Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley officially entered the race for governor Tuesday, announcing his candidacy to succeed retiring Gov. Tony Evers and setting the stage for what looks like a heated Democratic primary in one of the nation’s most competitive states.
At 39, Crowley brings both youth and experience to the race. A former state legislator and community organizer, he has led Wisconsin’s most populous county since 2020, winning reelection in 2024. He says his track record proves he’s ready to take the helm statewide.
“The issues we’ve led on here in Milwaukee County, I want to be able to scale those up to touch every community across the state,” Crowley said in an interview ahead of his launch. “I’m the only candidate in this race that not only has legislative experience, but also has experience running a government.”
I'm running to be Wisconsin’s next Democratic governor.
— David Crowley (@DavidCCrowley) September 9, 2025
My campaign is built on one goal: to improve life for working Wisconsinites. That means real solutions that create jobs, support families, and deliver opportunity in every zip code — from rural towns to urban neighborhoods pic.twitter.com/ks6WgKDj68
In his announcement video, Crowley leaned heavily on his personal journey, from being evicted three times as a child to becoming a homeowner, raising three daughters with his wife Erica.
“Evicted three times as a kid, having to pick up yourself and everything you own off the curb—it’ll break you, or it’ll make you,” Crowley said. “My story is not unique; my story is Wisconsin’s story.”
As county executive, Crowley points to major accomplishments: balancing budgets, delivering the largest property tax cut in county history, cutting carbon emissions in half, creating thousands of jobs, and securing more state funding for local communities.
He pledged that as governor, he would focus on lowering costs, strengthening public schools, expanding childcare access, and improving public safety.
Crowley joins Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, who announced her candidacy in July, with other Democrats like Attorney General Josh Kaul, state Sen. Kelda Roys, state Rep. Francesca Hong, and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes still weighing potential runs.
Republicans are gearing up as well, with business executive Bill Berrien already in the race and Rep. Tom Tiffany considering a bid. Wisconsin, which handed President Donald Trump his narrowest victory in 2024, is expected to see one of the most competitive and expensive gubernatorial races in the country.
Crowley acknowledged the challenge Democrats face in reconnecting with disillusioned voters, particularly Black voters, while also addressing frustrations with the national party.
He blames “a Republican president, who is sowing chaos and making things more expensive for folks.” He also says, “We have a national Democratic Party, who hasn’t been able to put forth a cohesive message to get everybody to rally behind, so I understand their frustrations.”
Crowley’s candidacy will hinge on his ability to turn his Milwaukee record into a statewide message that could help him emerge from a crowded primary and lead Democrats into another high-stakes showdown with Republicans in 2026.
“I’m running to be governor for all of us,” Crowley said. “Wisconsin, let’s get to work.”
