Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley re-enters Wisconsin governor's race

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced his return to the Democratic gubernatorial primary in Wisconsin, reversing a decision to drop out made only days earlier. The move follows the withdrawal of former lieutenant governor Sara Rodriguez, whose campaign was hampered by a finance scandal.

State Senate Majority Leader Mandella Barnes said the number of primary candidates will not affect the party’s focus on defeating Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany in the general election. State Senator Kelda Roys expressed concern that additional contenders could create disarray, emphasizing the need to concentrate on beating Tiffany.

Democratic candidate Joel Brennan noted that a candidate’s decision to leave or re-enter a race is a personal one, while State Representative Francesca Hong said Crowley’s return would simply give voters another option and would not alter her campaign’s momentum.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee political science professor Mordecai Lee cautioned that re-entering the race presents challenges related to fundraising and shifting campaign dynamics. The Democratic primary is set for Aug. 11, with the winner slated to face Tiffany in the November general election.