Photo: Ballotpedia
David Crowley
DemocraticMilwaukee County Executive
Who is David Crowley?
First Black man elected Milwaukee County Executive (since 2020); previously represented a Milwaukee district in the state Assembly
Withdrew July 8, 2026 and endorsed Rodriguez; re-entered the primary July 18, 2026 after her exit.
Where does David Crowley stand on the issues?
Crowley proposes growing an economy based on local ownership and union labor, taking his Building Bridges Program statewide, expanding apprenticeship programs, and supporting small businesses through streamlined permitting and access to capital.
Position sources (1)
- campaignCrowley for WI (campaign site)
Crowley's plan includes universal early childhood education, new investments in public schools, and closing the special education reimbursement gap.
Position sources (1)
- campaignCrowley for WI (campaign site)
Crowley states he will protect voting rights and push for nonpartisan redistricting at every level.
Position sources (1)
- campaignCrowley for WI (campaign site)
Crowley frames climate action as economic investment and pledges to invest in solar, energy retrofits, and clean infrastructure, citing emissions cuts in Milwaukee County.
Position sources (1)
- campaignCrowley for WI (campaign site)
Crowley says he will expand mobile outreach, addiction treatment access, and EMS innovations across the state to improve access to care.
Position sources (1)
- campaignCrowley for WI (campaign site)
Crowley pledges to build and preserve affordable and attainable housing in rural, urban, and suburban communities and to make projects easier to approve.
Position sources (1)
- campaignCrowley for WI (campaign site)
Crowley says he will give communities resources for well-trained police and fire departments and cites delivering balanced budgets that protect public safety.
Position sources (1)
- campaignCrowley for WI (campaign site)
Crowley proposes revenue reform to fund local governments while lowering property taxes, and cites delivering balanced budgets as County Executive.
Position sources (1)
- campaignCrowley for WI (campaign site)
In their own words
“My campaign for governor was never about one person. It was about a shared belief”
“Politics should not be about who talks the loudest. It's about showing up, working with anyone who wants to solve the problem, and delivering results people can see in their own communities.”
“Wisconsin deserves leadership that shows up, tells the truth, and gets things done for working families”
Top reported contributors
- Michael Barber (Windermere)$20,000
- John Splude (Greendale)$10,000
- Cheryl Whaley (New York)$10,000
- Rodrigo d'Escoto (Chicago)$10,000
- Bonnie Joseph (Fox Point)$8,130
Show 5 more
- Nicholas Jackson (Chicago)$7,500
- Jackie Barber (Mequon)$7,000
- Wisconsin Pipe Trades Association PAC Fund (Madison)$5,000
- Anthony Jackson (Chicago)$5,000
- Jonathan Schnur (Montclair)$5,000
Source: WI Ethics Commission (Sunshine) · non-commercial voter education use
Top organization & PAC donors
- Wisconsin Pipe Trades Association PAC Fund (Madison)PAC/Committee$5,000
- Operating Engineers 139 PAC (Pewaukee)PAC/Committee$2,000
- Friends of Jose Perez (Milwaukee)Unregistered$1,500
- Bell Ambulance, Inc. Employees PAC (Milwaukee)PAC/Committee$1,000
- Priceline (Norwalk)$720
Show 3 more
- Tideline Palm Beach Ocean Resort & Spa (Palm Beach)$584
- Mark Weiss Associates (Bethesda)$457
- United Airlines (Chicago)$391
Source: WI Ethics Commission (Sunshine) · non-commercial voter education use
Political ads about David Crowley
Ads a BadgerBrief editor confirmed are about David Crowley, from the Meta Ad Library. Spend is the range Meta discloses.
- Support$2,500–$2,999
David Crowley
Paid for by Crowley for Wisconsin
⛽ New Ad Alert ⛽ Wisconsin's mandatory gas markup is an outdated law that forces drivers to pay more at the pump on top of higher prices thanks to the chaos in Washington. My plan will eliminate that unnecessary cost while protecting small, independent gas stations - because the government should be helping families make ends meet, not making life more expensive.
View ad on Meta ↗ - Support$900–$999
David Crowley
Paid for by Crowley for Wisconsin
I am deeply grateful for and honored to have the endorsement of Governor Tony Evers. This race isn' t just about who can win a primary. It’s about winning in November. It’s about bringing Wisconsin together. And it’s about delivering results for working families for years to come. My record proves I can do it, and I’m ready for that fight. Now, let’s get to work to move Wisconsin forward.
View ad on Meta ↗ - Support$500–$599
David Crowley
Paid for by Crowley for Wisconsin
Governor Tony Evers is all in. I'm honored to have his endorsement, and I'm back in this race to finish what we started. Wisconsin needs a governor with a track record of delivering results and winning, not just talking. That's what I've done every day as County Executive, and it's what I'll do as Governor. Wisconsin, let's get to work.
