The Milwaukee County executive, who grew up facing poverty and housing insecurity, defeated Republican Tom Tiffany in one of the nation’s most competitive political battlegrounds.
By EEW Magazine Online Editors
Wisconsin Gov.-elect David Crowley celebrates with supporters after declaring victory in Milwaukee on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Crowley defeated U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., to become the state’s first Black governor. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
As a boy in Milwaukee’s 53206 ZIP code, David Crowley moved from home to home, often because of evictions, while his parents battled addiction. His family still called him “governor.” On Tuesday, the 40-year-old Milwaukee County executive made the nickname official. He defeated Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany to become the first Black governor in Wisconsin’s 178-year history.
“Because of you all, a boy facing eviction will now live in the governor’s mansion,” Crowley told cheering supporters in Milwaukee, a few miles from where he grew up, according to The Associated Press.
Tiffany conceded Tuesday night, and the AP called the race soon after. Crowley will succeed Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who chose not to seek a third term. His win marks the first time Democrats will hold the governor’s office for more than eight consecutive years.
U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., the Republican nominee for governor, speaks at a campaign rally in Madison, Wisconsin, on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. Tiffany conceded the race to Democrat David Crowley on Tuesday night. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Crowley’s father worked as an electrician and his mother in the service industry. Both struggled with addiction and mental health. He has credited the youth organization Urban Underground with helping him find direction.
He worked as an organizer and political staffer before winning a seat in the Wisconsin Assembly in 2016. In 2020, he became the first Black person elected Milwaukee County executive and, at 33, the youngest. Voters reelected him in 2024.
His road to the governor’s office nearly ended in July. Crowley dropped out of the Democratic primary and endorsed Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez. Days later, Rodriguez left the race, and Crowley jumped back in with Evers’ endorsement. He then beat state Rep. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, 39.8% to 39.4% in the Aug. 11 primary.
David Crowley, then the Democratic nominee for Wisconsin governor, speaks to supporters at a Women for Crowley event in Milwaukee on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. (Photo by Nam Y. Huh/The Associated Press)
Tiffany, a congressman from northern Wisconsin and a close ally of President Donald Trump, campaigned on lower property taxes, affordable utility rates, protecting farmland and restoring accountability in state government. He argued Crowley would raise taxes and be soft on crime, and his ads branded his opponent “Data Center David Crowley.”
Crowley ran on affordability. He called for expanding BadgerCare, lowering child care and housing costs, fully funding public schools and raising the minimum wage to $20 by 2030. He also backed repealing Act 10, the 2011 law that stripped collective bargaining rights from most public employees. Tiffany voted for the law as a state legislator.
Neither candidate supported the statewide data center moratorium Hong had proposed. Both called for new guardrails on the industry. Crowley tied Tiffany to Trump throughout the race. He blamed Tiffany’s support for the war in Iran for high gas prices and pointed to the toll of tariffs on dairy farmers.
In his concession speech, Tiffany wished Crowley and his family “the very best,” the Daily Cardinal reported. Crowley told supporters his win “includes everyone who didn’t vote for me,” according to the Milwaukee Record.
Democrats also won majorities in the state Senate and Assembly, Channel3000 reported. That gives the party control of both chambers and the governor’s office for the first time in 16 years.
Crowley was one of several Black candidates elected governor Tuesday. The others include Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia and Republican Byron Donalds in Florida, the Milwaukee Courier reported.
Crowley takes office in January with Lt. Gov.-elect Sarah Godlewski. Evers, who campaigned at his side, summed up the comeback on election night. “Fight runs in David Crowley’s blood,” Evers said.