David Crowley is Milwaukee County Executive since 2020, the first African American to serve in that position and the youngest, having taken office at age 33. He previously served three years in Wisconsin State Assembly representing Milwaukee (2017-2020). Crowley rose from poverty in 53206 zip code, one of the most incarcerated in the nation, to become a community organizer and elected official. As county executive, he oversaw $1.4B budget and led passage of Act 12 with bipartisan support to increase state funding to municipalities. He graduated UW-Milwaukee in 2024 while serving as county executive.
David Crowley was born May 14, 1986 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His parents struggled with narcotics addiction and lost their home when he was ten years old. He suffered eviction from two more homes before graduating from Bay View High School. He attended UW-Milwaukee from 2008-2012 but left to pursue politics before obtaining degree, later returning to complete undergraduate education in Community Engagement and Education in 2024. Under mentorship of Urban Underground community organizing group, Crowley became interested in policing and local government. He worked for U.S. Senator Russ Feingold's 2010 campaign and as policy director for Wisconsin State Senator Nikiya Harris Dodd.