2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial election
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial election is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Wisconsin. Democratic Milwaukee County executive David Crowley and Republican U.S. representative Tom Tiffany are the nominees for their respective parties. Incumbent Democratic governor Tony Evers declined to seek re-election to a third term.
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November 3, 2026
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Primary elections were held on August 11, 2026. Tiffany won the Republican nomination without serious challenge.[1] Crowley, despite having temporarily withdrawn his candidacy, won the Democratic nomination in an upset victory over state representative Francesca Hong, receiving 39.8% of the vote.[2]
This is the first Wisconsin gubernatorial election since 2010 in which the incumbent is not seeking re-election,[3] along with being one of five Democratic-held governorships up for election in 2026 in a state won by Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.[4]
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, and 2024; Senate races decided by roughly a point in 2022 and 2024; and a governor's race decided by a point in 2018).[4] The past two federal election cycles in Wisconsin 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 it had the second-highest voter turnout in the country (behind Minnesota) and one of the biggest turnout increases in the country.[4] Both parties have seen success in the state in recent years. Republicans narrowly control both chambers of the Wisconsin Legislature and hold a majority in Wisconsin's U.S. House delegation. However, Democrats control most statewide executive offices and have won the last two gubernatorial races.[5]
Incumbent Democratic governor Tony Evers was first elected in 2018, narrowly defeating incumbent Republican Scott Walker.[6] He was re-elected by a slightly larger margin in 2022, defeating Republican businessman Tim Michels.[7] In July 2025, Evers announced he would not seek re-election to a third term. The race is widely seen as a tossup due to Evers's retirement and the state's even partisan lean.[8]
Democratic primary
Tony Evers's decision not to seek re-election triggered a competitive Democratic primary.[9] The Associated Press described the process leading up to the August 11 primary as chaotic.[9] Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez amassed support as a centrist candidate until she dropped out in mid-July, prompting Milwaukee County executive David Crowley to re-enter the race ten days after withdrawing.[9] The race became a showdown between Crowley, who was endorsed by Evers and other establishment figures, and state representative Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist.[9] Crowley narrowly won the Democratic nomination in an upset victory over Hong, as polls showed him trailing Hong by nearly 20-points just a week earlier.[10]
Candidates
Nominee
- David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive (2020–present) (previously withdrew, endorsed Rodriguez)[11][12][13][14]
Eliminated in primary
- Joel Brennan, former secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration (2019–2022)[15]
- Francesca Hong, state representative from the 76th district (2021–present)[16]
- 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[17]
Withdrawn
- Mandela Barnes, former lieutenant governor (2019–2023) and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2022 (remained on ballot)[18][19]
- Missy Hughes, former CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (2019–2025) (remained on ballot; endorsed Rodriguez, later endorsed Crowley)[20]
- Brett Hulsey, former state representative from the 78th district (2011–2015) and candidate for governor in 2014 (endorsed Crowley)[21][22]
- Tim Jacobson, Oshkosh Defense assembler[23] (ran for Winnebago County Board of Supervisors)[24]
- Sara Rodriguez, lieutenant governor (2023–present) (remained on ballot)[25]
