Democrat David Crowley was declared the winner of Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race on Tuesday, defeating Republican Tom Tiffany with 53.6% of the vote to Tiffany’s 46.4%, according to the Associated Press. The victory marks the first time a Black governor will lead Wisconsin and secures the state’s executive office for Democrats in the 2024 midterm elections.
Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive, succeeds outgoing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who was term-limited. Tiffany, a four-term U.S. representative from northern Wisconsin, had been endorsed by former President Donald Trump and positioned himself as a Trump ally during the campaign.
Key Results:
- Crowley’s win was called at 11:28 p.m. CT on Election Night.
- Tiffany’s campaign outspent Crowley’s by a significant margin, with major contributions from three billionaire donors.
- Crowley’s victory maintains Democratic control of the Wisconsin governorship, a critical swing state in national elections.
Campaign Dynamics and Strategy
Crowley’s campaign centered on affordability and economic relief, proposing state spending increases to reduce costs for childcare, healthcare, and housing. He also emphasized his personal background, highlighting his upbringing in one of Milwaukee’s poorest neighborhoods, where his family experienced poverty and homelessness. Crowley served in the state Assembly before becoming Milwaukee County executive in 2020.
Tiffany, representing a safely Republican district in northern Wisconsin, campaigned on lowering costs, opposing data centers, and enforcing immigration policies. Despite his fundraising advantage, Tiffany struggled to overcome negative national trends for Republicans, including Trump’s 60% disapproval rating in Wisconsin, according to a September Marquette University Law School poll. Crowley’s campaign sought to tie Tiffany to Trump, citing his vote against certifying the 2020 election and alignment with the former president on key issues.
Primary Contest and Democratic Infighting
Crowley’s path to the general election was marked by a contentious Democratic primary in August. He narrowly defeated Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist and state representative, by approximately 4,000 votes. The primary field had initially included four major candidates: Crowley, Hong, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, and Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez. Crowley briefly dropped out of the race in July, endorsing Rodriguez, but re-entered after she withdrew due to campaign funding shortfalls.
Crowley’s eventual primary win was bolstered by endorsements from Evers and former President Barack Obama, which helped consolidate Democratic support. Tiffany secured the Republican nomination with Trump’s backing after other GOP candidates withdrew following Trump’s endorsement.
Policy Positions and Political Implications
Crowley’s Platform:
- Affordability agenda: Proposed state spending increases to reduce household costs.
- Abortion rights: Framed the race as a defense against conservative policies.
- Bipartisanship: Highlighted past collaborations with legislative Republicans, including a $500 million deal to upgrade Milwaukee’s baseball stadium and a bipartisan push for local sales tax increases.
Tiffany’s Platform:
- Local focus: Attempted to pivot from national issues to regional concerns like property taxes and economic development.
- Trump alignment: Maintained ties to Trump despite efforts to distance himself from controversial policies.
- Opposition to data centers: Emphasized opposition to large-scale tech infrastructure projects.
The race drew national attention due to Wisconsin’s status as a battleground state, with both parties investing heavily in the contest. Crowley’s victory ensures Democratic control of the governorship, while Tiffany’s loss reflects broader challenges for Republicans in a state where Trump’s approval has declined.
Historical Context and Representation
Crowley’s election makes him Wisconsin’s first Black governor and, at 40 years old, the youngest governor elected in the state in nearly a century. His win follows the 2022 election of Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, who became Wisconsin’s first Latina lieutenant governor, signaling growing diversity in the state’s leadership.
The outcome also underscores the importance of urban-rural divides in Wisconsin politics. Crowley’s strength in Milwaukee County, a Democratic stronghold, contrasted with Tiffany’s support in rural northern Wisconsin, a Republican-leaning region.
Next Steps and Transition
Crowley is set to be sworn in as governor in January 2025, succeeding Evers. The transition period will begin with postelection certification of results, followed by negotiations over the state budget and policy priorities for the new administration. Crowley has indicated a focus on economic recovery, healthcare access, and bipartisan collaboration in his first term.