Wisconsin's 2026 Governor's Race
David Crowley
DEMOCRAT
First Black Milwaukee County Executive (2020–present); former Assembly member who co-negotiated the 2023 city/county shared-revenue deal.
Platform stresses job creation, small business, and expanding health care, vocational training, and affordable housing.
Candidate Education Positioning
Parental Choice (Vouchers)
Won’t end vouchers until public schools can serve all; same standards; penalize schools that return students with disabilities after the count
Funding Formula Reform
Fully fund public schools as priority; “Green New Deal” to retrofit school buildings
Public Charter Schools
Supports current charters (campaign-confirmed)
MPS Reform
Milwaukee-rooted; focus on fully funding public schools
Charter Authorizing
Supports current (campaign clarified the 6/2 district-only signal was made in error)
Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC)
Open
Special Ed Funding
Close the special-ed funding gap (“First 30 Days” plan)
Surplus Deal
Not a supporter
What is the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) program?
A scholarship tax credit encourages people and businesses to donate to nonprofit Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), which use those donations to provide scholarships that help eligible families afford the school that best fits their child. Donors receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for their contribution. The new federal scholarship tax credit (FSTC) expands this approach nationwide — but each state's governor decides whether to opt in, making it a key issue in Wisconsin's 2026 race. For CFC, it represents a way to expand access and put high-quality school options within reach of more Milwaukee families, regardless of income.
Methodology — How We Assess Positions
Disclaimer: CFC Action Fund is a 501(c)(4); this page reflects stated public positions, not endorsements