Wisconsin Midterm Primaries: Democratic Gubernatorial Field Narrowed

Wisconsin voters are participating in a gubernatorial primary election that may influence the direction of the Democratic Party and set the stage for a competitive general election. The results could impact which party controls the state government and potentially affect the majority in the U.S. House.

Key Facts

• Four candidates remained in the Democratic primary for governor: State Rep. Francesca Hong, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, former state cabinet secretary Joel Brennan, and State Sen. Kelda Roys.
• Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez withdrew from the race due to campaign finance issues.
• Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes suspended his campaign following a report of past allegations of inappropriate behavior, which his campaign denied.
• Rodriguez, Barnes, and former state economic development director Missy Hughes remain on the ballot despite withdrawing.
• The likely Republican opponent is U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has minimal opposition and President Donald Trump's endorsement.
• As of July 27, Tiffany had raised $13.3 million, with approximately $5 million remaining.
• Hong and Crowley had each raised over $1 million, with less than $500,000 in their respective campaign funds.
• Wisconsin has a 64-year trend of electing governors from the party opposite of their predecessor, which would favor Republicans.
• Midterm elections nationwide often see voters penalize the president's party, which could favor Democrats.
• About half of Wisconsin's state Senate seats and all 99 state Assembly seats are up for election in 2026.
• The state Supreme Court ordered new legislative maps in 2023, ahead of the 2024 elections.
• Republicans currently hold six of Wisconsin's eight U.S. House seats.
• Rep. Derrick Van Orden is unopposed for the Republican nomination in the 3rd Congressional District.
• Emily Berge and Rebecca Cooke are competing for the Democratic nomination in the 3rd Congressional District.

Background

Wisconsin is considered a key electoral battleground. The state has a history of consecutive two-term governors, with outgoing Gov. Tony Evers being the third such leader. A shift in party control of state government could occur in the upcoming general election.

What Happens Next

The primary election results will determine the Democratic nominee for governor who will likely face Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in the general election. The outcome of this gubernatorial race, along with congressional contests, may decide control of the state government and the U.S. House.