Obama Endorses David Crowley In Governor’s Race

Former President Barack Obama speaks at a campaign rally for the Harris/Walz ticket Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis. Angela Major/WPR

Less than a month away from Election Day, former President Barack Obama announced his endorsement of fellow Democrat David Crowley in Wisconsin’s race for governor.

“There is nobody better to lead Wisconsin forward. So, vote David Crowley for governor,” Obama said in a video Crowley shared on social media.

“And as governor, David will fight to make Wisconsin more affordable,” Obama said.

The announcement came Thursday morning, in a video where Obama highlighted Crowley’s work as the Milwaukee County executive, his family and work on job creation.

In the message, Obama said both he and Crowley began their careers as community organizers, and were both “girl dads too.” The former president noted that Crowley’s kids were attending public schools.

“David’s life story is about overcoming adversity, and his life’s work is about bringing people together,” Obama said.

In a written statement, Crowley said he was honored to have the former president’s support.

“Thank you, President Barack Obama, for your kind words,” Crowley posted on Facebook.

With this new endorsement, the race for governor has the attention of two very different presidents.

Crowley’s opponent in the race, Republican U.S. Tom Tiffany, has been endorsed by President Donald Trump — who announced his backing via social media.

President Donald Trump claps as he arrives at a roundtable event Friday, June 5, 2026, in Chippewa Falls, Wis. Angela Major/WPR

In January, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that Tiffany had his “Complete and Total Endorsement.”

Tiffany has been a Trump ally since he was elected to Congress to represent Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District.

“He will fight to advance Common Sense Values, and put WISCONSIN, AND AMERICA, FIRST,” Trump wrote.

Barack Obama endorses David Crowley for Wisconsin governor was originally published by Wisconsin Public Radio.