2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial election
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The 2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Wisconsin. Incumbent Democratic Governor Tony Evers declined to seek reelection to a third term in office.[1] This will be one of five Democratic-held governorships up for election in 2026 in a state won by President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election and the state with the closest presidential margin of victory, just under one percentage point.[2]
This is the first Wisconsin gubernatorial election since 2010 in which the incumbent was not seeking re-election.
Background
Wisconsin is considered to be a purple state at the federal and state levels with a uniquely competitive track record (presidential races decided by less than a point in 2016, 2020, 2024, Senate races decided by roughly a point in 2022 and 2024, a governor’s race decided by a point in 2018).[2] The past two Wisconsin elections featured split outcomes, with Democrats winning for governor and Republicans for Senate in 2022, and Democrats winning for Senate and Republicans for president in 2024. Wisconsin has voted with the winner of the last five presidential elections, and in 2024 had the second highest voter turnout levels in the country behind Minnesota and one of the biggest turnout increases in the country.[2] Both parties have seen success in the state in recent years. Republicans narrowly control both chambers of the Wisconsin Legislature and hold a supermajority in Wisconsin's U.S. House delegation. However, Democrats control most statewide executive offices and have won the last two gubernatorial races.[3]
The incumbent Governor of Wisconsin, Democrat Tony Evers, was first elected in 2018 when he narrowly defeated incumbent Republican Scott Walker.[4] He was re-elected by a slightly larger margin in 2022, defeating conservative businessman Tim Michels.[5] With no incumbent and an even partisan lean, the race is widely seen as a tossup.
Democratic primary
Governor
Candidates
Declared
- Sara Rodriguez, Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin (2023–present)[6]
- Zachary Roper, college student[7]
- Ryan Strnad, stadium vendor[8]
Publicly expressed interest
- Mandela Barnes, former Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin (2019–2023) and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2022[9]
- David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive (2020–present)[9][10]
- Francesca Hong, state representative from the 76th district (2021–present)[11]
- Cavalier Johnson, Mayor of Milwaukee (2021–present)[12] (will not run if Crowley runs)[9]
- Kelda Roys, state senator from the 26th district (2021–present), candidate for Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district in 2012, and candidate for governor in 2018[13]
Potential
- Melissa Agard, Dane County Executive (2024–present)[14]
- Melissa Hughes, CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation[14]
- Josh Kaul, Attorney General of Wisconsin (2019–present)[7][15]
- Chris Larson, state senator from the 7th district (2011–present) and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2022[15]
- Tom Nelson, Outagamie County Executive (2011–present), nominee for lieutenant governor in 2010, nominee for Wisconsin's 8th congressional district in 2016, and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2022[15]
- Ben Wikler, former chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party (2019–2025) and candidate for Democratic National Committee chair in 2025[7][15]
Declined
- Tony Evers, incumbent governor (2019–present)[1]
- Sarah Godlewski, Wisconsin Secretary of State (2023–present) and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2022[16] (running for lieutenant governor)[17]
- Tip McGuire, state representative from the 64th district (2019–present)[15]
Endorsements
Sara Rodriguez
- State legislators
- Ben DeSmidt, state representative from the 65th district (2025–present)[18]
- Joan Fitzgerald, state representative from the 46th district (2025–present)[18]
- Gary Hebl, former state representative from the 46th district (2005–2023)[18]
- Andrew Hysell, state representative from the 48th district (2025–present)[18]
- Beth Meyers, former state representative from the 74th district (2015–2023)[18]
- Maureen McCarville, state representative from the 42nd district (2025–present)[18]
- Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, state representative from the 8th district (2021–present)[18]
- Janis Ringhand, former state senator from the 15th district (2015–2023)[18]
- Robert Wirch, state senator from the 22nd district (1997–present)[18]
- Organizations
Lieutenant Governor
Candidates
Declared
