Crowley Ends Bid
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley ends gubernatorial campaign, narrowing Democratic primary field
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Key Points
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Crowley grew up in Milwaukee’s 53206 ZIP code and faced eviction multiple times; he earned his college degree in 2024 after nearly two decades, and he has highlighted helping negotiate a county sales tax increase to fund Milwaukee County as part of his governing record.
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Crowley faced scrutiny earlier in his term when a county benefits director allowed a health-insurance contract covering more than 5,000 county workers to lapse; the director was fired, and some officials said Crowley did not take enough accountability for the lapse.
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Missy Hughes, who dropped out of the governor’s race earlier, endorsed Sara Rodriguez after leaving the campaign.
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Sara Rodriguez is backing a high-profile campaign push, including a $1 million ad buy this week to bolster her gubernatorial bid as the field remains crowded.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley dropped out of the Wisconsin governor's race, saying it was clear he would not win the Democratic nomination. He announced he would return to his role running Milwaukee County and urged Democrats to unite to beat Republican Tom Tiffany in November. WQOW reported Crowley had announced his candidacy in September before stepping back from the bid.
Crowley's exit is the second time in recent weeks the Democratic field has narrowed, according to News from the States. Five candidates remain: Sara Rodriguez, Mandela Barnes, Francesca Hong, Kelda Roys, and Joel Brennan.
Crowley Cites Community Focus in Exit Statement
In his withdrawal statement, Crowley said the race should be about solving problems and delivering results. "Building bridges between communities" was central to his message, according to GM Today. He did not point to a single reason for leaving but made clear he had no path to the nomination.
WRCO noted that Crowley posted the highest fundraising total among Democrats in at least one reporting period. Even so, he failed to gain traction in polls. He could not convert fundraising strength into a competitive position in the race.
A Personal Story That Did Not Break Through
Crowley grew up in Milwaukee's 53206 ZIP code, one of the most impoverished areas in the state. He faced eviction multiple times as a child. He earned his college degree in 2024 — nearly two decades after he first started. His biography was a core part of his campaign pitch.
As county executive, Crowley helped negotiate a county sales tax increase to fund Milwaukee County services. But he also faced scrutiny over a county health-insurance contract covering more than 5,000 workers that was allowed to lapse. The benefits director responsible was fired. Some officials said Crowley did not take enough accountability, according to Madison365.
Rodriguez Surges as Field Consolidates Around Her
Sara Rodriguez moved quickly to cement her frontrunner status. She launched a $1 million ad buy this week to boost her campaign. Missy Hughes, who dropped out of the race earlier, endorsed Rodriguez after leaving. Those two moves give Rodriguez a clear edge in attention and resources right now.
Mandela Barnes, Francesca Hong, Kelda Roys, and Joel Brennan are still in the race. The primary winner will face Tom Tiffany, the Republican nominee, in November. Crowley urged all Democrats to get behind whoever wins that primary, according to News from the States.
Milwaukee County Still Has Its Executive Through November
Crowley confirmed he will stay on as Milwaukee County Executive. He framed his return to governing as a way to keep delivering for residents. His term continues through the November election cycle, meaning he will manage county operations while the governor's race plays out without him.
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