- Ryan Strnad, stadium vendor (endorsed Crowley)[26]
Disqualified
- Kirk Bangstad, business owner[27]
Declined
- Tony Evers, incumbent governor (2019–present)[28] (endorsed Crowley)[13]
- Sarah Godlewski, Wisconsin Secretary of State (2023–present) and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2022 (running for lieutenant governor)[29]
- Cavalier Johnson, mayor of Milwaukee (2021–present) (endorsed Crowley)[30]
- Josh Kaul, Attorney General of Wisconsin (2019–present) (running for re-election)[31]
- Tip McGuire, state representative from the 64th district (2019–present)[32] (running for re-election)
- Ben Wikler, former chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party (2019–2025) and candidate for Democratic National Committee chair in 2025[33]
Endorsements
Joel Brennan
- Executive branch officials
- Tom Barrett, former U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg (2022–2025) and former Mayor of Milwaukee[34]
- Statewide officials
- Dennis Conta, former secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (1977–1979)[35]
- Mark Meyer, former Wisconsin Public Service Commissioner (2004–2010)[35]
- Dan Schooff, former secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration (2010–2011)[35]
- State legislators
- Janet Bewley, former minority leader of the Wisconsin Senate (2020–2023) from SD-25 (2015–2023)[36]
- Chester Gerlach, AD-3 (1975–1985)[35]
- Jim Holperin, SD-12 (2009–2013)[35]
- Robert Jauch, former minority leader of the Wisconsin Senate (1993–1995) from SD-25 (1987–2015)[35]
- Shirley Krug, former minority leader of the Wisconsin State Assembly (1998–2001) from AD-12 (1985–2005)[35]
- Walter Kunicki, former Assembly Speaker (1991–1995) from AD-8 (1981–1999)[35]
- Brad Pfaff, SD-32 (2021–present)[37]
- Judy Robson, former majority leader of the Wisconsin Senate (2007) from SD-15 (1999–2011)[35]
- Donna Seidel, AD-85 (2005–2013)[35]
- Mike Sheridan, former Assembly Speaker (2009–2011) from AD-44 (2005–2011)[35]
- Kevin Soucie, AD-7 (1975–1981)[35]
- Dana Wachs, AD-91 (2013–2019)[35]
- James Wahner, former majority leader of the Wisconsin State Assembly (1977–1980) from AD-15 (1971–1980)[35]
- Local officials
- John Antaramian, former mayor of Kenosha (1992–2008, 2016–2024)[35]
- John Medinger, former mayor of La Crosse (1997–2005)[35]
- John Robinson, member of the Marathon County board of supervisors (1974–1981, 2006–present)[35]
- Tony Staskunas, member of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors from the 16th district (2013–present)[35]
- Party officials
- Jeffrey Neubauer, former chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin (1989–1993)[35]
David Crowley
- U.S. Representatives
- Gregory Meeks, NY-05 (1998–present)[38]
- Gwen Moore, WI-04 (2005–present)[39]
- Statewide officials
- Tony Evers, governor of Wisconsin (2019–present)[13]
- Missy Hughes, former CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (2019–2025) (previously endorsed Rodriguez)[40]
- State legislators
- Dora Drake, SD-4 (2024–present)[41]
- Kalan Haywood, AD-16 (2019–present)[42]
- Brett Hulsey, AD-78 (2011–2015)[22]
- Melissa Ratcliff, SD-16 (2025–present)[43]
- Lisa Subeck, AD-79 (2015–present)[44]
- Local officials
- Alicia Halvensleben, mayor of Waukesha (2026–present)[45]
- Cavalier Johnson, mayor of Milwaukee (2021–present)[30]
- Dennis McBride, mayor of Wauwatosa (2020–present)[45]
- Labor unions
- IAFF Locals 215 & 1848[46][47]
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Wisconsin State Conference[48]
- International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139[49]
- Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin[50]
- Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters[51]
- Plumbers Union Local 75[52]
- Wisconsin Laborers' District Council[53]
- Organizations
Francesca Hong
- U.S. representatives
- State legislators
- Ryan Clancy, AD-19 (2023–present)[56]
- Gary George, former president pro tempore of the Wisconsin State Senate (1999–2003) from SD-6 (1981–2003)[57]