- Sarah Godlewski, Wisconsin Secretary of State (2023–present) and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2022[17]
Potential
- Brad Pfaff, state senator from the 32nd district (2021–present) and nominee for Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district in 2022[20]
Declined
- Sara Rodriguez, incumbent lieutenant governor (2023–present) (running for governor)[6]
Endorsements
Sarah Godlewski
- Statewide officials
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Bill Berrien, manufacturing executive[21]
- Josh Schoemann, Washington County Executive (2020–present)[22]
Filed paperwork
- Andy Manske[23]
Publicly expressed interest
- Tom Tiffany, U.S. representative for Wisconsin's 7th congressional district (2020–present)[24]
Potential
- Sean Duffy, U.S. Secretary of Transportation (2025–present) and former U.S. representative for Wisconsin's 7th congressional district (2011–2019)[14]
- Mary Felzkowski, president of the Wisconsin Senate (2025–present) from the 12th district (2021–present)[25]
- Eric Hovde, bank executive, nominee for U.S. Senate in 2024 and candidate in 2012[26]
- Rebecca Kleefisch, former lieutenant governor of Wisconsin (2011–2019) and candidate for governor in 2022[14]
- Tim Michels, co-owner of the Michels Corporation, nominee for governor in 2022 and U.S. Senate in 2004[26]
- Tommy Thompson, former governor (1987–2001), former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (2001–2005), and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2012[27]
Declined
- Ron Johnson, U.S. senator (2011–present)[28]
- Bill McCoshen, WTMJ-TV host and owner of the Janesville Jets[29]
- Bryan Steil, U.S. representative for Wisconsin's 1st congressional district (2019–present)[30] (running for re-election)[31]
- Scott Walker, former governor (2011–2019)[32]
Endorsements
Tom Tiffany (not declared)
- Organizations
- Wisconsin College Republicans[33]
Polling
Hypothetical polling
Lieutenant Governor
Candidates
Potential
- Will Martin, former director of strategic workforce initiatives for the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and candidate for lieutenant governor in 2022[20]
Minor parties and independents
Green Party
Declared
- Jill Ferguson, retiree[35]
Independents
Declared
- David King, pastor and perennial candidate[36]
Filed paperwork
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[40] | Tossup | January 23, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[41] | Battleground | February 6, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[42] | Tossup | July 24, 2025 |
| Race to the WH[43] | Tossup | July 24, 2025 |
See also
Notes
- ^ Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear
References
- ^ a b Bauer, Scott (July 24, 2025). "Democratic Gov. Tony Evers won't seek third term in battleground Wisconsin". Associated Press. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
- ^ a b c Gilbert, Craig (November 25, 2024). "Gilbert: How small voting shifts made Wisconsin the closest state in the nation". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Archived from the original on November 26, 2024. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
- ^ Unger, Nancy C. (October 28, 2024). "How Wisconsin Became the Ultimate Purple State". TIME Magazine. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
- ^ Gowen, Annie (November 7, 2018). "How the Democrats finally defeated Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
- ^ Bosman, Julie (November 9, 2022). "Tony Evers and Ron Johnson Keep Their Seats in Wisconsin". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
- ^ a b Schneider, Elena (July 25, 2025). "Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez launches gubernatorial bid". Politico. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
- ^ a b c Bahl, Andrew (May 20, 2025). "Chris Taylor for Wisconsin Supreme Court among 2026 election bids". The Cap Times. Retrieved May 25, 2025.
- ^ Smith, Matt (August 20, 2025). "Longtime beer vendor announces Democratic bid for governor". WISN-TV. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
- ^ a b c Bice, Daniel (July 24, 2025). "Here are the likely Democratic and Republican contenders for Wisconsin governor in 2026". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Archived from the original on July 25, 2025. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
- ^ Swales, Vanessa; Beck, Molly (July 25, 2025). "Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley says he plans to enter Democratic field for governor". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
- ^ "MON AM Update: Hong seriously considering guv bid; Crowley tells 'UpFront' he's focused on flooding". State Affairs. August 18, 2025. Retrieved August 18, 2025.
