MFNC Political Directory
David Crowley
Governor · Wisconsin · Democratic
Elected · Not Yet In Office
At a Glance
Quick Reference- Office
- Governor
- State
- Wisconsin
- Party
- Democratic
- Education
- College degree completed while serving as Milwaukee County Executive
- Term Begins
- January 2027 (anticipated)
- Previous Office
- Milwaukee County Executive (2020–present)
The Story So Far
David Crowley is an American Democratic politician elected governor of Wisconsin on November 3, 2026. He defeated Republican U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany and became Wisconsin's first Black governor-elect. His victory extended Democratic control of the governor's office following Tony Evers's decision not to seek another term.
Crowley was raised in Milwaukee and experienced significant financial hardship during childhood. He has spoken publicly about housing instability, his family's experiences with substance use, and the challenges of growing up in poverty. Those experiences have influenced his approach to housing, healthcare, and economic policy.
Crowley began working in politics during former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold's 2010 reelection campaign. He subsequently worked in county and state government before seeking elected office.
In 2016, Crowley won election to the Wisconsin State Assembly. He served in the Legislature before winning the 2020 election for Milwaukee County Executive.
At age 33, Crowley became Milwaukee County's youngest county executive and the first Black person elected to the position. His administration addressed county finances, public services, housing, transportation, and economic development.
As county executive, Crowley negotiated with Wisconsin Republican lawmakers over Milwaukee's local government finances. The resulting agreement permitted Milwaukee city and county governments to increase sales taxes to support their budgets and public services.
Crowley's 2026 gubernatorial campaign took an unusual path. He withdrew from the Democratic primary in July, then reentered after Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez ended her campaign. Governor Tony Evers subsequently endorsed Crowley.
Crowley narrowly defeated state Representative Francesca Hong in the August Democratic primary. In the general election, he faced Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany, whose campaign criticized Crowley's record on Milwaukee County taxes and public safety.
Crowley campaigned on reducing household expenses, increasing housing affordability, improving healthcare and education, and protecting workers. He also criticized Tiffany's alignment with President Donald Trump.
Tiffany conceded on election night, and major news organizations confirmed Crowley's victory. Crowley and Lieutenant Governor-elect Sarah Godlewski are expected to assume office in January 2027. Official certification remains pending as of November 4, 2026.
Political Career
2010
Political Campaign Staff
Worked on former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold's reelection campaign.
Before 2017
Government Staff
Worked in county and state government before seeking elected office.
2017–2020
Wisconsin State Representative
Served in the Wisconsin State Assembly after winning election in 2016.
2020–present
Milwaukee County Executive
Became the county's youngest and first Black elected executive. Led county operations, budgets, and public service programs.
2026
Democratic Gubernatorial Primary
Withdrew from and later reentered the race, ultimately defeating Francesca Hong by a narrow margin.
November 3, 2026
Governor-Elect of Wisconsin
Defeated Republican Tom Tiffany to become Wisconsin's first Black governor-elect.
Policies & Positions
This section will document publicly stated positions, proposals, and legislative or executive actions.
Economy & Affordability
Supports reducing household expenses and improving economic opportunity.
Publicly Stated Position
Crowley made affordability a central theme of his gubernatorial campaign.
Proposals & Commitments
Pursue measures to lower housing and energy costs through his Badger Basics affordability agenda.
Housing & Homelessness
Supports increasing housing affordability and addressing housing insecurity.
Publicly Stated Position
Crowley has emphasized housing costs and the effects of instability on Wisconsin families.
Proposals & Commitments
Advance housing affordability initiatives as part of his Badger Basics plan.
Legislative / Executive Record
Addressed housing and community development issues while serving as Milwaukee County Executive.
Healthcare
Supports expanding access to healthcare coverage.
Publicly Stated Position
Crowley supports expanding Medicaid in Wisconsin.
Proposals & Commitments
Pursue Medicaid expansion and policies intended to make healthcare more affordable.
Education
Supports public school funding and educational opportunity.
Publicly Stated Position
Advocates fully funding Wisconsin public schools.
Proposals & Commitments
Increase support for public education and strengthen educational opportunities.
Child Care
Supports making child care more affordable and accessible.
Publicly Stated Position
Identifies child care costs as a significant challenge for working families.
