Wisconsin Gov.-elect David Crowley’s top priority is tackling the rising costs of everything: ‘We’re gonna focus on the affordability crisis’

Wisconsin Gov.-elect David Crowley signaled the day after his historic ascension to the state’s chief executive role that his administration’s priorities are weakening the affordability crisis and healthcare.

The Milwaukee County Executive described Tuesday’s election results as a mandate by the American public to reverse the harm done by President Donald Trump and the Republican Party.

“What this was a mandate on the fact that Republicans have been sailing us down a particular path to where it’s not working for Wisconsinites, it’s not working for the American public,” Crowley said Wednesday. “They need to own what they have been doing under the Trump administration.

“The Republican Party is Trump’s party. The Republican Party has enabled what they’ve been doing in Washington, D.C. You can’t give excuses and why you’ve been carrying the water for one man versus carrying the water and the concerns of the people that you represent.”

Crowley sailed to victory on Tuesday, winning by more than 200,000 votes or eight points, over Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany. He is the first Black governor in state history and will be the youngest in the U.S.

The Wisconsin State Legislature also secured a Democratic trifecta, winning both chambers. Democrats will have complete control of the state government starting in January.

Despite that, Crowley said he wants to utilize the transition period to work with not only Gov. Tony Evers’ administration and legislative Democrats, but also Republicans.

“Good ideas are not Republican ideas or Democratic ideas. I am willing to work with anyone who is ready to move the state of Wisconsin forward. And while we witnessed major victories in the state Legislature last night, I am committed to bringing people together from across the political spectrum.”

Crowley, alongside Lt. Gov.-elect Sarah Godlewski, held a news conference Wednesday afternoon to lay out initial priorities and what the transition period will look like.

“Today is a great day for the state of Wisconsin,” he said. “Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Governor-elect David Crowley. And I wanna once again thank the people of the great state of Wisconsin for putting their trust in me and (in) Sarah (Godlewski) to lead this great state.

“I look forward to serving as a governor for everyone, including those who did not vote for me. We gotta work for everybody. And I want folks to know that you have my commitment that as your governor I’m going to deliver for you — the people of this great state who call Wisconsin home.”

Crowley deferred to legislative leaders on questions about a legislative agenda, but said his goals are the affordability crisis and healthcare.

“We’re gonna focus on the affordability crisis,” the 40-year-old governor-elect said.

“I know what it means to worry about paying the bills, putting food on the table and keeping a roof over your head,” he added. “Life has never been more expensive and it’s holding back so many people right now in the Badger State. That’s why working families and their quality of life will be at the center of every decision that we make over the next four years.

“We’re gonna lower costs for housing, utilities, healthcare and childcare. We’re going to deliver real meaningful property tax relief that doesn’t place the burden on our local communities. We’re going to expand access to quality affordable healthcare that offers real options for our families, our children, our seniors and people with disabilities. We’re going to strengthen our public schools. Expand pathways to good paying jobs and apprenticeship opportunities. And support small businesses and communities all across the state. We’re gonna invest in the infrastructure of tomorrow. Carry on Governor Evers work on fixing the damn roads and ensure our neighbors are safe, nurturing spaces for our kids and our grandkids to thrive. But we’re also gonna make the government more responsive, more accountable and effective, because taxpayer dollars should deliver real results.”

Crowley said he will step down as Milwaukee County Executive before the end of the year, setting up a special election in April for the county’s top position. County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell will serve as interim and she told the Milwaukee Courier she will seek the county executive position.