David Crowley, the self-described pragmatic progressive who runs Milwaukee County government with a goal of collaborative problem solving, dropped out of the Wisconsin governor’s race on Wednesday.
A former state legislator, Crowley, 40, was elected Milwaukee County Executive in 2019 and has had to become accustomed to hearing he was destined for bigger things. His campaign, while not successful, greatly enhanced his name recognition throughout the rest of the state and his departure was met with warm words from his primary opponents, even as they ratchet up their rhetoric against each other.
For now, Crowley will return to his role of leading the state’s largest county and will reportedly endorse Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez in the Aug. 11 Democratic primary.
“It has become clear that I will not be the Democratic nominee for Governor,” Crowley said in a statement. “So today I am stepping out of this race, but I am not stepping away from the work.”
Crowley spoke at the state Democratic convention last month about his executive experience and track record tackling community challenges.
“When people in Milwaukee County needed affordable housing, we acted and built over 1,000 units in six years,” Crowley said. “At a moment when Wisconsin needs bold leadership focused on delivering results, I’m ready to bring that approach to the governor’s office.”
Crowley also tackled head-on the question of whether a Black candidate can win a statewide race in Wisconsin, saying Wisconsinites everywhere have a great many shared experiences that intersect in their concerns about their children’s education, public safety, public health, and more.
“I’m a servant leader,” Crowley told the Cap Times in a feature published shortly before he made his announcement. “I always come to the table wanting to serve others. This isn’t about me. It’s about how do we uplift our entire community? How do we tackle the social determinants of health to make sure that everybody can not just succeed, but thrive?”
“I want to be a governor that can pick up every damn can that we’ve kicked down the road and not really solve the problems for,” Crowley said.
Crowley’s campaign remembered with kindness
With less than five weeks remaining until the primary, the Democratic candidates have started to be more aggressive in trying to differentiate themselves and demonstrate who would be able to defeat the presumptive Republican nominee, Rep. Tom Tiffany. But the rhetorical sniping turned into a ceasefire as much of the remaining field took time to praise Crowley through statements and social media posts.
Rep. Francesca Hong: “David’s campaign was focused on a bold vision of what Democratic leadership in Wisconsin should look like, rooted in serious, practical policy designed to make all our lives better.”
Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes: “As my County Executive and fellow Milwaukeean born and raised in the 53206 zip code, I have all the respect in the world for David Crowley and the race he ran. David has a life experience that is far too often missing from our politics. And that life experience has driven him to deliver real results for Milwaukee County families. I hope all those inspired by David’s campaign can find a place in our movement to end the rigged system that’s holding back Wisconsin families. It’s time for us all to come together to beat Tom Tiffany.”
Sen. Kelda Roys: “David Crowley is one of Wisconsin’s brightest political talents and is a great county executive. I have a great deal of respect and affection for David and I’m sorry to see him leave the governor’s race. It was always an honor and a delight to share the stage with him. I wish him and his family well and want to thank him for putting himself forward.”
Joel Brennan, former Dept. of Administration secretary: “David Crowley made the campaign for Governor – and the eventual Democratic nominee – stronger and better through his work. I am honored to still be able to call myself a constituent and friend. We are fortunate to have his commitment, experience, and leadership in Milwaukee County.”
Hong made the admiration for Crowley a family matter.
“My son George said that other than me, David was his favorite candidate.”