- Chris Larson, SD-7 (2011–present)[58]
- Angelito Tenorio, AD-14 (2025–present)[56]
- Nina Turner, former Ohio state senator, SD-25 (2008–2014)[54]
- Individuals
- Kat Abughazaleh, journalist and social media influencer[59]
- Hasan Piker, political commentator[60]
- Qasim Rashid, attorney[54]
- Labor unions
- OPEIU Local 39[61]
- Service Employees International Union Wisconsin[62]
- Organizations
- AAPI Victory Fund[63]
- Center for Freethought Equality (co-endorsement with Roys)[64]
- Citizen Action of Wisconsin[65]
- Madison Area Democratic Socialists of America[66]
- Milwaukee Democratic Socialists of America[67]
- Twin Ports Democratic Socialists of America[68]
- Our Wisconsin Revolution[69]
- Our Revolution[70]
- Young Progressive Democrats of America[71]
Kelda Roys
- Executive branch officials
- Thomas Loftus, former U.S. ambassador to Norway (1993–1997)[72]
- Statewide officials
- Barbara Lawton, former lieutenant governor of Wisconsin (2003–2011)[73]
- U.S. representatives
- Steve Kagen, WI-08 (2007–2011)[72]
- State legislators
- Brienne Brown, AD-43 (2025–present)[72]
- Chris Danou, AD-91 (2009–2013), AD-92 (2013–2017)[74]
- Dave Hansen, former majority leader of the Wisconsin Senate (2010–2011) from SD-30 (2001–2021)[75]
- Sarah Keyeski, SD-14 (2025–present)[76]
- Jessica King, SD-18 (2011–2013)[74]
- Karen Kirsch, AD-7 (2025–present)[74]
- Donna Seidel, AD-85 (2004–2013)[74]
- Gary Sherman, AD-74 (1999–2010)[74]
- Ryan Spaude, AD-89 (2025–present)[75]
- Mark Spreitzer, SD-15 (2023–present)[75]
- Robert Wirch, SD-22 (1997–present) (previously endorsed Rodriguez)[75]
- Local officials
- Tom Nelson, Outagamie County executive (2011–present)[74]
- John Norquist, former mayor of Milwaukee (1988–2004)[74]
- Labor unions
- Organizations
- Vote Run Lead[78]
- Center for Freethought Equality (co-endorsement with Hong)[64]
Mandela Barnes (withdrawn, remained on ballot)
- U.S. senators
- Adam Schiff, California (2024–present)[79]
- State legislators
- Angelina Cruz, AD-62 (2025–present)[80]
- Tod Ohnstad, AD-65 (2013–2025)[80]
- Sandy Pasch, AD-10 (2013–2015), AD-22 (2009–2013)[80]
- Amaad Rivera-Wagner, AD-90 (2025–present)[80]
- Local officials
- Eric Genrich, mayor of Green Bay (2019–present)[81]
- Individuals
- LeVar Burton, actor[82]
- Labor unions
- United Auto Workers Wisconsin State CAP Council[83]
- United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1473[84]
- Organizations
- Collective PAC[85]
- End Citizens United[86]
- NRDC Action Fund[87]
Sara Rodriguez (withdrawn, remained on ballot)
- Statewide officials
- Austin Davis, lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania (2023–present)[88]
Missy Hughes, former CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (2019–2025)(endorsed Crowley after Rodriguez withdrew)[20][40]- Martin J. Schreiber, former governor of Wisconsin (1977–1979)[89]
- State legislators
- Ben DeSmidt, AD-65 (2025–present)[90]
- Joan Fitzgerald, AD-46 (2025–present)[90]
- Gary Hebl, AD-46 (2005–2023)[90]
- Andrew Hysell, AD-48 (2025–present)[90]
- Beth Meyers, AD-74 (2015–2023)[90]
- Maureen McCarville, AD-42 (2025–present)[90]
- Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, AD-8 (2021–present)[90]
- Janis Ringhand, SD-15 (2015–2023)[90]
Robert Wirch, SD-22 (1997–present)(endorsed Roys after Rodriguez withdrew)[90][75]
- Municipal officials
David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive (2020–current) (re-entered race) [91]- Paul Soglin, former mayor of Madison (1973–1979, 1989–1997, 2011–2019)[92]
- Labor unions
- Organizations
Declined to endorse
- U.S. senators
- Bernie Sanders, Vermont (2007–present) (Independent)[95]
- U.S. representatives
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, NY-14 (2019–present)[96]
- Mark Pocan, WI-02 (2013–present)[97]
- Organizations
Fundraising
Italics indicate a withdrawn candidate
| Campaign finance reports as of July 15, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Mandela Barnes (D) | $1,397,005 | $1,196,887 | $204,207 |
| Joel Brennan (D) | $1,231,839 | $872,254 | $359,583 |
