Politics1 min read

Democrat David Crowley will be Wisconsin's first Black governor

By · Via NPR · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The 40-year-old Milwaukee County executive overcame major financial disadvantages to secure the state's highest office after defeating Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany. His path to the governor's mansion followed a turbulent primary where high-profile endorsements helped him rebound from a brief campaign suspension. The victory positions a leader focused on working-class economic relief and past bipartisan fiscal deal-making at the helm of state government. During the campaign, Crowley frequently pointed to his past negotiations with legislative Republicans that secured a $500 million agreement keeping the Milwaukee Brewers in the city through 2050.

Key points

  • The incoming governor prioritized defending Medicaid funding, preserving affordable housi…: The incoming governor prioritized defending Medicaid funding, preserving affordable housing, and creating jobs for working families across the state.
  • David Crowley emphasized his history of working with legislative Republicans to raise loc…: David Crowley emphasized his history of working with legislative Republicans to raise local sales tax rates and resolve stadium funding issues.
  • The campaign successfully contrasted David Crowley's bipartisan platform with Tom Tiffany…: The campaign successfully contrasted David Crowley's bipartisan platform with Tom Tiffany's close alignment with Donald Trump and wealthy political donors.

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Democrat David Crowley will be Wisconsin's first Black governor after defeating Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany, according to a race call by the Associated Press.

The Milwaukee County executive's campaign for governor focused on "lowering costs for working families" and bringing more jobs to Wisconsin.

Tiffany's campaign massively outspent Crowley's, but ultimately that spending didn't get the congressman over the finish line.

With endorsements from outgoing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and former President Barack Obama, Crowley was able to mobilize Democratic voters after narrowly besting democratic socialist Francesca Hong in the primary.

Crowley's razor-thin win over Hong in August capped a tumultuous Democratic primary. Crowley dropped out of the race at one point, endorsing Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, only to re-enter after she withdrew. He scored the endorsement of Evers, a popular Democratic governor, a factor that some credit as a major contributor to his primary win.

Crowley pitched himself as a "deal-maker," who can work…

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