David Crowley Exits Wisconsin Governor Race, Endorses Sara Rodriguez

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley suspended his campaign for the Democratic nomination for Governor of Wisconsin on July 8, 2026. Crowley stated the decision was based on ensuring the most viable candidate could win and noted it had become clear he would not secure the nomination. Despite leading in fundraising in January, his campaign failed to gain enough traction to overcome frontrunners Francesca Hong and Mandela Barnes.

On July 9, Crowley formally endorsed Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, asserting that her record of solving problems aligns with his own campaign goals. Rodriguez, who recently launched a $1 million ad buy, currently polls third behind Hong and Barnes. Crowley is the second candidate to endorse Rodriguez after withdrawing, following Missy Hughes, who suspended her own campaign on June 22. The move is viewed as an effort by establishment Democrats to consolidate support behind Rodriguez to counter the momentum of progressive candidates.

Crowley's name will remain on the ballot for the August 11 primary, which now features five candidates: Rodriguez, Hong, Barnes, Kelda Roys, and Joel Brennan. The Democratic nominee will face Republican Tom Tiffany in the November 4 general election to replace outgoing Governor Tony Evers. The announcement of Crowley's exit coincided with the death of his former legislative colleague, Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow.