Democrat David Crowley and Republican Tom Tiffany met Wednesday, Oct. 21, for their only televised debate in the race for Wisconsin governor. Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive, and Tiffany, a U.S. representative, discussed the 2020 election results, abortion policy, and state tax structures. The candidates are vying to succeed retiring Gov. Tony Evers (D) in a race rated as a "toss up" by Cook Political Report and Inside Elections, or "lean Democrat" by Decision Desk HQ.
The debate, held at Marquette University Law School, occurred one day after in-person absentee voting began in the state. Recent polling from Marquette University showed Crowley leading Tiffany 49% to 46% among likely voters. During the hour-long event, Tiffany addressed his 2021 vote against certifying 2020 election results in Pennsylvania and Arizona, citing concerns over "Zuckerbucks," a term for private grants issued to localities by the Center for Tech and Civic Life. Crowley questioned Tiffany's willingness to certify the 2028 election, though both candidates committed to certifying those results regardless of the winner.
On abortion, both candidates spoke to maintaining existing state standards rather than pursuing further restrictions or expansions. Tiffany stated he would not sign a six-week abortion ban into law, despite previously co-authoring such legislation in Congress, and pledged to uphold Wisconsin's current 20-week limit. Crowley declined to say if he would sign legislation allowing abortion without gestational limits, stating such decisions should remain between patients and doctors and that he did not believe such a bill would reach his desk.
Regarding fiscal policy, Tiffany proposed a 10% tax cut for families earning under $150,000 and the return of a projected $3 billion state surplus through income and property tax reductions. He did not specify how he would offset the resulting revenue loss beyond general economic growth. Crowley called for a "fair" tax system and the creation of a commission to address school funding, but he did not provide a specific target percentage for tax rates or a new bracket for high earners.
For students currently participating in Wisconsin’s private school voucher program, both candidates stated they would not end the system. However, their approaches to expansion differ. Tiffany expressed openness to raising the current income eligibility limit, which is $77,730 for a family of four, while Crowley stated he would veto any attempt to end the program but would not approve further expansions.
The candidates also offered distinct changes for law enforcement and immigrant communities. Tiffany pledged to mandate that local, county, and state law enforcement coordinate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to honor federal detainers. Crowley opposed such a mandate, arguing that local law enforcement should focus on community protection and that ICE agents should be prohibited from wearing masks during operations. Voters will decide between these platforms on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2026.