David Crowley Rejoins Democratic Primary for Wisconsin Governor

David Crowley, Milwaukee County executive, has reentered Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor, two weeks after halting his campaign. His return is backed by outgoing Governor Tony Evers, who aims to strengthen the party’s position for November elections. Evers initially remained neutral but later endorsed Crowley, emphasizing the need to appeal to moderate and independent voters in Wisconsin, a state known for close electoral races.

The Democratic primary has faced instability, placing the party’s fall electoral prospects in jeopardy. Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez withdrew from the race after a campaign finance scandal. The Democrats aim to gain full control of Wisconsin’s government for the first time since 2010, seeing the state as a significant political battleground influencing national politics. Crowley emphasized the necessity of building a wide coalition and highlighted his bipartisan relationship-building skills.

Even though Governor Evers was on a trade mission to Africa, his social media post expressed strong support for Crowley. He praised Crowley’s leadership in job creation and budget management. Evers stated, “He’s not just a candidate who can win in November, but he’s the kind of person who cares about doing the job right.”

At 40, Crowley steps into a competitive primary following Rodriguez’s withdrawal, who faced fund mismanagement issues. The Democratic primary, scheduled for August 11, seeks to maintain the governor’s office while also challenging the Republicans’ legislative control since 2011. Recent victories by democratic socialists in cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Denver hint at shifting political currents, with Francesca Hong’s gubernatorial campaign testing voters’ openness to progressive candidates.

Crowley, who could become Wisconsin’s first Black governor, paused his campaign to support Rodriguez but now returns to face contenders like Francesca Hong, former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, State Senator Kelda Roys, and Joel Brennan, a former aide to Evers. Crowley discussed with the Associated Press his new strategy, now invigorated by Evers’ endorsement and a “renewed, energized, volunteer base.” He expressed confidence in winning the primary and defeating Republican Tom Tiffany, who he described as pushing a “MAGA agenda.”

Democrats face challenges in chaotic primaries nationwide this election cycle. California’s race to replace Governor Gavin Newsom became disorderly, with numerous candidates and an abrupt exit by Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell amid allegations. Ultimately, Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton prevailed. In his relaunch, Crowley highlighted his journey from homelessness to community organizer and state assembly member in 2016, culminating in his election as Milwaukee County executive, the first Black individual to hold that position.

The Democratic primary winner will compete against Republican Tom Tiffany in the general election. In his response, Tiffany depicted Crowley as ineffective in his executive role and framed his candidacy as Democrats’ sole chance to prevent a “socialist” agenda. The Republican Governors Association described the Democratic scene chaotically stating, “watching Wisconsin Democrats is like watching a clown car crash into a parked semitruck.”

Scott Bauer from the Associated Press in Madison contributed to this report.