This post originally appeared at https://www.wisconsinrightnow.com/david-crowley-governor-ice-budget-deficit-milwaukee-county/

(The Center Square) – Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley will run to be Wisconsin’s governor, his campaign announced Tuesday.

Crowley will joint Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez in the field as a Democrat after Gov. Tony Evers announced he will not seek reelection.

“I know what it’s like to struggle, and I know families across our state feel like they’re falling behind,” Crowley said in a statement. “With costs shooting up, we are all getting less, even if we’re making more. As Governor, I’ll fight every day to make sure that everyone in our state has access to what they need to succeed: good-paying jobs, more money in their pockets, affordable health care and housing, and fully funded public schools.

“Together, we can build a Wisconsin that works for all of us.”

Crowley previously said that he was taking steps to enter the race so his official announcement was not a surprise.

Whitefish Bay Resident Bill Berrien and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, both Republicans, were the first two candidates to announce they are running for the seat.

Crowley was a Wisconsin legislator before becoming Milwaukee County Executive. He chaired the Milwaukee Caucus and the Legislative Black Caucus.

The Democratic primary is scheduled for Aug. 11, 2026.

“As a legislator, I fought to protect the rights of people across our state, and as County Executive, I’ve led Wisconsin’s largest and most diverse county,” Crowley said. “The challenges I’ve addressed in Milwaukee County aren’t specific to one county or one political party; these are issues that communities face all across Wisconsin.”