Supporters of David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive, responded to election results during a watch party in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Associated Press announced Crowley’s victory as the Democratic nominee for governor of Wisconsin, where he narrowly defeated state Rep. Francesca Hong. Hong, a democratic socialist, had challenged the party’s mainstream candidates.
Crowley faced earlier struggles in his campaign, with low poll numbers and limited funds. He had temporarily suspended his campaign before relaunching it, supported by outgoing Democratic Governor Tony Evers, to counter the momentum gained by Hong. Despite Hong’s loss, her close race underscores a desire for change among Democratic voters.
If elected in the fall, Crowley, age 40, will be Wisconsin’s first Black governor. In the upcoming election, he will compete against U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has Trump’s endorsement and won the Republican primary handily. Tiffany, known for his conservative voting record and skepticism about the 2020 election results, aims to portray himself as a relatable option for Wisconsin voters. His campaign contrasts Democratic ‘chaos’ with Republican stability.
The Republican party views the fall election as an opportunity to gain control of the governor’s office. Democrats aim to retain it and flip at least one legislative chamber, which the GOP currently holds.
Crowley’s campaign emphasized his electability over Hong, whose views on defunding police and prison abolition posed potential challenges in the general election against Republicans. After resuming his campaign, Crowley raised significantly more funds than prior. He argued that Republican-aligned groups invested in Hong’s candidacy to pit her against perceived weaker opposition.
Although labeled as the establishment candidate against a progressive challenger, Crowley disputes this. Raised in inner-city Milwaukee amidst challenges like eviction and family addiction, he has ascended the political ladder. Crowley formerly worked on Senator Russ Feingold’s reelection campaign and later served in the state Assembly. In 2020, he became Milwaukee’s youngest and first Black county executive.