Wisconsin Gov. Evers endorses Crowley for Democratic nomination

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers endorsed Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley for the Democratic nomination for governor on July 18 while traveling in Africa. The governor had previously pledged neutrality in the race but posted on social media that he was "all in" for Crowley after Lt.

Gov. Sara Rodriguez abandoned her bid amid a campaign finance scandal and Crowley reentered the race the same day. Evers praised the candidate's record on job creation and balancing budgets. "He's not just a candidate who can win in November, but he's the kind of person who cares about doing the job right," Evers wrote.

Crowley, 40, said the endorsement reflected confidence in his experience to lead and win. He planned to note that Evers believed he had the judgment and record to defeat Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in November. The Democratic primary is set for August 11.

Other candidates include state Rep. Francesca Hong, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Sen. Kelda Roys and Joel Brennan. The winner will face Tiffany, who faces only token primary opposition, in the general election.

Crowley was elected to the state Assembly in 2016 at age 30 and served until mid-2020. He won election as Milwaukee County Executive in 2020 at age 33 as the first Black person and youngest to hold the post. Milwaukee County is the state's largest.

Republicans have held majority control of the Wisconsin state Legislature since 2011. Democrats last secured full control of state government in 2010.