Crowley Ceases Campaign for WI GOV

MILWAUKEE – (Civic Media) – Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said Wednesday he is ending his campaign for Wisconsin governor, acknowledging he will not secure the Democratic nomination in the crowded primary.

Crowley, who has led the county since 2020, said he will remain in office and shift his focus back to local leadership while continuing to advocate for issues like affordability, child care and jobs.

Crowley struggled to gain traction in a wide-open race to replace Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who is not seeking reelection. Public polling throughout the spring and early summer showed Crowley in the low-to-mid single digits.

A May survey from the Public Sentiment Institute had him at about 8%, while Marquette University Law School polls earlier in the year showed him closer to 3%. More recent polling has shown a tightening race among frontrunners, with candidates like Francesca Hong, Mandela Barnes and Sara Rodriguez leading, while Crowley remained outside the top tier.

Fundraising also lagged behind leading candidates, though exact final totals for his campaign were not immediately available. Crowley thanked supporters and said his campaign focused on listening to voters across Wisconsin.

“It has become clear that I will not be the Democratic nominee,” Crowley said in a statement, adding that he would continue working in public service.

Crowley also called for party unity ahead of the November election, urging Democrats to rally behind a nominee to compete in what is expected to be a closely watched open-seat race.