Source: Provided by David Crowley
Jul 8, 2026, 1:44 PM CT
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Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is ending his bid for Wisconsin governor.
After posting the highest fundraising total in January, Crowley failed to gain enough traction in the Democratic primary.
“It has become clear that I will not be the Democratic nominee for Governor, so today I am stepping out of this race, but I am not stepping away from the work,” Crowley said in a statement on July 8.
“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.”
Crowley did not announce an endorsement of an opponent, but remains focused on defeating Republican favorite Tom Tiffany.
Crowley is the second Democrat to drop out of the race. Missy Hughes dropped out in June and endorsed Sara Rodriguez.
The primary election is Aug. 11 and Crowley will still appear on the ballot. As of July 8, the other candidates in the race are Francesca Hong, Mandela Barnes, Rodriguez, Joel Brennan and Kelda Roys.
Marquette University Law School is set to reveal a primary poll on July 22. Other polling suggests Hong is leading the field, with Barnes close behind and Rodriguez gaining momentum in third.
Crowley, a northside Milwaukee native, made history in 2020 as the youngest person and first Black person elected Milwaukee County Executive. He was reelected in 2024.
“Serving as County Executive is the privilege of my life,” he said. “I will keep showing up for the people of Milwaukee County the same way I have every day since they first put their trust in me.”
Drake Bentley is an award-winning investigative journalist who has worked for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin State Journal, Newsweek, Heavy and The Sporting News. He is a northside Milwaukee native, former political staffer and graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and the University of Nebraska.
