Crowley wins Wisconsin governorship with 40-year-old first
David Crowley becomes the state's first Black governor, defeating Rep. Tom Tiffany in a race that keeps Democrats in the executive branch for over eight years.
By Ivan Mori ·
David Crowley defeated U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany on Tuesday to become the first Black governor of Wisconsin. The 40-year-old Democrat secured the top state office in a contest that ends a Republican hold on the position dating back to 2018.
Crowley’s victory marks a milestone in the state’s 178-year history. It is the first time Wisconsin Democrats will control the governor’s office for more than eight consecutive years. He will succeed Gov. Tony Evers, who announced his retirement rather than run for a third term.
In Milwaukee, Crowley addressed supporters near the neighborhood where he grew up. He noted that his parents faced substance abuse and evictions before he entered public service. "Because of you all, a boy facing eviction will now live in the governor’s mansion," he told the crowd.
Crowley emphasized a unified approach to leadership. He stated that Wisconsin is neither a red state nor a blue state. "In a state this close, nobody gets to govern alone," he said. He pledged to work across party lines to lower costs for residents.
The election night brought other Democratic gains. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos predicted on social media that Democrats would take majority control of the legislative chambers. Vos called the next two years a test of resolve. "We are ready for both," Vos said. This would end a period of divided government that has persisted since 2010.
Tiffany, 68, campaigned with strong financial backing from three billionaires. He survived a small plane crash during the campaign. His bid was complicated by President Donald Trump’s low approval ratings in Wisconsin. Tiffany endorsed Crowley in a post-election message, aiming to show magnanimity in defeat.
The candidates clashed on key policy issues. Tiffany labeled Crowley "Data Center David" based on previous comments about making Wisconsin an AI hub. Crowley later shifted his stance to support a moratorium on data center construction in October. Tiffany also argued that Crowley would raise taxes to fund expanded healthcare and schools. Crowley countered by focusing on gas prices and the war in Iran.
Crowley ran on a platform that included overturning Act 10, a 2011 law that limited collective bargaining rights for public workers. Tiffany voted for that legislation during his time in the state Legislature. The next major political event in the state will be the 2028 presidential election, where Wisconsin is expected to remain a key battleground.