| David Crowley (D) | $1,039,328 | $724,579 | $316,178 |
| Francesca Hong (D) | $1,077,568 | $667,690 | $410,563 |
| Missy Hughes (D) | $613,841 | $588,052 | $26,788 |
| Sara Rodriguez (D) | $1,180,101 | $657,178 | $34,990 |
| Kelda Roys (D) | $882,886 | $612,361 | $408,482 |
| Source: Wisconsin Ethics Commission[98] | |||
Polling
- Aggregate polls
| Source of poll aggregation |
Dates administered |
Dates updated |
Mandela Barnes |
David Crowley |
Francesca Hong |
Other/ Undecided[a] |
Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Race to the WH[99] | through August 6, 2026 | August 7, 2026 | — | 20.8% | 45.3% | 35.5%[b] | Hong +24.5% |
| 270toWin[100] | July 18 – August 6, 2026 | August 7, 2026 | 19.0% | 14.0% | 42.7% | 23.9%[c] | Hong +23.7% |
| Average | 19.0% | 17.4% | 44.0% | 19.6% | Hong +25.0% | ||
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Mandela Barnes |
Joel Brennan |
David Crowley |
Francesca Hong |
Sara Rodriguez |
Kelda Roys |
Missy Hughes |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Navigate[101] | August 3–6, 2026 | 1,473 (LV) | ± 2.3% | 6%[e] | 5% | 22% | 44% | 3% | 11% | 0% | — | 9% |
| 3%[f] | 5% | 24% | 44% | 3% | 11% | 0% | — | 10% | ||||
| 5% | 5% | 21% | 42% | 3% | 10% | 0% | — | 14% | ||||
| Public Policy Polling (D)[102][A] | August 4–5, 2026 | 753 (LV) | — | — | — | 24% | 42% | — | — | — | — | — |
| Barnes withdraws from the race | ||||||||||||
| Marquette University[103] | July 22–27, 2026 | 407 (RV) | ± 6.6% | 21%[e] | 4% | 11% | 46% | — | 4% | — | — | 14% |
| 16% | 2% | 7% | 38% | — | 2% | — | — | 34% | ||||
| State Navigate[104][B] | July 23–26, 2026 | 1,085 (LV) | ± 3.0% | 14%[e] | 4% | 15% | 44% | 4% | 4% | 1% | — | 13% |
| 13% | 4% | 12% | 42% | 3% | 4% | 1% | — | 22% | ||||
| Public Policy Polling (D)[105][106][A] | July 20–22, 2026 | 708 (LV) | — | 15% | 3% | 14% | 35% | — | 5% | — | — | 28% |
| Impact Research (D)[107][106][C] | July 18–20, 2026 | 621 (LV) | — | 26% | 6% | 11% | 39% | — | 7% | — | — | 11% |
| Wedgewood Polls[108] | July 18–20, 2026 | 505 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 30% | — | 9% | 38% | — | — | — | — | 23% |
| Crowley re-enters the race | ||||||||||||
| Rodriguez withdraws from the race | ||||||||||||
| Marquette University[109] | July 8–16, 2026 | 430 (RV) | ± 6.1% | 15% | 2% | — | 26% | 11% | 1% | — | — | 45% |
| 18% | 5% | — | 27% | — | 2% | — | — | 48% | ||||
| Crowley withdraws from the race, endorses Rodriguez | ||||||||||||
| Wedgewood Polls[110][D] | July 2–4, 2026 | 413 (LV) | ± 5.3% | 28% | — | — | 30% | 19% | — | — | — | 23% |
| The Public Sentiment Institute[111][112][E] | May 13–15, 2026 | 880 (RV) 877 (LV) |
± 4.2% | 24% | 2% | 8% | 9% | 12% | — | 0% | 8% | 39% |
| Marquette University[113] | March 11–18, 2026 | 393 (RV) | ± 6.7% | 11% | — | 3% | 14% | 3% | 1% | 1% | — | 65% |
| Patriot Polling (R)[114] | March 10–16, 2026 | — (LV) | — | 27% | — | 6% | 18% | 6% | — | — | 43% | |
| Marquette University[115] | February 11–19, 2026 | 394 (RV) | ± 6.9% | 10% | 2% | 3% | 11% | 6% | 1% | 2% | 1%[g] | 65% |
| TIPP Insights (R)[116][F] | February 6–12, 2026 | 1,524 (RV) | ± 2.7% | 28% | 0% | 7% | 5% | 20% | 2% | 1% | 1%[h] | 35% |
| Barnes enters the race | ||||||||||||
| Marquette University[117] | October 15–22, 2025 | 378 (RV) | ± 6.9% | — | 3% | — | 6% | 4% | 3% | 2% | 0%[i] | 81% |
Hypothetical polling
with Josh Kaul and Sarah Godlewski
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
David Crowley |
Francesca Hong |
Mandela Barnes |
Sara Rodriguez |
Josh Kaul |
Sarah Godlewski |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TIPP Insights (R)[118][F] | November 17–21, 2025 | 589 (LV) | — | 6% | — | 21% | 6% | 8% | 3% | 3%[j] | 52% |
| Platform Communications[119] | September 28–30, 2025 | — (LV) | — | 7% | 4% | 16% | 8% | 7% | — | 19%[k] | 39% |
Debate and forums
| No. | Date | Host | Moderator | Link | Democratic | Democratic | Democratic | Democratic | Democratic | Democratic | Democratic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key: P Participant A Absent N Not invited I Invited W Withdrawn |
