'I would have loved his endorsement earlier': David Crowley responds to Evers’ endorsement, new Marquette poll just days away
MILWAUKEE, CBS 58 – With a whirlwind of a past week for Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, he says he now has his focus on what’s ahead despite criticism from his opponents over his electability.
After Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriquez ended her campaign following a massive campaign finance debacle, Crowley re-entered the race and Governor Tony Evers endorsed him.
Crowley re-enters the Democratic primary alongside Francesca Hong, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Sen. Kelda Roys and former Evers staffer Joel Brennan. Some have argued Evers' endorsement of Crowley represents the establishment wing of the Democratic Party trying to ensure Democratic socialist candidate Francesca Hong does not win the nomination.
CBS 58 asked Crowley about the timing of that endorsement and the criticism that came with it.
“Yeah, I would have loved to have had his endorsement earlier, but we are here where we are right now, looking forward to campaigning across the state with him,” Crowley said.
On Wednesday, a new Marquette University Law School Poll will release results related to the upcoming Aug. 11 primaries for governor, including perceptions of the candidates, the desired qualities of candidates, and vote choice.
In a March 2026 poll, more than half of registered voters said they hadn’t decided on a candidate in either the Republican or Democratic gubernatorial primary. For the Republicans, 54% hadn’t decided and for the Democratic primary, 65% haven’t picked a candidate.
In the Republican primary, 40% supported Tiffany and 6% chose Andy Manske. On the Democratic side, Hong was the choice of 14% and Barnes was supported by 11%.
Crowley only received 3%. When asked about the poll. Crowley said he is looking forward.
“I wouldn’t have gotten in this race if I didn’t think I would be able to get the resources needed, I'm going to focus on running this race like I’ve been doing all along,” Crowley said.