David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive and the first Black leader elected to that position, faces a test today in Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor, competing against democratic socialist Francesca Hong and three other candidates as Democrats choose their nominee to face Republican U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany in November.
The primary represents a dramatic reversal for Crowley, who suspended his campaign in July to endorse Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez after she entered the race. When Rodriguez withdrew amid controversy, Crowley re-entered the race with the backing of Governor Tony Evers, who has campaigned alongside him in the final days.
Crowley became the youngest and first Black county executive in Milwaukee County history when he took office in May 2020 at age 33. He was reelected in 2024 with 85% of the vote and is now serving his second term leading Wisconsin’s most populous county. On the campaign trail, he has emphasized his executive experience, telling voters Monday in Oshkosh that “we need someone who’s going to be ready on day one” and highlighting the state’s budget challenges.
The race has become a clash between moderate and progressive visions for the Democratic Party. Hong, a state representative and self-described democratic socialist, has maintained a commanding polling lead. The final Marquette Poll released before the primary showed Hong with 38% support among all Democratic primary voters and 66% among voters ages 18 to 29, while Crowley polled at just 7%.
However, Crowley’s campaign released internal polling suggesting the race remains competitive, claiming Hong leads among voters under 46 but that Crowley leads with voters over 65. More significantly, Crowley has outraised his rivals in recent months, reporting approximately $463,000 in cash on hand as of late July, according to Wisconsin Watch.
Governor Evers has been explicit about his preference for Crowley, arguing that his experience leading Milwaukee County makes him the strongest candidate to succeed Evers and win the general election. “There’s probably 30 people in that room that can do a better job than Tom Tiffany, there’s no question about that. But who can lead us? The one that has the most experience leading, and that’s him,” Evers told Fox Valley Democrats on Monday.
The four Democratic candidates—Crowley, Hong, state Senator Kelda Roys, and former state Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan—represent different approaches to governing. Hong has emphasized fighting what she calls a “rigged system” and putting working-class people first, focusing on lowering healthcare costs and boosting public education funding. Roys told television stations she wants a governor who can beat Tiffany and is ready to govern on day one.
Democratic Party leaders have expressed concern that Hong, despite her polling strength, may face challenges in the general election against Tiffany. Some Democrats have called for party unity after the primary, regardless of the outcome. Tiffany’s campaign has sought to tie all Democratic candidates to Hong’s democratic socialist platform, though party officials have signaled they expect Democrats to coalesce behind whoever wins.
Sources
- Wisconsin Public Radio — Crowley’s closing campaign pitch and Evers’ endorsement on August 10, 2026; quotes from Crowley and Evers on experience and leadership readiness.
- Wisconsin Examiner — Crowley’s background as Milwaukee County Executive, first Black person elected to the role, serving his second term.
- Wisconsin Watch — Crowley’s campaign fundraising: $463,000 cash on hand; final Marquette Poll showing Hong at 38% and Crowley at 7%.
- Marquette Law Poll — Final primary polling data released July 29, 2026: Hong 38%, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes 16%, Crowley 7%.
- Milwaukee County government website — Crowley became youngest county executive and first Black leader elected to the role in May 2020; reelected in 2024 with 85%.
- NBC News — Democratic socialist Francesca Hong’s polling edge; Crowley and mainstream coalition’s effort to stop her.
- CBS News — Characterization of race as showdown between democratic socialist Hong and moderate Crowley; four Democratic candidates in primary.
- Time Magazine — Crowley’s re-entry to the race; moderate Democrats’ hopes; Crowley’s vacation interruption.
- WEAU — Crowley’s suspension of campaign in July, endorsement of Sara Rodriguez, and Rodriguez’s withdrawal from race.
- Spectrum News 1 — Crowley campaign polling data suggesting race is competitive; Crowley leading with voters over 65.
