Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Emphasizes Reproductive Rights Ahead of Election
As Wisconsin approaches its gubernatorial election, Democratic candidate David Crowley is making a strong push for reproductive rights. Crowley has pledged to advocate for a constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights in the state if he wins.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Crowley, who currently serves as Milwaukee County executive, was supported by Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Secretary Sarah Godlewski, his running mate. He highlighted the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision to overturn a 19th-century abortion ban last year as a significant victory, though he noted that various restrictions still persist.
“And future Legislatures can change that law, and so right now women’s rights are only safe as the next election, and I don’t think Wisconsin women should have to hold their breath every four years,” Crowley stated. “So, today I am making a commitment that as governor I will work with the Legislature to put a constitutional amendment that explicitly protects reproductive freedom in the state of Wisconsin.”
Details from Crowley’s campaign indicate that the proposed amendment would ensure “a fundamental right” to reproductive health decisions and shield patients and healthcare providers from penalties related to abortion services.
For such an amendment to become part of the Wisconsin Constitution, it must pass in two consecutive legislative sessions and then gain majority approval in a statewide referendum. The governor does not have formal authority to approve or reject the amendment process.
In June 2025, the liberal majority of the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the old abortion ban on the grounds that it conflicted with more recent laws governing abortion access. However, the court dismissed a lawsuit by Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin claiming the state constitution inherently supports abortion rights.
Wisconsin still enforces several restrictions, including a prohibition on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, a ban on telehealth consultations for medication abortions, and requirements for an ultrasound and physician counseling 24 hours prior to an abortion.
Crowley’s opponent, Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, has historically supported these measures during his tenure in the state Legislature. In response to Crowley’s constitutional amendment proposal, Tiffany reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining the current 20-week abortion ban, stating, “David Crowley voted against requiring medical care for a baby born alive, and now he is trying to distract from his own extreme record because he supports abortion up until birth. I will uphold Wisconsin’s current law. David Crowley will take Wisconsin from where we are today to one of the most extreme abortion policies in the country.”
Tiffany referenced a 2019 bill passed by Republicans that Crowley opposed, which was ultimately vetoed by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. During Tiffany’s campaign, Democrats have criticized his abortion views as extreme, highlighting his support for a nationwide 6-week abortion ban without exceptions for rape or incest.
The debate over abortion persists as a pivotal issue in Wisconsin politics, particularly after the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. That decision intensified Democratic efforts to restore abortion access, with a Marquette University Law School poll indicating that 77% of voters were concerned about abortion policy ahead of the midterms.
However, recent polling suggests a shift in voter priorities. A September survey by Marquette Law School found that only 5% of registered voters considered abortion their top issue, while 45% cited economic concerns like inflation and living costs as their primary focus.
WPR’s Evan Casey contributed reporting.
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