The Wisconsin gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a close contest, with Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany attempting to distance himself from former President Donald Trump's less popular policies while highlighting Democrat David Crowley's perceived weaknesses on crime and immigration. Despite Trump's strong endorsement, Tiffany is navigating a tight race in a state known for its narrow political divisions.
Tiffany, who has been a close ally of Trump, has recently taken steps to create separation, notably voting against resolutions to prohibit military actions in Iran without congressional approval, while later suggesting the conflict should be concluded. When asked about Trump's performance, Tiffany stated the president is acting in what he believes is best for the United States, but emphasized his focus on being the best governor for Wisconsin.
In contrast to Trump's stance on artificial intelligence, Tiffany has been critical of AI data centers, a position that diverges from the former president's view that communities refusing them will be "backwards and poor." Tiffany has sought to portray Crowley as an advocate for these centers, dubbing him "Data Center David Crowley." Crowley, however, has clarified his position, stating that local communities should have veto power while acknowledging the economic benefits data centers can bring.
The Tiffany campaign has also targeted Crowley on crime, referencing a Milwaukee County program that provided tablets to inmates, some of whom used them to contact victims and witnesses. Crowley responded by suspending messaging features on these tablets. Meanwhile, Crowley and his supporters are highlighting Tiffany's past support for the Iran war, high tariffs, and rising gas prices, linking him to Trump's agenda and what they describe as the influence of billionaire donors.
Tiffany has significantly outraised Crowley, with a substantial portion of his campaign funds coming from a few major donors. Crowley's campaign has accused Tiffany of being beholden to these wealthy backers. Tiffany, however, believes voters are savvy enough to distinguish between a presidential and a gubernatorial election.
The race is particularly significant as Wisconsin has a history of presidential elections decided by razor-thin margins. This gubernatorial election is open for the first time in 16 years, as Gov. Tony Evers is not seeking a third term. Democrats aim to retain the office and potentially flip control of the state Legislature, which has been Republican-dominated since 2011.
Crowley, the county executive of Milwaukee County, narrowly won a Democratic primary where mainstream Democrats worked to defeat a democratic socialist candidate. Tiffany, a former state lawmaker, has represented a rural northern Wisconsin district in Congress since 2020. Both candidates are running statewide for the first time, and strategists suggest the election will hinge on which candidate can most effectively define themselves to voters before the election.