Every Vote Counts — Wisconsin Just Proved It

If you ever needed proof that every vote counts, Wisconsin just delivered it.

After one of the most unpredictable gubernatorial primaries in recent memory, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley emerged as the Democratic nominee for governor, edging out state Rep. Francesca Hong by roughly 3,800 votes out of nearly 800,000 cast. The difference was about half of one percentage point.

And if you didn't see that result coming, you weren't alone. Hong led in public polling heading into Election Day. Crowley, meanwhile, had dropped out of the race in July, then jumped back in after other candidates exited and subsequently earned the endorsement of Gov. Tony Evers. By the time the votes were counted, a race that had been difficult to predict came down to just a few thousand Wisconsin voters.

That's Wisconsin politics.

In a state where major elections are routinely decided on the margins, participation matters. A few votes in your community may not feel like much — but multiply those across Wisconsin, and they can determine who appears on the ballot, who controls the Wisconsin Legislature and who occupies the governor's office. And just like that, the race for November is set.

David Crowley, the Democratic nominee, has served as Milwaukee County executive since 2020 and previously represented Milwaukee in the Wisconsin Assembly. Tom Tiffany, the Republican nominee, has represented Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District since 2020 and previously served in both the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate.

But there's a lot more at stake in November than the governor's mansion. Democrats are looking to flip both chambers of the Wisconsin Legislature, while Republicans are fighting to maintain their majorities. Pair those battles with an open governor's seat, and Wisconsin heads into the fall with everything still in play.

And if you were hoping for a break from campaign season, don't get too comfortable. The ads have already begun.

For the REALTOR^® Party, that's why staying engaged matters. The REALTOR^® Party champions nonpartisan advocacy on issues that affect the real estate industry, property rights and your business. With November approaching, that means staying informed, getting involved and supporting candidates who understand the issues that matter to REALTORS^® and property owners.

This primary was a pretty good reminder why: In Wisconsin, a few thousand votes can change the entire political conversation.

Every election matters. And yes, every vote really does count.