Democratic socialist Francesca Hong recently lost Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, yet her influence on progressive policies lingers. David Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive, defeated her and is considered more moderate. He has implemented racial-equity budgeting, expanded the county’s equity initiatives, and advocated for legal action against fossil fuel companies for environmental damages. Crowley also aligns with Hong on taxing millionaires and carbon-neutrality goals.
Critics like Mark Bednar, a Republican consultant, argue that Crowley’s leadership has led to significant tax hikes and mismanagement. Bednar questions whether voters wish to extend Crowley’s policies statewide.
In the Democratic primary, Crowley campaigned with a focus on pragmatic solutions. Described by Wisconsin Public Radio as a mainstream Democratic option, Crowley has been depicted by media outlets as a moderate Democrat, potentially revitalizing the center-left of the party. Despite this perception, he shares similar policies with Hong. Both have supported higher taxes on millionaires, a $20 minimum wage, expanded union rights, and universal child care. Their climate agendas aim for carbon neutrality by 2050, each reflecting similar ambitions.
“There’s many things that everybody agrees on, right?” Crowley stated, recognizing the policy overlap with Hong while acknowledging areas of disagreement.
Crowley’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion complicates his moderate image. His initiatives include embedding a Racial Equity Budget Tool within state budgeting. This tool evaluates how budget decisions impact communities of color. Milwaukee County’s budgeting process now incorporates these equity considerations for all departments.
Under Crowley, the Office on African American Affairs has expanded to become the “Office of Equity,” broadened to support other communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with varying abilities.
Climate policy is a significant aspect of Crowley’s tenure. He spearheaded Milwaukee County’s Climate Action 2050 plan, rooted in a carbon-neutrality goal set in 2021. This plan seeks net-zero carbon emissions for county government by 2050. He also endorsed a resolution for the state’s attorney general to sue fossil fuel companies for damages due to environmental harm.
In April, Crowley reinforced Milwaukee County’s adherence to the Paris Agreement, even amidst federal climate-policy changes. His office did not provide comments when contacted by Fox News Digital.
Alec Schemmel, a Politics Reporter for Fox News Digital, contributed to the reporting. Schemmel hails from Charlotte, North Carolina, and currently resides in the Washington D.C.-Baltimore Metro Area.