David Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive, has reignited his campaign for the Democratic primary in Wisconsin after ending his previous bid two weeks earlier. This comeback comes with significant support from outgoing Governor Tony Evers, who previously refrained from endorsing any candidate in the race.
Evers’ backing aims to strengthen the party’s chances in the November elections by supporting Crowley, known for appealing to moderate and independent voters. This development follows a tumultuous Democratic primary, which saw Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez exit her campaign after financial discrepancies were discovered within her campaign.
Democrats are striving to gain complete control of Wisconsin’s state government, which has not been under their full control since 2010. By winning in Wisconsin, a key political battleground, they aim to influence national politics and presidential campaigns.
At an event in Milwaukee marking his campaign relaunch, Crowley emphasized the importance of building a broad coalition to secure victory. He highlighted his ability to build bipartisan relationships and said Evers’ endorsement affirms his capability to lead effectively. Though Evers was on a trade mission in Africa, he expressed his full support for Crowley via social media, praising his leadership in job creation and fiscal management.
In a message to voters, Evers noted that Crowley is not only capable of winning but is dedicated to executing the role responsibly. Crowley, 40, now faces a tight primary race with candidates such as Francesca Hong, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Sen. Kelda Roys, and Joel Brennan.
The primary is set for August 11, with Democrats potentially maintaining control of the governor’s office and aiming to flip the Republican-held majority of the state Legislature. Crowley’s entry reshapes the Democratic contest amid a larger national backdrop, where democratic socialists recently scored victories in major cities.
Crowley previously withdrew from the governor’s race to support Rodriguez. He now faces prominent contenders, including Francesca Hong, whose campaign pushes the Democratic contest further left.
During an interview, Crowley described his strategy as more aggressive, bolstered by Evers’ endorsement and renewed grassroots support. He is confident in overcoming primary hurdles and ultimately defeating Republican Tom Tiffany, who he views as aligned with extreme political agendas.
Democrats have encountered challenges across other state primaries this year, including California’s chaotic gubernatorial race. Crowley’s campaign draws on his personal history and political experience. He rose from homelessness to become a community organizer and was elected to the state Assembly at 30. As Milwaukee County executive, he was the first and youngest Black person in that role.
The Democratic primary winner will contest against Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, who faces minimal primary opposition. Tiffany criticized Crowley’s tenure as county executive and portrayed him negatively in his statement to the Associated Press.
The Republican Governors Association described Wisconsin’s Democratic primary as a disorganized spectacle.
Leave a Reply