Crowley Puts Affordability First As Governor-Elect

David Crowley in first public appearance after 2026 election. Photo taken Nov. 4, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene.

Governor-elect David Crowley says lowering costs for Wisconsin families will be his top priority when he takes office in January, but his immediate focus is assembling a transition team and preparing to govern.

In his first public appearance since winning Tuesday’s election, Crowley repeatedly returned to the affordability challenges facing Wisconsin residents, pledging to lower costs for housing, utilities, health care and child care.

“Working families and their quality of life will be at the center of every decision that we make over the next four years,” Crowley said Wednesday morning at ThriveOn King, 2153 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.

Crowley, who defeated Republican Tom Tiffany Tuesday, appeared alongside Lieutenant Governor-elect Sarah Godlewski, who opened the event by discussing the financial challenges she heard about from voters during the campaign.

Crowley promised to deliver meaningful property tax relief without shifting costs onto local governments, expand access to affordable health care, strengthen public schools and create more pathways to good-paying jobs.

He also pledged to support small businesses, expand apprenticeship opportunities and continue investments in infrastructure.

“We’re going to measure our success by whether life gets better for all families in this great state,” Crowley said.

But when reporters repeatedly pressed him for specific legislation he would pursue, Crowley declined to identify particular bills.

“We’re less than 24 hours of knowing that we’ve won this race,” he said, noting that discussions with legislative leaders were only beginning. “Right now we’re all basking in the fact that we won a Democratic trifecta, but we know the hard work is going to begin today.”

Crowley said his immediate priority is building a transition team and cabinet that reflect the entire state, rather than simply bringing Milwaukee-area officials to Madison.

He said he wants people with subject-matter expertise who also understand Wisconsin communities and can develop relationships with local governments.

Crowley also stressed that Gov. Tony Evers remains in charge through Jan. 3, 2027, and promised to work closely with the outgoing administration on a smooth transition.

“There is only one governor at a time in Wisconsin,” he said.

The election also delivered Democratic victories in the Legislature, giving Crowley an opportunity to pursue his agenda with Democratic majorities. But he repeatedly expressed a willingness to work across party lines.

“Good ideas are not Republican good ideas or Democrat good ideas,” Crowley said. “I am willing to work with anyone who’s ready to move the state of Wisconsin forward.”

Crowley was more pointed when asked about Republicans’ argument that Tuesday’s election was a rejection of President Donald Trump rather than an endorsement of a Democratic agenda.

“The Republican Party is Trump’s party,” he said, criticizing Republican leaders for supporting the president’s policies.

But Crowley said the election victory also brings new responsibilities for Democrats.

“It’s not just about winning, it’s about governing,” he said. “Now the hard work begins.”

Crowley also confirmed that he intends to resign as Milwaukee County Executive before the end of the year, allowing his successor to be chosen in a special election coinciding with the spring election and avoiding the expense of a separate election.

His resignation would need to occur by late December to allow time for an election to be called and nomination papers to be circulated.

For now, he said, the focus remains on getting ready to govern.

“The campaign is over,” Crowley said. “So now today, it’s time for us all to get to work.”

Sarah Godlewski and David Crowley in first public appearance after election. Photo taken Nov. 4, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene.