MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has announced that he is taking steps toward a 2026 gubernatorial bid following Gov. Tony Evers’ Thursday announcement he will not seek a third term.

He added, "I care deeply about the direction Wisconsin takes from here."

"In the weeks ahead, I will be taking steps toward entering the race for Governor."

Crowley said he intends to "engage in that conversation with the people of Wisconsin" and called for continued leadership to "build on that progress." In his statement, Crowley also said, "The stakes are simply too high to sit on the sidelines."

The state’s partisan primary for governor is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, followed by the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.