Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is set to rejoin the Democratic primary race for Wisconsin governor after Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez (D) abruptly ended her campaign on Friday due to ongoing controversies related to campaign finance errors.

Rodriguez fired her campaign manager, Kara Spencer, after discovering significant inaccuracies in her campaign finance filings, including double-counted contributions and hundreds of thousands of dollars less than previously reported. In a video posted on the social platform X, Rodriguez expressed feeling "deeply hurt and betrayed" but stated her commitment to what is best for Wisconsin remains unchanged. She added, “I cannot, in good conscience, allow these questions to become a cloud over an election that Democrats need to win.”

Less than ten days prior, Crowley had suspended his gubernatorial campaign and urged his supporters to back Rodriguez, praising her dedication to helping people in difficult times. However, following Rodriguez’s withdrawal, Crowley teased a “big announcement” on social media, with a source confirming to The Hill that he is expected to formally re-enter the race at a campaign rally scheduled for Saturday morning.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D) also responded to the developments, noting Rodriguez’s decision to drop out to avoid distractions from her financial issues.

Sources