Milwaukee Amani voters weigh historic race for Wisconsin governor
Residents in the 53206 ZIP code cast ballots at a local youth center, focusing on education, health care, and neighborhood safety as they choose between Democrat David Crowley and Republican Tom Tiffany.
By Amina Kaminski ·
Resident of the Amani neighborhood in Milwaukee voted on Tuesday in a contest that could result in the first Black governor in Wisconsin state history or the first Republican in the role in eight years. The election pits Democratic candidate and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley against Republican Tom Tiffany, the U.S. representative for Wisconsin's 7th District.
Crowley grew up near North 23rd and West Burleigh streets in the 53206 ZIP code. Many local voters traveled to the COA Youth & Family Centers at 2320 W. Burleigh St. early on Election Day. The location sits on the same block where the COA Goldin Center is now located.
Amina Abdi, a 19-year-old first-time voter studying education at Milwaukee Area Technical College, cast her ballot for Crowley. She cited a need for improved safety in Milwaukee Public Schools. Abdi noted that Rufus King High School frequently appears in news reports and stated that someone needs to address the issues within those institutions. She expressed a desire for Crowley to become the state's first Black governor, describing that outcome as a necessary celebration.
Patrick Jordan, director of operations at Adullam Outreach, also voted for Crowley. He highlighted concerns regarding the education system, specifically referencing a neighbor's child who had an Individualized Education Program plan. Jordan explained that the child was enrolled in a private school but was turned away after the school received state funding for the child's education. Jordan stated that he found temporary placement for the student for approximately two months.
Carmella Brown, a 40-year-old child care provider, cited the health care system as a primary reason for her vote. Brown recently lost her sister to respiratory system failure and reported that the deceased's health insurance did not cover all necessary care. Ricky Welch, a 62-year-old carpenter, also voted for Crowley. Welch, who has lived in Amani for five years, credits Crowley with implementing traffic-calming measures such as curb bump-outs. These changes, part of a collaborative effort with Milwaukee County, have helped reduce reckless driving in the neighborhood. Welch hopes Crowley will maintain these projects if elected.
Kenyette Blue, a clerk at House of Prayer Restoration Missionary Baptist Church, and Brother Rice Bey, a former president of the neighborhood group Amani United, both participated in the vote. Blue expressed a desire to see a candidate from her neighborhood assume the governor's office. Bey described voting as a civic duty and stated that electing Crowley would demonstrate progress. He urged the potential governor to perform the role to the best of his ability. Jordan added that residents of the neighborhood rarely receive opportunities for local positions, regardless of their qualifications.
