Democrat David Crowley is projected to win Wisconsin's gubernatorial race, defeating Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany, according to Decision Desk HQ. With 63% of the vote counted, Crowley leads by 8 points, 54% to 46%.
Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive, will succeed retiring Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who endorsed him in the primary. At 40, Crowley has already made history as the youngest and first Black person to serve as Milwaukee County executive, a role he took in May 2020. Now he becomes Wisconsin's first Black governor.
Wisconsin has emerged as a key swing state, with President Trump winning it in the last election. Crowley's victory is a significant pickup for Democrats in a state that has been closely contested.
Crowley's path to the nomination was not straightforward. He initially dropped out of the race in early July to support Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, but re-entered after Rodriguez withdrew in mid-July. Despite trailing progressive Francesca Hong by double digits in polls, Crowley secured an upset win in the August primary, prompting election analysts at Sabato's Crystal Ball to shift the general election toward Democrats.
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Crowley attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to study community engagement and education but left to pursue political work. He finally completed his degree in 2024, two decades later.
Crowley's victory is part of a broader Democratic wave in gubernatorial races, including Bottoms flipping Georgia's governor's office and Dembo flipping Kentucky's 6th. Democrats have also retaken the House, setting the stage for clashes with the Trump administration.
In his victory speech, Crowley emphasized unity and the need to address issues like healthcare, education, and economic opportunity. He also highlighted his personal story as a testament to Wisconsin's promise.
Republicans, meanwhile, are analyzing their loss in a state that has been trending Democratic in recent cycles. Tiffany, a congressman, had campaigned on conservative economic policies and opposition to federal overreach.
Crowley's win is seen as a boost for Democratic momentum heading into the next legislative session, with control of the governor's mansion in a key battleground state.
