David Crowley (Wisconsin politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Crowley
|
|
|---|---|
Crowley in 2023
|
|
| 7th Executive of Milwaukee County | |
| Assumed office May 4, 2020 |
|
| Preceded by | Chris Abele |
| Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the 17th district |
|
| In office January 3, 2017 – June 18, 2020 |
|
| Preceded by | La Tonya Johnson |
| Succeeded by | Supreme Moore Omokunde |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 14, 1986 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Ericka |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee |
David C. Crowley (born May 14, 1986) is an important politician from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is currently the leader of Milwaukee County, known as the County Executive. He became the 7th County Executive in May 2020.
When he took office, David Crowley made history. He was the first African American to become the County Executive for Milwaukee County. He was also the youngest person to hold this important job, starting at age 33. Before this, he served in the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Milwaukee from 2017 to 2020.
Contents
David Crowley's Early Life and Education
David Crowley grew up in Milwaukee. He learned a lot about helping his community from Reggie and Sharlen Moore. They led a group called Urban Underground, which inspired Crowley to get involved in local government.
He graduated from Bay View High School. Later, he attended the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He left college for a while to start his career in politics. However, he later returned to the university and earned his bachelor's degree in Community Engagement and Education in 2024.
Starting a Career in Public Service
David Crowley began his career working for public officials. He helped United States Senator Russ Feingold during his re-election campaign in 2010.
After that, he became an assistant to Milwaukee County Supervisor Nikiya Harris Dodd. When she was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate, Crowley continued to work for her. He became her policy director in Madison, the state capital. In this role, he helped shape important decisions and laws.
Becoming a State Assembly Member
In 2016, David Crowley decided to run for public office himself. He first tried to become a member of the Milwaukee City Council. He didn't win that election, but another opportunity soon came up.
Later that year, his boss, Senator Nikiya Harris Dodd, announced she would not run for re-election. This opened up a spot in the 17th Assembly District. Crowley decided to run for this seat. He won the primary election for the Democratic nomination with 56% of the votes. He then ran unopposed in the general election and officially became a State Assembly member on January 3, 2017. He was re-elected in 2018.
Becoming Milwaukee County Executive
In November 2019, the current Milwaukee County Executive, Chris Abele, announced he would not seek re-election. David Crowley decided to run for this top county position.
In the primary election held in February 2020, Crowley came in second place, just behind state senator Chris Larson. He then received support from the outgoing executive, Chris Abele. The final election in April 2020 happened during the COVID-19 pandemic in Wisconsin, which changed how people voted. When the votes were counted on April 13, David Crowley won the election by a small margin against Senator Larson.
David Crowley was sworn in as County Executive on May 4, 2020. Because of the ongoing shelter-in-place rules during the pandemic, his swearing-in ceremony took place from his front yard. He resigned from his State Assembly seat on June 18, 2020. This was required by a Wisconsin law that says a person cannot be both a state legislator and a county executive at the same time.
In January 2021, David Crowley was recognized by the Milwaukee Business Journal. He was named to their "40 under 40" list, which highlights successful people under the age of 40.
Personal Life
David Crowley is married to his wife, Ericka. They got married in 2016. Together, they have two daughters, and Ericka also has a daughter from a previous relationship.
Crowley is very involved in his community. He is the vice chair of the Milwaukee chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). He is also a member of the Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals and the Milwaukee NAACP. These groups work to improve civil rights and opportunities for people in the community.
Images for kids
-
Crowley in 2023
