Wisconsin Governor’s Race Heats Up with Crowley’s Victory

David Crowley narrowly defeated democratic socialist Francesca Hong in Wisconsin’s primary, setting the stage for a significant governor’s race. He now faces Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany, a staunch supporter of Donald Trump. This matchup offers moderate Democrats a chance to challenge Trump-aligned policies in a state where his approval ratings have declined.

Crowley triumphed over Hong in an unexpected primary result. Pollsters previously predicted Hong’s victory. With Hong’s defeat, Crowley prepares to contest Tiffany, a candidate with a firm connection to the Trump agenda. As Milwaukee’s county executive, Crowley is known for collaborating with Republicans, a trait he plans to emphasize in his campaign.

This isn’t establishment versus progressive. This isn’t insider versus outsider. This is Democrats defeating a MAGA extremist in Congressman Tom Tiffany, and that’s what we should be focusing on moving forward.

Crowley aims to unite progressive supporters behind him while focusing on Tiffany’s affiliation with Trump’s movement.

Former Republican Gov. Scott Walker noted that Tiffany must redirect questions about Trump’s influence, deeming the focus on state policies more relevant to the governor’s race. Tiffany represents a conservative region in northern Wisconsin. Despite Trump’s victories in 2016 and 2024, he lost the state in 2020 by narrow margins.

Crowley’s primary victory was equally close, reinforcing Wisconsin’s history of tightly contested elections.

Democrats Aim for Wisconsin Trifecta

With the contentious primary behind, Democrats set their sights on the general election against Tiffany. They believe Trump’s low approval may help them retain the governorship and flip both legislative chambers, aiming for full state control as seen last in 2010.

Tiffany commenced his campaign by associating Crowley with Hong. He framed Crowley’s potential governorship as one marked by fiscal mismanagement and increased taxes, referencing his tenure in Milwaukee.

There’s not a dime’s worth of difference between these Democrat candidates. His record in Milwaukee County shows exactly what Wisconsin would get: mismanage the government, run up the bill, and raise your taxes to pay for it.

Republican strategist Rusty Schultz mentioned Crowley’s challenge in appealing to younger voters, many of whom supported Hong. Engaging them in November remains a hurdle.

Crowley’s Campaign Journey

Crowley, 40, grew up in challenging circumstances in one of Milwaukee’s poorest areas. A state Assembly member since 2016, he became Milwaukee County executive in 2023. He worked with the Republican-led Legislature on a bipartisan agreement to increase local funding.

Initially, Crowley ended his gubernatorial campaign in July, citing a lack of a clear path. He reentered the race, supported by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who campaigned alongside him. Crowley’s appeal as a moderate helped him secure a primary win.

At a unity event with key Democratic figures, Crowley launched a statewide campaign tour. Though Gov. Evers, not seeking a third term, was absent due to other commitments, his endorsement strengthened Crowley’s candidacy.

Crowley is the first Black individual to secure a major party nomination for Wisconsin governor. His candidacy holds historical significance, potentially making him the state’s first Black governor and one of only four in U.S. history.

This historic moment is not lost on me. But I’m not even thinking about that because we’ve still got work to do. The job is not done. The job is not finished. My job is not to become the first, and if I do become the first, my job is to make sure I’m not the last.