Marquette Poll Shows Tight Wisconsin Governor's Race
Democrat David Crowley holds a slight lead over Republican Tom Tiffany in a statistical dead heat for the Wisconsin governor's office.
A Marquette University Law School poll released September 30 indicates a tightening race for the Wisconsin governor's office ahead of the November 3 general election. David Crowley, the Democratic candidate, leads Republican Tom Tiffany 49% to 46% among likely voters and 46% to 45% among registered voters, though both margins fall within the poll's margin of error.
Crowley's lead among likely voters has decreased from a 5-point advantage a month prior. His net favorability dropped from +4 points in August to -13 points, with unfavorable ratings rising to 44%. Conversely, Tom Tiffany has seen a positive image shift following a September 12 emergency plane landing on Lake Wausau, an event 80% of registered voters have heard about.
Regional divides persist, as Crowley leads in the Milwaukee and Madison media markets while Tiffany leads in Green Bay and Appleton. Despite high party loyalty, the race remains close. Poll Director Charles Franklin noted that national forces, including inflation and President Donald Trump's 38% approval rating in Wisconsin, typically disadvantage Republicans but have not yet provided Crowley with a substantial lead.
Absentee voting has begun, and the candidates are scheduled to debate on October 21.
