Democrat David Crowley defeated Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany to become Wisconsin's first Black governor, giving Democrats a third consecutive term. Tiffany conceded on election night. WISC reported Crowley with just over one million votes to Tiffany's just over 894,000 with 69% counted; WisPolitics had Crowley at 54.8% to Tiffany's 45.2% with 64.8% in. Crowley dropped out of the Democratic primary July 8, then reentered July 18 with Gov. Tony Evers' endorsement after Sara Rodriguez withdrew July 17 amid campaign finance irregularities. He won the Aug. 11 primary over Francesca Hong 39.8% to 39.4% (WISC), by 3,673 votes (WisPolitics). WisPolitics tracked a record $195 million in race spending; Tiffany and Republicans spent $123.6 million, outspending Crowley nearly 2-to-1. Tiffany raised more than $26 million from July 1 to Sept. 23, mostly from Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein and Diane Hendricks, and had spent about $9 million by September per AdImpact. President Donald Trump endorsed Tiffany but did not visit Wisconsin among 30 appearances in 20 states from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1. Trump won the state by less than one percentage point in 2024. His Wisconsin job approval was 37% to 38% in the Marquette University Law School Poll.
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Left· 3 sources
“Democrat David Crowley wins Wisconsin governor's race, defeating Trump ally Tom Tiffany”Center· 15 sources
“Tom Tiffany concedes defeat”Even with Republicans outspending him nearly two to one, Crowley still won big. Shows voters cared more about the candidate than the ads.
It's about time Wisconsin elected its first Black governor. Crowley earned it after that rough primary and comeback.