Crowley projected as Democratic nominee for governor with razor-thin margin over Hong
Updated: 2:31 a.m. on Aug. 12, 2026
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has been projected by Decision Desk HQ as the Democratic nominee for governor with a razor-thin margin over Francesca Hong.
Crowley ended his campaign on July 8, endorsed Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, then re-launched his campaign July 18 with Gov. Tony Evers’ endorsement after Rodriguez dropped out.
On his campaign website, Crowley says he’ll aim to build more housing statewide, eliminate healthcare disparities and raise the minimum wage. You can read more on his platform here.
In May of 2020, David Crowley became the youngest county executive in the history of Milwaukee County and the first Black leader elected to serve in the role. On April 2, 2024, County Executive Crowley was reelected to a second term with 85% of the vote, the widest margin ever.
Before running for county executive, Crowley served two terms in the state Assembly.
The 40-year-old attended Bay View High School and recently earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He lives in Milwaukee with his wife, Ericka, and their three daughters.
A statement released by Crowley's campaign manager early Wednesday morning said:
"David Crowley is grateful to Wisconsin voters, the volunteers who powered this campaign, and everyone who stepped forward to participate in this primary.
“To Francesca, Kelda, Joel, and every candidate who shared their vision for Wisconsin, thank you. They challenged all of us to think bigger about what our state can become.
“From day one, this campaign has been about what comes next for Wisconsin: making life more affordable, strengthening our schools, creating good-paying jobs, and making sure opportunity reaches every corner of our state.
“Now, David is focused on bringing people together, earning the support of Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and anyone who believes Wisconsin is at its best when we work together and deliver results.
“The choice in November has always been clear. We can move Wisconsin forward with leadership focused on solving problems, or we can bring the division and extremism of Tom Tiffany and Donald Trump to Wisconsin.
“David is ready to get back to work, build a broad coalition, and win in November."
While speaking to her watch party in Madison earlier Tuesday night, Francesca Hong did not concede the race, saying, "The fight continues."
"I know we don't have the final results right now, but what I do know is that we are ready to keep fighting and I feel confident," Hong said. "But more importantly, I am so deeply, deeply grateful, to my core, for how hard you have all fought and for what this fight -- our movement -- means for all of Wisconsin. We are fighting to become once more, what Wisconsin has always been. A place where our future is determined not by corporations and billionaires, but our future. That's determined by the working-class people who live here."
Hong had been tightening her grip on the top spot in every poll over the past several months.
Under state law, a candidate who loses by less than 1% could call a recount without having to cover the costs.