politics
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers endorses David Crowley after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez ends campaign
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers endorsed Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley for the Democratic nomination on July 18, 2026. The move followed Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez's withdrawal from the race earlier in the week over campaign finance errors.
Jul 18, 12:06 PM·1m read3 sources
EstablishmentCompetition
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Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers posted his support for Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley on X one day after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez ended her bid. Evers had previously said he would not endorse while Rodriguez remained in the race so that candidates could make their case to voters.
Rodriguez withdrew after disclosing major errors in financial reporting that left her campaign with hundreds of thousands of dollars less than expected, and she had fired her campaign manager earlier in the week.
Crowley, 40, announced his return to the race at a press conference on July 18. He had suspended his first campaign just over a week earlier to support Rodriguez. The Democratic primary is scheduled for August 11.
Other candidates include former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Rep. Francesca Hong, state Sen. Kelda Roys and former Department of Administration head Joel Brennan. Hong said competition is good for democracy and voters deserve a substantive debate.
The primary winner will face Rep. Tom Tiffany, a Republican backed by President Trump, in the general election. Cook Political Report rates the race a toss-up.
