Democratic candidates react after Sara Rodriguez suspends gubernatorial campaign
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) — On Friday, Sara Rodriguez released a video on X announcing she was suspending her campaign. It came after she fired her campaign manager over the mismanagement of campaign funds.
After Rodriguez suspended her campaign, sources and people closely involved in Democratic politics began sharing that Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley could re-enter the race. Missy Hughes, the first Democrat to drop out of the race, posted on X, tagging Crowley and urging him to get back in.
Not everyone is on board.
Kelda Roys released a lengthy statement saying she believes the race is down to her and Francesca Hong. She said that is because she and Hong have the most cash on hand.
Roys reported $406,492.57 cash on hand and has already funded four weeks of statewide TV ads. She also said she has committed to a major Milwaukee TV buy.
Hong reported about $410,563.44 cash on hand but has yet to announce a major media buy.
Roys is urging Democratic stakeholders to consolidate behind what she believes is a viable candidate. She said delaying a decision gives Republicans more time to shape the outcome through spending and messaging, which is why she does not support Crowley re-entering the race. She said doing so would confuse voters.
“What I have heard is voters are looking to narrow this primary and not move backwards and widen it. We have a really important task in front of us and the election is just 24 days away,” Roys said.
Joel Brennan, who was near the bottom of the field in previous polling, announced he will not suspend his campaign. He agreed the party now needs to unite and said Rodriguez made the right decision to leave the race.
Brennan said he is concerned some of the remaining candidates are not strong enough to defeat Tom Tiffany in the general election, which is why he is staying in the race. He also suggested he could earn the support of some Rodriguez backers.
“The last thing we need in this campaign is for there to be October surprises. We just lived through a July surprise in the last few days, and I don’t think, as Wisconsinites, that we can afford that,” Brennan said. “I don’t think, as Democrats, that we can afford to put people up on the ballot in the fall who may have the liabilities that would have us not talking about the issues that are most important.”
Both Francesca Hong and Mandela Barnes released statements following Rodriguez's decision to suspend her campaign.
Hong wrote on X:
“I want to thank Sara Rodriguez for putting herself forward and for her years of dedicated service to Wisconsin. I know this was an extraordinarily difficult and disappointing situation, and I wish Sara, her family, her supporters and her campaign team well. Sara has contributed a great deal to our state, and I know she will continue working to make Wisconsin a better place.”
Barnes also released a statement on X, saying:
“Throughout her campaign and her career, Sara Rodriguez has fought to make Wisconsin a better place for everyone to call home. I have immense respect for the work she’s done as a nurse and as our lieutenant governor, and I admire anyone who is willing to step up to help make Wisconsin a better place to live, work, and raise a family. For all those who believed in Sara’s resolve to make life better, there’s a place for you in my campaign. It’s time for all of us to come together to beat Tom Tiffany.”
Barnes did not comment on the possibility of Crowley re-entering the race. Hong said she supports whatever decision Crowley makes and is continuing to focus on her own campaign.