In conversation with David Crowley

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced his bid for Governor in September. He was the third contender to announce his candidacy for the Democratic ticket after Gov. Evers announced he wouldn’t run for a third term in 2026.

Crowley stopped by the Wausau studios for an interview with reporter Isabela Nieto and Station Manager Chad Holmes on January 5. Here’s what he had to say.

This conversation has been edited for clarity and brevity.

Why are you running for governor, and why now?

David Crowley: I’m the only candidate who has served in the legislature and also has real experience running government. I’ve balanced billion-dollar budgets and tackled tough issues head-on.

As county executive, we’ve built affordable housing for seniors, working families, and people with disabilities. We implemented a “no wrong door” model of care so no one falls through the cracks, which helped reduce overdose deaths by 30 percent and lowered ER visits and jail populations.

I believe this is an opportunity to put a real vision on the table for Wisconsin. A lot of people—young voters and independents especially—feel left out. I want to make sure that when the tide rises, all boats rise in every community across the state.

Can you explain what being a county executive involves and how it prepares you to be governor?

David Crowley: As county executive, I’m essentially the governor of Milwaukee County. I represent 19 cities and villages and about one million people—nearly one-sixth of Wisconsin’s population.

I oversee a nearly $2 billion budget and manage public safety, courts, jails, mental health services, transit, parks, senior services, and programs for people with disabilities. These aren’t partisan issues; they matter to everyone.

Being county executive is real executive leadership. It’s training for governing a state—making sure no community is left behind and responding in times of crisis.

How do you plan to appeal to rural voters who may be wary of big-city leadership?

David Crowley: I’m a true Wisconsinite. I was born in Milwaukee, but I’ve spent time all over the state fishing, hunting, and enjoying what Wisconsin offers.

When I served in the Legislature, I shared an office with a colleague who represented very rural communities. That gave me insight into agriculture, family farms, and rural life.

I want to be a governor for everyone. That means listening, understanding struggles, and making sure people directly affected by issues help shape the solutions.

What’s your message specifically to Northwoods voters?

David Crowley: I believe in being authentic. One of my favorite quotes is from Teddy Roosevelt: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for Wisconsin. We need to right-size solutions for each community. My promise is to listen, understand the struggle, and bring people together so every community moves forward.

What’s your perspective on the future of Wisconsin’s two-year colleges and the UW System?

David Crowley: This issue connects to K–12 education as well. School districts, tech colleges, and universities are all struggling with funding. While universities received a recent funding bump, it doesn’t come close to making up for years of cuts.

I recently graduated from UW–Milwaukee, so I know firsthand how important education is. We need to make higher education affordable and sustainable so future generations can succeed.

Colleges fuel our economy. Many students who come to Wisconsin stay here and contribute long-term. Investing in education is investing in Wisconsin’s future.

What’s your approach to fixing Wisconsin’s childcare crisis?

David Crowley: I’m a husband and a father of three girls. Childcare for my youngest cost up to $1,800 a month. In some communities, childcare isn’t available at all.

Families are deciding whether they can even work based on childcare access. We need to fully fund childcare programs and focus on birth-to-three services.

I believe in universal childcare because it gives every child a strong foundation, no matter where they live. What’s good for kids is good for Wisconsin.

Can you explain your Building Bridges program and how it could work statewide?

David Crowley: The program helps small businesses start and stay strong. We created a small business liaison to provide technical assistance and target underused commercial corridors.

We offer grants—about $10,000 from the county, matched by local municipalities—to help businesses activate these spaces. This boosts local economies, generates tax revenue, and can help reduce property taxes.

There’s no reason we can’t do this across Wisconsin.

What are voters telling you they’re most concerned about right now?

David Crowley: Affordability is the biggest issue everywhere I go. Even when people earn more, they feel like they’re falling behind.

Housing, groceries, utilities, childcare, and healthcare costs are rising. We need leadership that focuses on affordability and ensures government works for people who truly need help.

Health isn’t just medical care—it’s housing, education, and economic stability.

How would you address hospital closures and limited access to care?

David Crowley: We need real leadership and a new vision. Federal policies are making things harder, and while some funding exists, it’s not enough.

Healthcare decisions should focus on people, not profits. When we don’t center people, costs get pushed onto local taxpayers and working families.

This issue is personal to me. I have three daughters, and my mother passed away after kidney failure. Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, no matter where they live.

What sets you apart from the other Democratic candidates?

David Crowley: I’m the only candidate who’s served in the Legislature and managed billion-dollar budgets. I became county executive during the COVID-19 crisis and led through public health, fiscal recovery, and public safety challenges.

I’ve also led during natural disasters, including recent floods. I’ve been on the ground, making sure people weren’t left behind. That experience matters.

How would you lead the state in a time of division, especially for young people watching our leaders?

David Crowley: Leadership starts with being authentic, honest, and optimistic. Optimism is a force multiplier.

People are tired of division. They want government to work—especially for the most vulnerable. My approach is to bring more people to the table and focus on service.

We may disagree on methods, but we shouldn’t disagree on goals like healthcare, education, and housing. Those goals help everyone.

Is there anything else you’d like listeners to know about you or your campaign?

David Crowley: I’m a lifelong Wisconsinite, a husband, and a father. I grew up in a neighborhood known more for what it lacked than what it had. I was evicted three times before graduating high school, and my parents struggled with addiction and mental health.

If it weren’t for neighbors, teachers, and mentors, I wouldn’t be here today. I’m running for governor so every Wisconsinite has the chance to write their own success story.

I want to be a governor for all of us. A workhorse, not a show horse. I’m ready to get to work.