Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced a bid for governor of Wisconsin, releasing a campaign video in which he warned that “Donald Trump’s chaos and cruelty means that the Wisconsin that we cherish will perish, unless we unite and fight back.”
Crowley’s campaign website describes him as a “proud Democrat” and says Republicans are not only attacking programs residents rely on but are attempting to strip away values such as community and fairness. The announcement adds a prominent urban voice to the Democratic contest to replace Gov. Tony Evers, who earlier this year said he would not seek a third term.
Republican National Committee national press secretary Kiersten Pels criticized Crowley’s record in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying Milwaukee has experienced one of the highest homicide rates in the country, severe police staffing shortages and a failing school district with financial problems under his leadership. "It’s no wonder that Milwaukee County residents are fleeing," Pels added, saying Wisconsinites deserve better than what she called Crowley’s "failed policies." Fox News Digital sought comment from Crowley’s campaign but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
Crowley joins a field that already includes Democrats vying for the nomination, among them Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez. On the Republican side, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and former Navy SEAL Bill Berrien have announced campaigns. The developing lineup sets up a competitive statewide contest for the open seat.
Crowley, who rose to countywide office in Milwaukee, has sought to frame his candidacy around defending social programs and shared civic values. His launch message centered on framing the election as a choice between those values and what he portrayed as a national trend of instability tied to former President Donald Trump.
Political operatives and voters will be watching how Crowley’s local record plays in a statewide contest. Milwaukee’s public safety and education systems have been points of public debate in recent years, and Republicans have cited those local challenges in criticizing Democratic leaders from the city as they seek to make inroads across the state.
The 2026 gubernatorial contest will test whether Democrats can hold an open seat in a swing state that has been pivotal in recent national elections. Crowley’s entry immediately focused attention on the Milwaukee executive as a potential standard-bearer for Democrats, while giving Republicans additional material for attacks tied to city governance and public safety.
Campaigns for the various candidates are expected to intensify in the coming months as fundraising, endorsements and primary debates begin to shape the contours of both parties’ races for Wisconsin governor.