In a surprising twist ahead of the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has re-entered the race, marking a remarkable pivot just weeks after suspending his initial campaign. This unexpected move was prompted by a reshuffling of the Democratic field, offering Crowley a second chance at the governor’s seat.
On July 18, Crowley announced his return to the gubernatorial race, following the abrupt departure of Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez. Rodriguez had been considered a frontrunner, having secured endorsements from notable Democrats, including Crowley himself, before her campaign faced insurmountable challenges. The unforeseen turn of events created a vacuum that Crowley decided to fill, despite having initially hesitated to do so.
“I was not going to get into this race,” Crowley explained to WPR, reflecting on his initial reluctance to rejoin the contest. However, as Rodriguez’s campaign unraveled, Crowley received numerous calls urging him to reconsider.
The decision was finalized on July 17 after a chaotic morning where Crowley learned of Rodriguez’s withdrawal from his wife. By the next day, he had relaunched his campaign with the endorsement of Gov. Tony Evers, a significant boost to his political standing. “This election is too important to gamble on,” Crowley declared to his supporters.
Currently, Crowley positions himself as a mainstream Democratic alternative to Madison Rep. Francesca Hong, whose democratic socialist stance has invigorated liberal voters but raised concerns among moderates. While the crowded field included other Democratic contenders like former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and state Sen. Kelda Roys, none had managed to gain significant traction by mid-July.
Despite Crowley’s renewed efforts, some observers remain skeptical of his chances. “The strategy is baffling,” remarked Tommy Vietor, co-host of the podcast “Pod Save America.” Questions linger about Crowley’s ability to distinguish himself in the final weeks leading up to the primary.
As Crowley aims to consolidate support, his campaign’s success heavily relies on Evers’ backing. Since re-entering the race, Crowley has reportedly raised $775,000, a figure that underscores the potential impact of Evers’ endorsement. Crowley’s political journey began as a state representative before he was elected Milwaukee County executive in 2020, where he played a key role in bipartisan negotiations over local government funding.
However, Crowley’s association with Evers has also drawn criticism. His opponents have labeled him the “establishment” candidate, a narrative Crowley disputes by highlighting his grassroots background and achievements. “I know that I am established when it comes down to my record,” Crowley stated.
Aside from political maneuvering, Crowley’s campaign has faced scrutiny over past social media activity associated with a shared Twitter account that posted offensive content. Crowley has distanced himself from these posts, stating, “I absolutely don’t endorse any of that stuff.”
As the primary election nears, Crowley remains focused on engaging voters across the state, emphasizing his ability to connect with diverse communities. His appeal extends beyond partisan lines, earning respect from both Democrats and Republicans for his pragmatic approach to governance.
Milwaukee County Board Supervisor Steve Taylor, a conservative, acknowledged Crowley’s bipartisan appeal, noting, “David is a really good person, and he’s very likable. He doesn’t play the partisan games.”
With less than two weeks until the primary, Crowley’s campaign represents a high-stakes gamble with the potential to shape the Democratic Party’s future in Wisconsin.
