Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley defeated Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in the November 2026 midterm elections, securing the Wisconsin governorship and making history as the first Black person elected to the office, Wisconsin Public Radio reported. Crowley, 40, also becomes the youngest governor elected in the state in nearly a century, succeeding outgoing two-term Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.
Tiffany conceded the race in a speech at 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday, and Crowley delivered his victory address shortly after 10 p.m. NBC News projected the win at 10:28 p.m., while Wisconsin Public Radio noted that all results remain unofficial until certified by election officials in the coming weeks.
A Surprising Political Turnaround
Crowley’s path to the governorship followed an improbable primary season. He briefly suspended his campaign in early July while polling in the single digits. However, after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez ended her bid, Crowley reentered the race 10 days later with the backing of Gov. Tony Evers. Mainstream Democrats rallied behind Crowley as a moderate alternative to state Rep. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist who had led early polls. Crowley narrowly defeated Hong by fewer than 4,000 votes in a closely watched primary.
In the general election, Crowley faced Tiffany, a northern Wisconsin congressman who secured Donald Trump’s endorsement and enjoyed a substantial fundraising advantage backed by billionaire megadonors. National Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, stepped in down the stretch to support Crowley’s campaign.
Campaign Themes and Voter Priorities
Throughout the campaign, Crowley focused heavily on an affordability agenda, proposing state spending increases to cut household costs for childcare, healthcare, and housing. He also frequently shared his personal background growing up in poverty in Milwaukee, where his family faced homelessness and addiction struggles.
Conversely, Tiffany’s campaign targeted Crowley’s record as Milwaukee County executive, attacking him over regional crime rates, tax policies, and past support for undocumented immigrants. Republicans sought to tie Crowley to urban challenges, while Democrats countered by linking Tiffany directly to Trump, whose approval ratings in the battleground state faced headwinds heading into November.
Next Institutional Steps
Alongside Crowley, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski was elected lieutenant governor. Both officials will take office in January 2027. Crowley inherits a critical swing state administration, aiming to implement his cost-of-living agenda while navigating a closely divided political landscape.