Rodriguez, Crowley are first Democratic candidates to enter Governor's race

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Just one day after Governor Tony Evers announced he will not run for a third term, the first Democratic candidates declared their candidacy Friday, July 25.

Two Republicans and two Democrats have officially declared, but many more are expected.

The first Democrat to enter what is expected to be a crowded field was Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez, who was told of Evers' decision ahead of time.

Rodriguez touted her experience: her background as a nurse and private sector executive, in addition to her time as an assembly member and Lt. Governor.

She told us in an interview, "I feel like I can lead this state to where people want it to go."

A short time later, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said he'll soon join the race, telling us, "You'll see an announcement actually coming out in the next couple of weeks. We are ready to go. We are ready to really jump into this campaign."

Crowley said he's ready to govern, not just campaign. "I'm getting into this race because I think it's important to have strong experience and leadership."

And there is still a healthy list of Democrats who could run.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and State Senator Kelda Roys told us Thursday they're interested, but they're not announcing anything yet.

Nor is Attorney General Josh Kaul, who declined to address his potential candidacy Friday. At the statehouse, he told reporters, "No comments or no announcements today."

On the Republican side, no major candidates declared this week, so the GOP field remains at two for now: Whitefish Bay businessman Bill Berrien and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann.

But others who could run include former Senate candidate Eric Hovde, Representative Tom Tiffany, and State Senator Mary Felzkowski.

So many names are being tossed out there because, for the first time since 2010, both parties will have open primaries.

And the newly announced candidates welcome the primary.

Rodriguez said, "I think that's healthy. I think we have to present what we're going to bring to the table."

And Crowley said, "But more importantly, I would also say that it helps sharpen the iron of the next Democratic nominee."