder.

For Republicans, the upcoming election represents an opportunity to take control of the governor’s office. Democrats, on the other hand, aim to retain it and potentially win at least one chamber of the legislature, both of which are currently under GOP control.

Crowley’s supporters argued he was a more electable candidate compared to Hong, whose views on defunding the police, abolishing prisons, and cancelling Thanksgiving could have been leveraged by Republicans as points of criticism. After relaunching his campaign, Crowley raised almost three times more funds compared to the previous year.

Crowley emphasized how national Republican-aligned groups invested heavily in supporting Hong, potentially viewing her as a weaker opponent come November.

Despite criticism of being labeled an establishment figure against a progressive newcomer, Crowley highlighted his roots in inner city Milwaukee. He experienced challenges such as eviction and family drug addiction, which shaped his political perspective. Crowley began his political journey with Democratic U.S. Senator Russ Feingold’s 2010 reelection campaign and later joined the state Assembly. In 2020, he made history as Milwaukee’s youngest and first Black county executive.