Wisconsin Governor's Race Upended as Crowley Reenters With Evers' Backing

Milwaukee's county executive revived his campaign a day after the lieutenant governor abruptly dropped out.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley reentered Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary Saturday with the endorsement of Gov. Tony Evers, a day after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez abruptly exited the race, according to PBS NewsHour and The Hill.

The shakeup injects fresh volatility into the contest to lead a swing state that has repeatedly decided national elections by razor-thin margins. Evers had initially declined to endorse a candidate in the race but changed course to back Crowley's revived bid, both outlets reported.

"I'm all in on making sure Wisconsinites continue to have a governor who will stand up for the people of our state," Evers said in announcing his support, according to The Hill.

The rapid sequence — Rodriguez's exit followed almost immediately by Crowley's reentry and Evers' endorsement — leaves Democrats regrouping around a new front-runner with the primary field still being finalized.

— Compiled from reporting by PBS NewsHour and The Hill.