In the sole televised debate of Wisconsin's gubernatorial race, Democratic Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany traded sharp attacks over election integrity, socialism, and abortion. The hour-long exchange, hosted by WISN 12, came as early voting kicked off Tuesday in a contest that nonpartisan handicappers rate a toss-up.
Recent public polling is sparse, but earlier surveys showed Crowley with a narrow edge. Cook Political Report and Inside Elections both label the race a "toss up," while Decision Desk HQ calls it "lean Democrat." The winner will succeed retiring Gov. Tony Evers (D).
Tiffany's 2020 objection rooted in 'Zuckerbucks'
The Republican congressman was pressed repeatedly on his vote against certifying the 2020 presidential election results. He initially tried to shift focus to Crowley, but when pushed, he cited private funding for election administration—often derided by conservatives as "Zuckerbucks"—as his justification.
"We should not allow private money to go into what is a public process, our elections," Tiffany said. "That's why I objected because the people of the state of Wisconsin—they did not want that, and by the way, the people of the state of Wisconsin have voted to enshrine photo ID into our constitution."
The term "Zuckerbucks" refers to grants from the Center for Tech and Civic Life, largely funded by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, that helped localities manage voting during the pandemic. Critics have alleged the funds were used to boost Democratic turnout, though election officials and audits found no widespread fraud. Tiffany, who has former President Trump's endorsement, was among nearly 150 House Republicans who voted against certifying results in Pennsylvania and Arizona.
Crowley pushed back directly: "We've always had free and fair elections. I believe in the integrity—that's how I know that Donald Trump lost the race in 2020, and I can admit that while being on TV."
Crowley distances from DSA
The Democrat sought to separate himself from his primary opponent, state Rep. Francesca Hong, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. When asked about DSA policy priorities, Crowley said, "I'm not familiar with the DSA platform to be answering that question."
This marked a shift from the summer, when Crowley told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he and Hong didn't differ on "a lot of policies." Republicans have hammered DSA links in battleground races, casting Democrats as socialists. Crowley's evasiveness reflects a broader trend among Democrats in competitive states to avoid embracing left-wing labels.
Abortion positions walk a tightrope
Both candidates moderated their stances on abortion, a central issue after the Wisconsin Supreme Court last year ruled that the state's 1849 ban was unenforceable post-Roe. Tiffany, who had supported a 20-week ban in the legislature, said he would "uphold" that law but would not sign a six-week "fetal heartbeat" ban. Crowley deflected when asked if he'd sign legislation allowing abortion without gestational limits.
"These are decisions that need to be made between the patient and a healthcare provider. I don't believe a law like that would ever actually reach my desk," Crowley said.
The debate offered voters their only direct comparison of the two candidates before Election Day. With control of a key swing state at stake, both sides are likely to amplify the sharpest exchanges in the coming weeks. For more on similar showdowns, see Kansas Senate debate highlights and Michigan's final debate clash. Meanwhile, national trends on abortion messaging could shape how each campaign closes.
