Abortion, ICE and socialism spark fireworks in swing state governor debate: 5 top moments

Republican Tom Tiffany and Democrat David Crowley sparred over abortion, taxes, immigration and Wisconsin's growing data center industry Wednesday night as Wisconsin's gubernatorial candidates faced off in a heated debate.Tiffany, a Republican congressman, and Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive, offered competing visions for Wisconsin as they vie to succeed Democratic Gov.Tony Evers.The WISN-hosted debate came less than two weeks before Election Day, with polls showing a tight race.

A September Marquette Law School poll found Crowley leading Tiffany 49% to 46% among likely voters, a difference within the survey's margin of error.RealClearPolitics rates the race a toss-up.WISCONSIN GOP GOVERNOR CANDIDATE SWIMS FROM SINKING PLANE AFTER EMERGENCY LAKE LANDINGRepublican U.S.

Rep.Tom Tiffany, a candidate for Wisconsin governor, gives a news conference, Monday, Jan.

26, 2026, in Madison, Wis.(AP Photo/Scott Bauer)Here are five of the biggest moments from the debate.Tiffany pointed to Wisconsin's existing 20-week abortion limit when moderators asked whether he would sign a six-week abortion ban , a restriction he previously supported as a legislator."I voted for a five-month bill when I was in the state Senate.

I will uphold that law as the governor of the state of Wisconsin," Tiffany said."I have been very clear where I stand.I've given the answer that I'm at five months," he added.Tiffany also sought to reassure women about his position."All you women out there, you will not have to hold your breath when I'm governor," he said.Crowley, meanwhile, declined to specify a gestational limit for legal abortion, even when moderators asked whether he supported abortion through nine months ."These are discussions that need to be made between a doctor and a patient," Crowley said.‘MODERATE’ DEM GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE EMBRACED DEI BUDGET TOOL, GREEN NEW DEAL-STYLE POLICIESMilwaukee County Executive David Crowley speaks with reporters following a post-primary De...