Evers Throws Support Behind Crowley’s Return to Wisconsin Governor’s Race
Evers backs Crowley s comeback bid – Wisconsin’s current governor, Tony Evers, publicly declared his backing for David Crowley’s renewed campaign for the state’s top executive position on Saturday. This endorsement arrives swiftly following the sudden withdrawal of Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez from the Democratic primary contest just twenty-four hours earlier.
The governor, who has chosen not to seek re-election for his own seat, shared his reasoning through a statement published on the social media platform X. He emphasized his desire to see Wisconsin continue having leadership that advocates for residents and comprehends the difficulties confronting working-class households.
“I’m all in on making sure Wisconsinites continue to have a governor who will stand up for the people of our state, who understands the challenges facing working families and has real plans to help, and who will work to do the right thing when it matters most, and that’s why I’m all in on David Crowley — and I’m urging Wisconsinites to join me in supporting him,” Evers wrote.
Following his initial statement, Evers elaborated further on his endorsement decision. He characterized Crowley not merely as someone capable of securing victory in November’s general election, but as a leader possessing both the necessary background for difficult choices and the collaborative spirit required to accomplish meaningful results.
“He’s not just a candidate who can win in November, but he’s the kind of person who cares about doing the job right, he has the experience to make tough decisions, and he’s proven he can work together with others to get good things done,” he explained. “I’m proud to endorse him to be Wisconsin’s next governor.”
Crowley’s Campaign Resurgence
David Crowley formally announced his return to the gubernatorial contest during a Saturday press conference. His comeback comes slightly more than seven days after he initially paused his campaign to consolidate Democratic support behind Rodriguez, who many observers viewed as the frontrunner to succeed Evers.
“Democrats cannot afford to head into this general election with a nominee who lacks the experience, who lacks the record, or the coalition necessary to win this race, especially with Republicans actively trying to hand us that exact outcome,” Crowley told assembled supporters.
“This election is too important to gamble on, and that’s why today I am re-entering this race,” the candidate continued, emphasizing the stakes involved in selecting the Democratic nominee.
Rodriguez concluded her campaign earlier in the week after revealing significant mistakes in her financial disclosures. The lieutenant governor indicated that addressing these discrepancies would have created persistent distractions had she remained in the contest.
Evers also noted that while Rodriguez was still competing, he had planned to remain neutral, wanting both potential nominees adequate time to present their qualifications to Wisconsin voters directly.
Broader Democratic Field and General Election Outlook
The Democratic primary race features several other contenders beyond Crowley and Rodriguez. Former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, State Representative Francesca Hong, State Senator Kelda Roys, and Joel Brennan, who previously led the Department of Administration, all remain in contention.
Hong expressed approval of Crowley’s return to the race in a statement distributed to Wisconsin Public Radio. She argued that multiple candidates strengthen democratic processes and ensure voters receive thorough discussions about the state’s direction.
“Competition is good for democracy, and voters deserve a substantive debate about the future of our state,” Hong stated.
Despite Democrats holding a considerable advantage in Wisconsin, internal party dynamics and recent successes for democratic socialists in other contests could potentially benefit Hong’s campaign. A June straw poll conducted by WisPolitics and State Affairs showed Hong trailing Rodriguez at twenty-three percent compared to twenty-eight percent.
The upcoming general election will likely pit the Democratic nominee against Republican Representative Tom Tiffany, who has received President Trump’s endorsement. The Cook Political Report currently classifies the Wisconsin governor’s race as a toss-up, suggesting the outcome remains highly competitive despite the state’s Democratic leanings.
