Former President Barack Obama endorses David Crowley in Wisconsin race for governor

Former President Barack Obama endorsed Democratic candidate and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in the race for Wisconsin governor in a video posted to social media Thursday.

Crowley faces Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in November in what is anticipated to be a close race in one of the most purple states in the country. If Crowley wins, he’ll be the first Black governor of Wisconsin and only the fourth Black governor elected in U.S. history.

Obama, who was elected the first Black president in 2008, said in the video that he hasn’t known many leaders like Crowley. 

“David’s life story is about overcoming adversity, and his life’s work is about bringing people together,” Obama said. Crowley, a father of three daughters, grew up in Milwaukee, the son of an electrician and a service industry worker. Both of his parents struggled with addiction and mental health issues. While growing up on Milwaukee’s North Side, Crowley and his mother were in unstable housing conditions and faced eviction three times. 

Crowley’s childhood has shaped his career in politics. He started out working as a community organizer and aide to former U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold before running and winning a state Assembly seat. In 2020, he ran for Milwaukee County executive, becoming the first Black person to hold the position.

“Like me, David started out as a community organizer, and he happens to be a girl dad, too,” Obama said, noting that Crowley’s daughters have gone to public school. 

Obama added that Crowley has helped create jobs and balanced budgets as county executive.  

“As governor, David will fight to make Wisconsin more affordable, so that you’re paying less at the pump, at the doctor’s office and less at the end of the month. There is nobody better to lead Wisconsin forward, so vote David Crowley for governor,” Obama said.

Obama carried Wisconsin twice, when he was elected president in 2008 and again in 2012 when he was reelected, by margins considered large for the swing state. 

Crowley said he was “deeply honored” to have Obama’s endorsement and that the former president is “someone who defines what leadership is — fighting for everything possible to make life better for everyday Americans.” 

“Thanks to President Obama, millions of Americans were able to get healthcare, millions found jobs, and now he’s passed the baton to a new generation of leaders like myself who want to make Wisconsin and our country the best place to call home,” Crowley said. “I know with President Obama’s support, we can win this election and move Wisconsin forward.” 

President Donald Trump endorsed  Tiffany early during the Republican primary, helping to clear the primary field for the 7th CD congressman. 

In his January endorsement, Trump praised Tiffany for having “always been at my side.” 

Tiffany said then that he was honored to earn Trump’s endorsement. “Just one year into his second term, wages are rising, gas prices are down, our economy is growing and our border is secure,” he  said at the time. 

Since then, gas prices have risen due to Trump’s war in Iran, with diesel prices hitting a record high, averaging $6.22 a gallon in Wisconsin, according to AAA.

Trump’s popularity has also fallen, with 60% of registered voters disapproving of him in the most recent Marquette Law School Poll.

Trump highlighted his endorsement of Tiffany on Wednesday in an announcement that he’d be giving the state nearly $18 million in disaster aid. He said that he had recently spoken to TIffany and reiterated his “Complete and Total Endorsement” for the Republican candidate.