Overview
- David Crowley announced he was suspending his campaign on Wednesday, July 8, and said he will continue serving as Milwaukee County executive rather than pursue the governorship.
- On Thursday, July 9, Crowley officially endorsed Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and urged Democrats to coalesce behind a single nominee to improve November prospects.
- The Wisconsin Elections Commission had already certified the Aug. 11 primary ballot, so Crowley’s name and that of earlier withdrawer Missy Hughes will still appear for voters.
- Campaign finance reports show Crowley had raised roughly $789,281 while Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany led Republicans with about $2,122,489, a fundraising gap that shaped Democratic strategy.
- With Crowley and Hughes out, five active Democrats remain in the primary and Rodriguez has added labor and former-official support; the race now moves toward the certified primary on Aug. 11 and the Nov. 3 general election.