Crowley Wins Wisconsin Gubernatorial Race

David Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive, will serve as Wisconsin's first Black governor. The Associated Press called the race for Crowley on Tuesday. He defeated Republican state Rep. Tom Tiffany in the general election.

Crowley campaigned on lowering costs for working families. He also promised to bring more jobs to the state. His platform placed Medicaid funding and affordable housing at the center of his agenda. The 40-year-old candidate cited his own history of growing up in poverty and working in community organizing. He said those experiences shaped his approach to governance.

Tiffany held a substantial fundraising advantage in the contest. Three billionaire donors contributed millions to his effort. He secured endorsements from President Donald Trump, former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson, and former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre. Despite the financial backing, Tiffany could not overcome the turnout generated by Crowley's supporters.

Crowley received key endorsements from outgoing Gov. Tony Evers and former President Barack Obama. His primary victory in August was narrow. He bested Francesca Hong after a complex campaign that saw him briefly drop out and then re-enter the race. Evers credited his endorsement as a major factor in Crowley's primary success. Crowley positioned himself as a deal-maker who can work across party lines.

Crowley worked with Evers and legislative Republicans on a bipartisan bill. The measure allowed Milwaukee and Milwaukee County to raise sales tax rates. He also played a role in negotiating a $500 million deal to upgrade the Milwaukee Brewers' stadium. That agreement keeps the team in the city through 2050. Crowley's campaign ads emphasized Tiffany's votes for Trump's agenda. They argued that those votes raised costs for residents and that Tiffany would cut income taxes for his wealthy donors.

Crowley spoke at a campaign stop at the Walworth County Fair. He said the historic nature of his election is important to him. "But I'm running to be a governor for all of us," he said. "And it doesn't matter what zipcodes you live in, who you love, or where you come from. I want to make sure that we can move our entire state forward."