Democrats rally behind David Crowley, promote unity following Wisconsin primary
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) — David Crowley isn't wasting any time bringing the Democratic Party together following his primary victory.
Crowley brought his former opponents together Wednesday morning to share a message of party unity ahead of the November general election.
All three of Crowley's opponents who remained in the race until Election Day — state Sen. Kelda Roys, Joel Brennan and state Rep. Francesca Hong — attended the unity event. Each made it clear there is no room for division as Democrats rally behind Crowley in his race against Republican nominee Tom Tiffany.
U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan and state Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein were also among those who gathered at Prairie Cafe and Bakery in Middleton for the Unity Breakfast.
Democrats said the event was meant to show the party is building a broad coalition to take on Tiffany, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump.
"I am here to say that I just got done with breakfast with all of the gubernatorial candidates, and we are united to defeat Tom Tiffany this November," Democratic lieutenant governor nominee Sarah Godlewski said.
Each of Crowley's former opponents also publicly congratulated him and pledged support for his campaign.
Joel Brennan
Kelda Roys
Francesca Hong
Crowley gave his victory speech in Milwaukee Wednesday morning. During the speech, he thanked the candidates who remained in the race until the end, including Hong for the passion she brought to the campaign.
"Her campaign reminded people across Wisconsin that there are no long shots when it comes to believing in a better future and fighting to expand opportunities to every family," Crowley said. "That kind of passion strengthens our democracy."
Crowley also thanked Gov. Tony Evers for his endorsement, later calling Evers his campaign's "secret weapon."
Crowley wasted little time drawing a contrast with Tiffany, specifically targeting the Republican nominee's ties to Trump.
"The biggest difference between me and the congressman is that I am loyal to the people of Wisconsin. I am not loyal to MAGA," Crowley said. "And so I am going to be focusing on delivering for the hardworking families in Wisconsin, and that is how we are going to win in November."
Crowley also acknowledged the broad coalition Hong built during her campaign, including thousands of younger voters. He said he plans to reach out to those voters and convince them that he also has their best interests at heart.
"Young people don't feel that they can look into their future right now when the average home-buying age is 40 years old, when right now they are looking at data centers and artificial intelligence taking their jobs in the future," Crowley said. "So we have to focus on making sure we are lifting up their voices and protecting what they believe needs to be protected."
Crowley said he plans to win the race by focusing on Wisconsin values.
Following the Unity Breakfast, Crowley and Godlewski kicked off their "Forward Wisconsin Tour," a five-day campaign swing featuring 17 stops across the state.