It's Like A Dream for David Crowley: The First Black Milwaukee County Executive

Wisconsin’s April 7, 2020 elections showed the people of the state so much. Even when we’re going through a pandemic, we’re still expected to go out and risk our lives to vote. Milwaukee went from 180 polling sites to only five, which resulted in a low voter turnout rate. And even with unreceived or uncounted absentee ballots, Milwaukee made history by electing its first Black Milwaukee County Executive: David Crowley.

According to the unofficial results from Wisconsin County Clerks' website, Crowley won by 1,039 votes. The official election results have yet to be released by the Wisconsin Elections Commissions.

Crowley claimed his win right away against his opponent Sen. Chris Larson. At first, Larson wanted a recount but quickly accepted defeat and congratulated Crowley on his historic win. Crowley was backed by previous Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, and will take over Abele’s position on May 4, 2020.

“I never would’ve expected this,” Crowley said about winning when he first entered into his political career. For Crowley, the goal has always been to serve the people, and now with this new position, he’s ready to make an even bigger impact.

Although he’s happy about winning, Crowley’s more so focused on providing access and opportunities to the people of Milwaukee who’ve been ignored over the years. Some of those opportunities include access to better education.

Along with education, Crowley will be focusing his time on eliminating inequalities and poverty within the city.

“We have to take advantage of this moment,” he said. “This is the beginning of really changing the trajectory of where Milwaukee has been the last few decades.”

Crowley believes the sky is the limit as long as you don’t get too big headed, stay true to who you are and to not be afraid to fail. According to Crowley, a lot of people think about the money instead of the impact that can be made.

Milwaukee saved Crowley’s life and he’s willing to do whatever to save Milwaukee.

To contact David Crowley, click here.