Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Launches Wisconsin Governor Campaign, Says ‘Let’s Get to Work’

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley launched his campaign for governor Tuesday, saying he’s ready to get to work.

He becomes the third Democrat to enter the race after Gov. Tony Evers announced he would not seek reelection.

In a campaign video, Crowley tied his personal story of hardship to the challenges facing Wisconsin today. “That boy who was homeless is a homeowner,” Crowley said, highlighting his journey from eviction as a child to leading the state’s largest county. “My story is Wisconsin’s story. Let’s get to work.”

Crowley, 39, is the first Black Milwaukee County executive and served in the state Assembly before that. As county executive, he said he created thousands of jobs, cut carbon emissions in half, and delivered the largest property tax cut in county history. He also pushed for legislation to return more funding to local governments.

He criticized Republicans and U.S. President Donald Trump sharply, saying Trump’s “chaos and cruelty” threaten the state. Crowley called for unity and action to protect what Wisconsinites cherish.

Crowley joins Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and Ryan Strnad as Democrats vying for the party’s nomination. Others said to be considering runs include Attorney General Josh Kaul, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, and Madison legislators Francesca Hong and Kelda Roys.

On the Republican side, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and businessman Bill Berrien have declared their candidacies, while Rep. Tom Tiffany has yet to decide.

The primary election will take place in August, with the general election in November.