Full Breakdown
Crowley Holds Narrow Lead Over Tiffany in First Post-Primary Wisconsin Governor Poll
8/18/2026, 1:01:55 AM
Core Findings of the Badger Battleground Survey
A new Badger Battleground poll of 500 likely voters shows Democratic candidate David Crowley at 48 % and Republican Tom Tiffany at 44 % overall. Among independent voters, Crowley leads 42 % to 30 %. Favorability ratings put Crowley at 43 % and Tiffany at 38 %, while former President Donald Trump registers a 41 % favorability score. The poll was commissioned by Platform Communications and fielded last Wednesday and Thursday.
Background to the Race
The poll is the first statewide snapshot after Crowley defeated Francesca Hong in the Democratic primary the previous week. Tiffany secured the Republican nomination earlier in the season. Platform Communications, a firm that also runs the poll, released the results on a weekend, positioning the data as an early indicator for the upcoming general-election contest in the battleground state.
Data & Statistics
- Sample: 500 likely voters
- Overall support: Crowley 48 % vs. Tiffany 44 %
- Independent voters: Crowley 42 % vs. Tiffany 30 %
- Favorability: Crowley 43 %; Tiffany 38 %; Trump 41 %
Official Statements & Responses
Republican strategist Keith Gilkes, executive chairman of Platform Communications, described the result as a “statistical tie” and emphasized that a four-point lead falls within the poll’s margin of error, noting the race’s typical competitiveness in a purple state.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What it tells us is it's a statistical tie,” — Keith Gilkes
- “At the end of the day, yes, David Crowley is up by four points over Tom Tiffany. That's well within the margin of error and very typical for this type of race. We're in a purple state, so I wouldn't expect anything else, and the campaign's just starting.” — Tanya Bjork, a Democratic strategist and advisor on the poll
- “But this poll has some kind of not great news for Tom Tiffany,” — Tanya Bjork, a Democratic strategist and advisor on the poll
- “We have to get out there and get the message out about what Tom's policies are and what his positions are and make sure people really truly understand the contrast,” — Keith Gilkes
