David Crowley Projected To Win WI Governor's Race In Historic Result

MILWAUKEE, WI — Democrat David Crowley is projected to win the race for Wisconsin governor, defeating Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and putting him in line to become the first Black governor in state history.

Decision Desk HQ made the projection at 9:20 p.m. Central on Tuesday. Wisconsin Public Radio also called the race for Crowley.

Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive, is set to succeed Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who announced in July 2025 that he would not seek a third term. Crowley's running mate, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, would become lieutenant governor.

The projected win caps a remarkable turnaround. Crowley dropped out of the Democratic primary on July 8, then jumped back in 10 days later with Evers' endorsement after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez left the race. Polls in the final week showed him about 20 points behind state Rep. Francesca Hong, but he won the August primary by less than half a percentage point.

Crowley, 40, was already the first Black man to be a major party's nominee for Wisconsin governor, the Milwaukee Courier reported. Asked about the historic nature of his candidacy after the primary, he said that if he became the first, "my job is not to become the last."

He has often said on the campaign trail that he grew up in poverty on Milwaukee's north side and that his family was evicted multiple times, Fox 11 reported. He has led Milwaukee County since 2020.

Tiffany, who has represented Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District since 2020, ran with Trump's endorsement. At a rally in Altoona on Monday, he acknowledged the polling but said Republicans could defy the odds with strong turnout, Wisconsin Public Radio reported.

How much of Crowley's agenda can move may depend on the Legislature. Democrats also sought full control of state government for the first time since 2010, which required flipping two seats in the state Senate, where Republicans hold an 18-15 majority, and winning control of the Assembly.