Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has officially joined the race for governor, saying in an announcement video released Tuesday that his story is Wisconsin’s story.
Crowley had already sent strong signals that he’d launch his candidacy. On the day after Gov. Tony Evers announced he would not seek a third term, Crowley said he’d be “taking steps toward entering the race.” He joins Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez in the Democratic primary.
Crowley, 39, became the first Black person ever elected Milwaukee County executive in 2020. Prior to that, he was elected twice to the state Assembly.
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In his announcement, he said he “didn’t grow up in the halls of power,” and was evicted three times as a kid.
“It’ll break you or it’ll make you,” he said. “I didn’t want any child to go through that.”
Crowley said his record as county executive included creating thousands of jobs, cutting emissions and reducing property taxes. He also highlighted his work lobbying the Legislature and governor to pass a bipartisan local government funding bill, which included provisions that let Milwaukee’s city and county governments raise their sales taxes.
Crowley also criticized President Donald Trump, whose policies will be front and center in next year’s midterms.
“Donald Trump’s chaos and cruelty means that the Wisconsin that we cherish will perish unless we unite and fight back,” Crowley said.
In addition to Crowley and Rodriguez, several other Democrats are said to be considering running for governor. They include state Attorney General Josh Kaul, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Madison state Rep. Francesca Hong and Madison state Sen. Kelda Roys.
On the Republican side, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and New Berlin businessman Bill Berrien are already running, and U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, a Republican from Minocqua, has said he’ll announce his plans soon.
The primary for governor will take place in August ahead of the November general election.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with the correct spelling of Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez’s name.
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