Abortion, ICE and socialism spark fireworks in swing state governor debate: 5 top moments
Tiffany argued Wisconsin could cut taxes without sacrificing funding for education, transportation and health care. Crowley countered that Tiffany's plan would deprive state and local governments of revenue needed to provide those services.
Tiffany pledged to require Wisconsin sheriffs to honor federal immigration detainers, drawing a sharp contrast with Crowley over cooperation with ICE.
"I will make sure that local, county and state law enforcement coordinate with federal law enforcement," Tiffany said, arguing immigrants who commit crimes should be transferred to federal authorities while still in county jails.
Asked whether that cooperation should be mandated by law, Tiffany said, "I believe we should."
Crowley opposed a blanket ban on cooperation with federal immigration authorities and said immigrants convicted of crimes should be deported. However, he called for restrictions on ICE operations in Wisconsin, including ending contracts with local law enforcement, prohibiting agents from wearing masks and requiring judicial warrants before entering jails and prisons.
"We need to make sure that we're protecting people's civil liberties," Crowley said.
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Wisconsin's data center boom emerged as another campaign issue, with both candidates opposing taxpayer subsidies for the massive projects.
Tiffany outlined conditions for data center development under his administration, including protections against higher utility rates, a ban on taxpayer subsidies, local control, farmland protections and greater transparency.
"Why would some of the wealthiest companies in the world need subsidies from the taxpayers of Wisconsin?" Tiffany said.
Crowley said communities should not be forced to accept data centers they do not want and said he would sign legislation eliminating sales tax incentives for the projects.
Crowley also supported the current pause on data center development pending an environmental hands-on and called for greater reliance on renewable energy to meet rising electricity demand.
Crowley faced questions about the Democratic Party's left flank after narrowly defeating democratic socialist Francesca Hong in the Democratic gubernatorial primary.
Asked which democratic socialist priorities he shared, Crowley cited expanding BadgerCare, funding public education and child care and holding wealthy Americans accountable.
But when moderators asked which parts of the Democratic Socialists of America platform he supported, Crowley said he could not answer.
"I'm not familiar with the DSA platform to be answering that question," Crowley said.
Tiffany pointed to Crowley's previous claim that little separated him from Hong during the Democratic primary.
"That sounds like a socialist to me," Tiffany said.
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