Incoming Wisconsin Governor David Crowley has reignited political tensions by calling for the abolition of the Electoral College, positioning himself alongside progressive Democrats seeking to overhaul America’s presidential election system.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Crowley dismissed the 236-year-old institution as outdated, arguing presidents should instead be elected by national popular vote. “We can do away with it,” Crowley stated, signaling his intent to discuss the issue with Wisconsin’s newly Democratic-controlled legislature when he takes office.
The Wisconsin Factor
The proposal carries particular significance in this perennial swing state, where Donald Trump secured a narrow victory in 2016 despite losing both Wisconsin’s popular vote and the national tally. Under a national popular vote system, Wisconsin’s electors would have gone to Hillary Clinton.
Crowley framed his election—alongside Democratic victories in the state Assembly and Senate—as mandate for modernization. “Our job is to make sure that our votes are representing those who win our state,” he told the AP.
National Movement Gains Steam
The governor-elect joins a growing list of Democratic state leaders supporting the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, which currently includes 15 states and Washington D.C. representing 222 electoral votes. The pact would award signatories’ electors to the nationwide popular vote winner once participating states control 270 electoral votes.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, recently voiced similar openness to electoral reform during an interview. “I think that the national popular vote makes sense,” Shapiro said.
GOP Backlash Intensifies
Republicans have mounted vigorous opposition, framing the proposal as an urban power grab that would marginalize Wisconsin. “This would undermine [constitutional] balance and disenfranchise Wisconsin voters,” argued GOP Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August.
Former Governor Scott Walker delivered sharper criticism via social media: “Why eliminate the influence of Wisconsin in national elections?” The Republican asked, warning campaigns would abandon swing states for coastal population centers.
With Democrats now controlling both legislative chambers and the governor’s mansion for the first time since 2010, Wisconsin appears poised to become the next battleground in America’s electoral system wars.
Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/incoming-dem-governor-pushes-to-do-away-with-electoral-college-in-critical-swing-state