Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley re-enters Wisconsin governor's race, endorsed by Gov. Evers
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Gov. Tony Evers has officially endorsed Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor.
Crowley announced Saturday morning that he has rejoined the governor's race during a campaign event at Milwaukee's 3rd Street Market Hall.
He made the announcement surrounded by an energetic crowd of supporters, with several Democratic elected officials welcoming him back into the race.
Those in attendance and endorsing Crowley included Assistant Assembly Democratic Leader Kalan Haywood, Sheboygan Mayor Ryan Sorenson, Milwaukee Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Waukesha Mayor Alicia Halvensleben, Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin President Jerry Biggart, State Sen. Melissa Ratcliff and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier "Chevy" Johnson.
“After making this decision, receiving the endorsement from not just Governor Evers but many different labor groups as well as elected officials we had here today, I know that we can continue to build the momentum we need in the next 24 days to not only get a win on August 11 but to defeat Tom Tiffany in November,” Crowley said.
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. Crowley rejected that idea.
“When you think about the state of Wisconsin, you’re looking at a Black kid from the city of Milwaukee. This is not what the establishment looks like, and so I am focused on what we need to do to win this race,” Crowley said.
Crowley re-enters the Democratic primary alongside Francesca Hong, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Sen. Kelda Roys and former Evers staffer Joel Brennan. His return comes one day after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez suspended her campaign.
The winner of the Aug. 11 primary will advance to the general election against Republican Tom Tiffany.
Crowley's endorsement marks the first time Evers has endorsed a candidate in a gubernatorial primary.
In response to the announcement, the Republican Governors Association released a statement, saying in part:
“Tom Tiffany is fighting to lower property taxes, protect Wisconsin land, and require health care price transparency. The choice is clear for Wisconsinites: commonsense versus crazy,” RGA Communications Director Kollin Crompton said.
The other Democratic candidates in the race also reacted to Crowley's decision to re-enter. Their statements can be found below.