Proposals & Commitments
Support initiatives aimed at reducing child care expenses.
Labor & Workers' Rights
Supports collective bargaining and public-sector labor protections.
Publicly Stated Position
Crowley supports reversing Wisconsin Act 10, which restricted collective bargaining for many public employees.
Proposals & Commitments
Work toward restoring public-sector collective bargaining rights.
Government Finance & Taxes
Has experience negotiating local government funding arrangements.
Publicly Stated Position
Defended the agreement as necessary to stabilize local government finances and support public services.
Legislative / Executive Record
Negotiated an agreement with Republican state lawmakers allowing Milwaukee city and county governments to increase sales taxes.
Public Safety
Has managed county services involving community safety and public administration.
Publicly Stated Position
His gubernatorial public safety record was contested during the campaign, including criticism from Tom Tiffany.
Legislative / Executive Record
Oversaw Milwaukee County operations during a period when crime and public safety were prominent local political issues.
Energy & Utilities
Supports reducing household energy expenses.
Publicly Stated Position
Included energy affordability in his Badger Basics campaign plan.
Proposals & Commitments
Pursue policies aimed at lowering energy costs for Wisconsin households.
Technology & Data Centers
Supports additional scrutiny of large data center development.
Publicly Stated Position
Backed a moratorium on new data center construction during the gubernatorial campaign.
Infrastructure & Transportation
Has experience administering county infrastructure and transportation services.
Legislative / Executive Record
Served as Milwaukee County Executive, with responsibilities including county transportation and infrastructure operations.
Civil Rights & Equality
Has emphasized economic opportunity and representation in government.
Publicly Stated Position
Has spoken about how his experiences with poverty and housing instability inform his public service.
Legislative / Executive Record
Became Milwaukee County's first Black elected executive in 2020.
Immigration
Has expressed support for immigrant communities.
Publicly Stated Position
Crowley's statements supporting immigrant communities became a subject of Republican campaign criticism.
Reproductive Rights
Reproductive healthcare policy remains an important issue in Wisconsin.
Publicly Stated Position
A detailed, independently verified summary of Crowley's 2026 reproductive healthcare proposals has not yet been completed.
Gun Rights & Regulation
Firearm policy is an important responsibility of Wisconsin's state government.
Publicly Stated Position
Specific 2026 gubernatorial firearm policy proposals require additional primary-source documentation.
Climate & Environment
Energy infrastructure and development have been significant issues in Wisconsin.
Publicly Stated Position
A comprehensive environmental platform requires further primary-source review.
Agriculture & Rural Communities
Agriculture and rural economic development are important statewide responsibilities.
Publicly Stated Position
Specific gubernatorial agricultural proposals have not yet been independently verified.
Voting Rights & Elections
Has participated in state legislative and gubernatorial elections.
Publicly Stated Position
A detailed summary of Crowley's proposed election administration reforms requires further verification.
Election History
| Year | Office | Result | Vote Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Governor of Wisconsin | Won — AP race call; certification pending | 53.7% (unofficial reporting snapshot) |
| 2026 | Democratic Primary — Governor of Wisconsin | Won nomination | — |
| 2024 | Milwaukee County Executive | Reelected | — |
| 2020 | Milwaukee County Executive | Elected | — |
| 2016 | Wisconsin State Assembly | Elected | — |
Beyond Politics
- Crowley grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- He experienced poverty and housing instability during childhood.
- He worked on Russ Feingold's 2010 U.S. Senate campaign.
- He was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2016.
- He became Milwaukee County's first Black elected executive in 2020.
- He was also Milwaukee County's youngest elected executive.
- He completed a college degree while serving as county executive.
- He won the 2026 Democratic gubernatorial primary after reentering the race.
- He defeated Republican Tom Tiffany in the November 2026 election.
- He is Wisconsin's first Black governor-elect.
- His lieutenant governor-elect is Sarah Godlewski.
Sources & References
- Associated Press — David Crowley Wins Wisconsin Governor Election
- Wisconsin Public Radio — Crowley Defeats Tiffany
- Wisconsin Examiner — Crowley Wins Governor Election
- CBS News — Wisconsin Governor Election
- FOX6 Milwaukee — Wisconsin Governor Election Results
- MultiState — Wisconsin Governor Election Results
Last verified: 2026-11-04