View ad on Meta ↗ - Support$200–$299
David Crowley
Paid for by Crowley for Wisconsin
I'm David Crowley, I'm a Democrat running for Wisconsin Governor, and there's a lot at stake for working people. My lived experience is how I lead. My father worked as an electrician, and my mother worked in the service industry, while both battled addiction and mental health struggles. I spent many days at school wondering if I’d come home to find our belongings on the curb after another eviction, and I quickly learned what it was like to come home to no food in the kitchen and no heat in the house. I understand that the challenges families face aren’t only policy debates, but they're the everyday realities so many folks in Wisconsin are facing. That’s the mindset I’ve brought as a State Representative, as Milwaukee County Executive, and now as a candidate for Governor. And MAGA Tom Tiffany, the leading Republican contender in this race, is so wrong for Wisconsin. He talks about making our state safer and more affordable, but his record tells a very different story. That's why your help is so important. Can you chip in any amount today?
View ad on Meta ↗ - Support$200–$299
David Crowley
Paid for by Crowley for Wisconsin
I'm David Crowley, I'm a Democrat running for Wisconsin Governor, and there's a lot at stake for working people. My lived experience is how I lead. My father worked as an electrician, and my mother worked in the service industry, while both battled addiction and mental health struggles. I spent many days at school wondering if I’d come home to find our belongings on the curb after another eviction, and I quickly learned what it was like to come home to no food in the kitchen and no heat in the house. I understand that the challenges families face aren’t only policy debates, but they're the everyday realities so many folks in Wisconsin are facing. That’s the mindset I’ve brought as a State Representative, as Milwaukee County Executive, and now as a candidate for Governor. And MAGA Tom Tiffany, the leading Republican contender in this race, is so wrong for Wisconsin. He talks about making our state safer and more affordable, but his record tells a very different story. That's why your help is so important. Can you chip in any amount today?
View ad on Meta ↗ - Support$200–$299
David Crowley
Paid for by Crowley for Wisconsin
🚨 ENDORSEMENT ALERT 🚨Firefighters and paramedics put service above self every single day and keep our communities safe during some of life's most difficult moments. I am honored to have the support of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin and grateful for the trust they have placed in our campaign.
View ad on Meta ↗ - Support$100–$199
David Crowley
Paid for by Crowley for Wisconsin
I was born and raised in Milwaukee in a union household. My father was a master electrician. My mother was a Jane of all trades. Just like many families in Wisconsin, they worked hard. But just like many families, they struggled with addiction and mental health issues. Growing up, I learned that when systems fail, families pay the price. Throughout my career, I've looked for ways to do things differently, bring people together, and deliver results that improve people's lives. That's what leadership looks like, and that's what Wisconsinites need from their next governor.
View ad on Meta ↗ - Support$0–$99
David Crowley
Paid for by Crowley for Wisconsin
I'm David Crowley, I'm a Democrat running for Wisconsin Governor, and there's a lot at stake for working people. My lived experience is how I lead. My father worked as an electrician, and my mother worked in the service industry, while both battled addiction and mental health struggles. I spent many days at school wondering if I’d come home to find our belongings on the curb after another eviction, and I quickly learned what it was like to come home to no food in the kitchen and no heat in the house. I understand that the challenges families face aren’t only policy debates, but they're the everyday realities so many folks in Wisconsin are facing. That’s the mindset I’ve brought as a State Representative, as Milwaukee County Executive, and now as a candidate for Governor. And MAGA Tom Tiffany, the leading Republican contender in this race, is so wrong for Wisconsin. He talks about making our state safer and more affordable, but his record tells a very different story. That's why your help is so important. Can you chip in any amount today?
View ad on Meta ↗ - Support$0–$99
David Crowley
Paid for by Crowley for Wisconsin
Being governor for all of us means showing up in every corner of this state, not just Milwaukee and Madison. I sat down with WQOW to talk about what my campaign means for voters in western Wisconsin. Watch the full interview ⬇️ https://www.wqow.com/news/one-on-one-david-crowley-on-how-western-wisconsin-voters-fit-in-his-campaign-for/article_fbfb96d2-8cb2-450a-8215-ba7ec1458bc0.html
View ad on Meta ↗ - Support$0–$99
David Crowley
Paid for by Crowley for Wisconsin
The August 11th Primary Election is coming up fast! Sign up to volunteer with Team Crowley as we spread the word, knock doors, and make calls to get out the vote 🗳️ crowleyforwi.com/volunteer
View ad on Meta ↗ - Support$0–$99
David Crowley
Paid for by Crowley for Wisconsin
I'm David Crowley, I'm a Democrat running for Wisconsin Governor, and there's a lot at stake for working people. My lived experience is how I lead. My father worked as an electrician, and my mother worked in the service industry, while both battled addiction and mental health struggles. I spent many days at school wondering if I’d come home to find our belongings on the curb after another eviction, and I quickly learned what it was like to come home to no food in the kitchen and no heat in the house. I understand that the challenges families face aren’t only policy debates, but they're the everyday realities so many folks in Wisconsin are facing. That’s the mindset I’ve brought as a State Representative, as Milwaukee County Executive, and now as a candidate for Governor. And MAGA Tom Tiffany, the leading Republican contender in this race, is so wrong for Wisconsin. He talks about making our state safer and more affordable, but his record tells a very different story. That's why your help is so important. Can you chip in any amount today?
View ad on Meta ↗
Sources
- referenceBallotpedia
- reportedMilwaukee Journal Sentinel
- campaignWPR — Crowley signals return
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