Politics
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley faces scrutiny over progressive policy record following Wisconsin primary win
After defeating Francesca Hong in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, Crowley's record on carbon neutrality, taxation, and racial-equity budgeting is drawing focus.
The short version
- Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley won Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary after media outlets characterized him as a moderate alternative to democratic socialist Francesca Hong.
- Despite his moderate framing, Crowley shares policy positions with Hong on raising taxes on millionaires, supporting a $20 minimum wage, and pursuing a 2050 target for net-zero carbon emissions.
- Crowley's local record includes implementing a Racial Equity Budget Tool, expanding the county's Office of Equity, and encouraging legal action against fossil fuel companies.
Key facts
- David Crowley defeated Francesca Hong in Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary.[Fox News]
- Outlets including CBS News, Axios, and Wisconsin Public Radio described Crowley during or after the primary as a moderate, center-left, or mainstream alternative to Hong.[Fox News]
- Both Crowley and Hong have backed policies such as higher taxes on millionaires, a $20 minimum wage, expanded union rights, and universal child care.[Fox News]
- As Milwaukee County Executive, Crowley embedded a Racial Equity Budget Tool into the county budgeting process and expanded the Office on African American Affairs into a broader Office of Equity.[Fox News]
- In April 2025, Crowley signed Milwaukee County's Climate Action 2050 plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions for county operations by 2050, matching Hong's statewide carbon-neutrality target date.[Fox News]
- Crowley signed a 2022 resolution urging Wisconsin's attorney general to sue fossil fuel companies for climate damages and signed legislation in April reaffirming commitment to the Paris Agreement.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- Crowley's campaign and the Milwaukee County press office did not respond to requests for comment regarding his policy record.[Fox News]