Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley dropped his bid for Wisconsin governor Wednesday, becoming the second Democrat to exit the crowded primary in recent weeks.
In a statement to WisPolitics, Crowley said it had become clear he would not emerge as the Democratic nominee for the open seat being vacated by term-limited Gov. Tony Evers. He urged party unity behind the eventual nominee to defeat Republican Tom Tiffany in November.
“The most important thing now is for Dems to come together to defeat GOP gubernatorial frontrunner Tom Tiffany,” Crowley said. “Tiffany’s record in Washington does not reflect Wisconsin’s values, and the people of this state deserve a governor who will fight for working families, protect our natural resources, invest in our communities, and be beholden to the people of our state, not Donald Trump.”
Crowley, who has led Milwaukee County since 2020 after serving in the state Assembly, launched his campaign last year emphasizing his executive experience and ability to boost turnout in urban areas while appealing to suburban and rural voters. Despite that pitch, he trailed in public polling and failed to secure significant outside support or momentum.
His exit follows former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. Secretary Missy Hughes, who suspended her campaign in late June and endorsed Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez. New campaign finance reports are due July 15.
The Aug. 11 Democratic primary remains competitive among Rodriguez, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Rep. Francesca Hong, former state Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan, state Sen. Kelda Roys and others. Recent polling has shown Hong and Barnes near the top, with a large share of voters still undecided.
