>> The race that once looked like a runaway
turned into a photo finish, as David Crowley narrowly
defeated Francesca Hong to win the Democratic
nomination. Now that Wisconsin's gubernatorial
election is set, the candidates are already
turning the page from the primary to the general.
Here and now, reporter Steven Potter has the story.
>> You know, we're not going to win this race
focusing on ideology alone. It's about focusing on
Wisconsin values. about the very soul of the
state of Wisconsin. >> After more than a few
twists for the Democrats in the primary, Wisconsin
voters now know which two candidates they'll choose
from in the election for governor this fall. On the
Democratic side, it will be Milwaukee County Executive
David Crowley. And on the Republican side, it will be
U.S. Congressman Tom Tiffany.
>> You are the reason our common sense message is
being delivered in every corner of the state of
Wisconsin. Yes. And you are the reason why we are going
to turn the governorship red in November, aren't you?
Yeah. Yes. >> From the moment he
entered the race, Tom Tiffany, who hails from
northern Wisconsin, has been the Republican
frontrunner with only nominal opposition from a
relatively unknown Republican in the primary.
Tiffany pulled in more than 95% of the Republican vote
on Tuesday at his election night party. He thanked
supporters and pinpointed his stance on issues he
thinks will help him win in November.
>> Taxes keep rising. An opportunity becomes harder
to find because at the heart of this election is a
fundamental difference in how we see Wisconsin's
future. >> It was far more
difficult for David Crowley to secure his win in the
Democratic primary. His path to victory was not
only a stunning upset but also an unexpected comeback.
Crowley dropped out of the race in early July, but
jumped back in after the campaign of Sara Rodriguez
imploded and Mandela Barnes made a sudden exit. When he
got back into the race, he did so with an endorsement
from the state's top Democrat.
>> That we kind of had a secret weapon, particularly
when it came down to our great governor here,
>> In every poll, Crowley was trailing Democratic
Socialists and state Representative Francesca
Hong by double digits. But as Hong tried to weather
negative press in the final days of the election, it
seemed more possible that Crowley could be a true
contender. As election results rolled in late
Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, Crowley gradually
took the lead and won just barely. In all, Crowley
earned 39.8% of the Democratic vote, beating
Hong by half of a percentage point. At a
press conference, Crowley thanked his supporters and
spoke about what sets him apart from his new
Republican opponent. >> But we all want safe
communities, strong schools, affordable health care,
good paying jobs and a brighter future for all of
our children. And every one of us has something much
bigger to unite around. And that is keeping Maga
extremism from bringing the chaos we see in Washington
into our neighborhoods right here in the state of
Wisconsin. >> Both candidates now turn
their attention toward attracting the undecided
voter. >> Whatever your political
label, Republican, independent, politically
homeless, or a Democrat, there's a place for you in
the common sense movement. >> We deserve better than
politicians who who divide us for their own political
gain. We deserve leaders who wake up every single
morning asking one simple question how can I make
life better for the people we serve?
>> Now, with the table finally set for the
November 3rd general election, Crowley and
Tiffany have less than 90 days to make their case and
prove to voters why they should serve as governor
the next four years. Reporting from Middleton.
I'm Steven Potter for Here and Now.
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