- ^ Kremer, Rich (July 24, 2025). "As Tony Evers retires, possible candidates emerge for Wisconsin governor's race". Wisconsin Public Radio. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
- ^ Allbaugh, Todd (August 12, 2025). "Sen. Kelda Roys is 'pretty likely to run' for governor". Civic Media. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Kreitlow, Pat (July 29, 2025). "Who is (and isn't) running for Wisconsin governor in 2026?". Up North News. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Beck, Molly; Bice, Daniel (May 27, 2025). "Which Democrats will run for governor if Tony Evers doesn't and answers to other questions". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Archived from the original on May 27, 2025. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
- ^ Bauer, Scott (July 28, 2025). "Wisconsin's Democratic secretary of state won't run for governor but mulls lieutenant governor bid". Associated Press. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
- ^ a b Thompson, Chad (August 20, 2025). "Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski announces run for lieutenant governor". WKOW. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Rodriguez campaign: Wisconsin leaders line up behind Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez for governor". WisPolitics. August 4, 2025. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
- ^ @DemocraticLGs (July 25, 2025). "Rodriguez 2026" (Tweet). Retrieved July 25, 2025 – via Twitter.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c "Godlewski announces lieutenant governor bid, vows to deliver for Wisconsin". WisPolitics. August 21, 2025. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
- ^ Beck, Molly (July 9, 2025). "Bill Berrien, a businessman and retired Navy SEAL, enters GOP primary for 2026 Wisconsin governor's race". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Archived from the original on July 9, 2025. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
- ^ Beck, Molly (May 1, 2025). "Wisconsin Republican Josh Schoemann makes early entry into 2026 governor's race". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Archived from the original on May 1, 2025. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
- ^ "Committee to Elect Andy Manske for Governor". Wisconsin Ethics Commission - Sunshine: Wisconsin Campaign Finance. July 9, 2025. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
- ^ Andrea, Lawrence (July 22, 2025). "Congressman Tom Tiffany teases a run for Wisconsin governor but says he hasn't made up his mind". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Archived from the original on July 22, 2025. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
- ^ "You think it's early for 2026 campaign maneuvers? Guess again". Wispolitics.com. April 15, 2025. Retrieved April 19, 2025 – via Wisconsin Newspaper Association.
- ^ a b Beck, Molly; Opoien, Jessie; Bice, Daniel; Andrea, Lawrence (June 27, 2025). "Businessmen Tim Michels, Eric Hovde considering return to politics with runs for Wisconsin governor". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Archived from the original on July 24, 2025. Retrieved June 27, 2025.
- ^ Spears, Baylor (August 5, 2025). "Former Wisconsin governors stir conversation on whether they'll run for the office again". Wisconsin Examiner. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ Nir, David (July 25, 2025). "Morning Digest: Tony Evers announces he won't run for a third term". The Downballot. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
- ^ Walters, Steven (August 1, 2024). "Who might run for Wisconsin governor in 2026?". Isthmus. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
- ^ Beck, Molly; Andrea, Lawrence (January 14, 2025). "Republican challengers start to line up as Gov. Tony Evers considers 2026 run for 3rd term". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Archived from the original on January 14, 2025. Retrieved March 6, 2025.
- ^ Bird, LuAnn (August 1, 2025). Rep Bryan Steil expresses his support for Trump's agenda at Town Hall July 31, 2025. Retrieved August 2, 2025 – via YouTube.
I'm gonna be running for reelection to the House
- ^ Schmitz, Sam (July 27, 2025). "Scott Walker says he will not run for Wisconsin Governor in 2026". WISN-TV. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
- ^ @WICRs (June 25, 2025). "Tiffany 2026" (Tweet). Archived from the original on July 8, 2025 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Clear GOP Frontrunner Emerges For Wide Open Governor Race, Polling Shows". August 14, 2025. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ "Green Party: Announcing candidate for WI Governor '26". Wisconsin Green Party (Press release). July 26, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024 – via WisPolitics.
- ^ Dabruzzi, Anthony (July 25, 2025). "Wisconsin's race for governor continues to grow 13 months before the 2026 primary". Spectrum News. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
- ^ "Olive Committee". Wisconsin Ethics Commission - Sunshine: Wisconsin Campaign Finance. July 29, 2025. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
- ^ "Wisconsin Rebuild". Wisconsin Ethics Commission - Sunshine: Wisconsin Campaign Finance. July 25, 2025. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
- ^ "Washington County Exec Schoemann registers '26 guv bid". WisPolitics. May 2, 2025. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
Schoemann is one of two people to register for the race this week. Independent Alexander Kent, of La Crosse, filed on Tuesday.
- ^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
- ^ "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
External links
- Official gubernatorial campaign websites
- Bill Berrien (R) for Governor
- Jill Ferguson (G) for Governor
- Sara Rodriguez (D) for Governor
- Josh Schoemann (R) for Governor
- Official lieutenant gubernatorial campaign websites