MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The top elected official in Milwaukee County announced Tuesday he's now seeking the highest elected office in Wisconsin. County Executive David Crowley officially launched his bid for governor after indicating earlier this summer he planned on entering the race to replace outgoing Gov. Tony Evers.

The 39-year-old Milwaukee native is now the second Democratic official seeking to take the party's torch from Evers, joining Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, who launched her campaign in July. 

Crowley became the youngest person elected Milwaukee County Executive in 2020. He was re-elected to the office last year. His signature achievement in that office was working with Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson to broker a compromise deal with Republican lawmakers that allowed the city and county to increase their sales taxes while also increasing state funding for local governments.

In exchange, Republicans placed conditions on Milwaukee, including requirements for how the increased tax dollars could be spent and mandating the return of school-based police officers at Milwaukee Public Schools.

In his campaign video, Crowley made his central city upbringing a key theme. Crowley noted the hard times he faced growing up and said those inspired him to serve people, first as a community organizer, then later as an elected official.

"Evicted three times as a kid, having to pick up yourself and everything you own off the curb. It'll break you or it'll make you," Crowley said in the video. "I didn't want any child to go through that."

Crowley said the pillars of his platform would be improving schools, making the streets safer, creating new jobs and making life more affordable for people. 

Before being elected county executive, Crowley served two terms in the state Assembly, from 2016 to 2020.

In a statement, Rodriguez said she respected anyone who wanted to serve the state. She then differentiated herself from Crowley by noting her past experience in statewide office as lieutenant governor.

"This moment calls for someone with statewide experience and a proven record of delivering results across all 72 counties," Rodriguez said. "That's exactly what I bring to this race."

Rodriguez is currently on a tour of all 72 Wisconsin counties, which has so far included stops in Kenosha, Green Bay and La Crosse.

Also on the Democratic side, Ryan Strnad, a beer vendor at American Family Field, launched a longshot bid for governor last month.

The Democratic field is expected to grow in the coming months. State Senator Kelda Roys of Madison has said she's strongly considering a run. Attorney General Josh Kaul has not ruled out running for governor, although he hasn't hinted at a campaign, either. 

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson has said he's interested in one day running for governor but has repeatedly said it doesn't necessarily have to be in 2026.

On the Republican side, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and New Berlin business owner Bill Berrien are the two confirmed GOP candidates so far.

Schoemann recently wrapped up a 72-county tour in Buffalo County. Berrien released a statement slamming Crowley as a lifelong bureaucrat.

"Surprise, surprise; another career politician has jumped into the race for governor of Wisconsin," Berrien said in a statement. "After years of failed leadership from bureaucrats like David Crowley and Tony Evers, Wisconsinites are ready for a builder to take the reins and lead our state to a bright and prosperous future."

GOP Congressman Tom Tiffany is also weighing a run for governor; he's said he expects to make a decision this month on his future plans. State Sen. Mary Felzkowski from the Northwoods recently told the Associated Press she's thinking about running but won't if Tiffany gets in the race.