In the high-stakes battle for Wisconsin’s governorship, campaign finances reveal a landscape of fluctuating fortunes among candidates. The Democratic primary has seen unexpected financial dynamics, while Republican unity has led to significant monetary backing for their candidate.
David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive, demonstrated impressive fundraising prowess in the final stretch of the Democratic primary. Despite a temporary withdrawal from the race, Crowley managed to outpace Madison Rep. Francesca Hong by raising over twice her amount. Crowley’s campaign reported raising approximately $776,000 between July 1 and July 27, spending nearly $628,000, and retaining about $463,000 in cash reserves. In contrast, Hong collected nearly $339,000 and ended the period with $406,000 left in her campaign fund.
However, Crowley’s success was overshadowed by the financial achievements of Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany. With a substantial boost from GOP megadonors, Tiffany amassed over $4.6 million in the same timeframe, a figure that dwarfs the fundraising efforts of any Democratic contender.
Despite stepping away from the Democratic primary for a brief period, Crowley’s return, bolstered by an endorsement from Gov. Tony Evers, marked a significant turning point. Evers’ campaign contributed $20,000 to Crowley, signaling a concerted effort by Democratic leaders to unify behind a single candidate. According to Anthony Chergosky, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, this coordination reflects a strategic move to counteract Hong’s influence in the primary. Chergosky remarked, “Because in my view, Hong was and is beatable in the primary as long as the party coordinates around a single alternative to her.”
Other Democratic candidates lagged considerably in fundraising. Former Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan reported raising around $145,000, with $284,000 in cash on hand, while Madison state Sen. Kelda Roys raised about $126,000 and ended with just over $81,000. Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, who recently ended his gubernatorial bid, raised approximately $289,000, spending $369,000, leaving him with around $124,000.
Republican Fundraising Efforts Led by Top Donors
While Democrats navigate a fragmented primary, the Republican camp has rallied behind Tiffany, evident in his substantial fundraising figures. Tiffany’s campaign benefited significantly from GOP megadonors Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein, who contributed over $5 million to the Republican Party of Wisconsin, of which more than $4 million was transferred to Tiffany’s campaign. This financial backing highlights a shift in fundraising power, as noted by Chergosky, who observed that “the tables have turned” in favor of Republicans.
Chergosky expects Democratic fundraising to gain momentum once the party finalizes its gubernatorial nominee. Nevertheless, he cautions that donor enthusiasm might vary based on the candidate selected to face a well-funded Republican opponent. “For Democrats, they’ve got the big fish of their own,” Chergosky commented, suggesting that while Democrats have access to significant donors, their willingness to contribute may depend on the perceived viability of their candidate in the general election.
