Beyond the Governor’s Mansion: Why David Crowley’s Primary Win Is Only Step One for Wisconsin

David Crowley’s historic primary victory is a major milestone for Milwaukee and the entire state of Wisconsin, but victory in August is just the opening salvo. As momentum builds to elect Crowley against Tom Tiffany in November, community organizers, voters, and advocates must keep their eyes on the complete political picture.

Securing the executive branch is vital, but a governor cannot govern alone. While 80% to 90% of grassroots energy naturally rallies around the top of the ticket, at least 10% to 20% of our focus must be intentionally directed toward state and local legislative races.

The Power of the Pen Needs the Power of the Vote

A governor holds the veto pen and executive order authority, but state legislators draft, introduce, and vote on the bills that become law. If David Crowley takes office without a cooperative state Assembly and Senate, critical legislation surrounding education, public safety, economic equity, and infrastructure will stall before ever reaching his desk.

To create lasting structural change across Milwaukee and Wisconsin, we must pay equal attention to state lawmakers and local policymakers who are up for reelection this November.

• State Assembly & Senate Seats: Every legislative district matters. Voting out obstructionist lawmakers and replacing them with representatives aligned with working-class families ensures Governor Crowley will actually have progressive bills to sign into law.
• Local Municipal & County Positions: Local policy directly dictates community funding, housing initiatives, and local safety measures. The policymaking process starts in our own backyards.

A Two-Pronged Strategy for November

Winning in November requires a balanced, dual-track mobilization strategy:

1. Mobilize for the Executive Seat: Keep up the ground game for David Crowley to defeat Tom Tiffany. Expand voter turnout across Milwaukee, Madison, and rural districts throughout Wisconsin.
2. Down-Ballot Accountability: Educate voters on every candidate appearing on their local ballot. Identify key legislative swing districts and dedicate volunteer hours, voter turnout operations, and outreach specifically to down-ballot races.

The Work Starts Now

Celebrating primary wins is important, but true political power is built from the bottom up. Getting David Crowley into the governor’s mansion is half the battle; surrounding him with policymakers who share the vision for a stronger, more equitable Wisconsin completes the work.

When you head to the polls or talk to your neighbors this fall, look all the way down the ballot. Electing effective leaders at every level of government is the only way to ensure real progress gets signed into law.