|||||||||||
| Mandela Barnes | Joel Brennan | David Crowley | Francesca Hong | Missy Hughes | Sara Rodriguez | Kelda Roys | |||||
| 1 | Jan. 21, 2026 | Civic Media Main Street Action |
Dan Shafer | YouTube | P | P | P | P | P | P | P |
| 2 | Apr. 14, 2026 | Citizen Action of Wisconsin | Priscilla Bort Robert Kraig |
YouTube | P | P | P | P | P | P | P |
| 3 | Jul. 28, 2026 | Marquette University WISN-TV |
Gerron Jordan Matt Smith |
YouTube | P | P | P | P | W | W | P |
Results
Crowley
- 30–40%
- 40–50%
Hong
- 30–40%
- 40–50%
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | David Crowley | 315,308 | 39.81 | |
| Democratic | Francesca Hong | 311,512 | 39.33 | |
| Democratic | Kelda Roys | 59,443 | 7.51 | |
| Democratic | Joel Brennan | 37,135 | 4.69 | |
| Democratic | Sara Rodriguez (withdrawn) | 32,688 | 4.13 | |
| Democratic | Mandela Barnes (withdrawn) | 32,415 | 4.09 | |
| Democratic | Missy Hughes (withdrawn) | 3,237 | 0.41 | |
| Write-in | 271 | 0.03 | ||
| Total votes | 792,009 | 100.0 | ||
Lieutenant governor
Candidates
Nominee
- Sarah Godlewski, Wisconsin Secretary of State (2023–present) and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2022[29][120]
Declined
- Sara Rodriguez, incumbent lieutenant governor (2023–present) (ran for governor)[121]
Endorsements
Sarah Godlewski
- U.S. representatives
- Mark Pocan, WI-02 (2013–present)[97]
- Statewide officials
- Barbara Lawton, former lieutenant governor of Wisconsin (2003–2011)[122]
- Local officials
- Eric Genrich, mayor of Green Bay (2019–present)[123]
- Cavalier Johnson, mayor of Milwaukee (2021–present)[123]
- Satya Rhodes-Conway, mayor of Madison (2019–present)[123]
- Labor unions
- Organizations
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of July 15, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Sarah Godlewski (D) | $292,267 | $230,391 | $77,917 |
| Source: Wisconsin Ethics Commission[98] | |||
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Sarah Godlewski | |||
| Write-in | ||||
| Total votes | 100.0 | |||
Republican primary
Tom Tiffany, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, was expected to obtain the nomination without meaningful challenge.[126] Tiffany received an endorsement from Donald Trump, who Tiffany believes may have won the 2020 presidential election.[1] As a member of the federal House, Tiffany objected to the certification of Pennsylvania's and Arizona's electoral results on January 6, 2021, and was prevented from objecting to Wisconsin's electoral results because the Capitol building was stormed by pro-Trump insurgents.[1] He has kept mention of Trump to a minimum during his primary campaign.[1]
Governor
Candidates
Nominee
- Tom Tiffany, U.S. representative for Wisconsin's 7th congressional district (2020–present)[127][128]
Eliminated in primary
- Andy Manske, medical service technician[129]
Withdrawn
- Bill Berrien, manufacturing executive[130]
- Josh Schoemann, Washington County Executive (2020–present)[131]
Declined
- Rohn W. Bishop, mayor of Waupun, Wisconsin (2022–present)[132]
- Eric Hovde, bank executive, nominee for U.S. Senate in 2024 and candidate in 2012[133]
- Ron Johnson, U.S. senator (2011–present)[134]
- Mary Felzkowski, president of the Wisconsin Senate (2025–present) from the 12th district (2021–present)[135]
- Bill McCoshen, WTMJ-TV host and owner of the Janesville Jets[136]
- Tim Michels, co-owner of the Michels Corporation, nominee for governor in 2022 and U.S. Senate in 2004[137]
- Matt Neumann, business owner[137]
- Bryan Steil, U.S. representative for Wisconsin's 1st congressional district (2019–present)[138] (running for re-election; endorsed Tiffany)[139][140]
- 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[141] (endorsed Tiffany)[142]
- Scott Walker, former governor (2011–2019)[143]
Endorsements
Tom Tiffany
- Executive branch officials
- Tommy Thompson, former governor (1987–2001) and former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (2001–2005)[142]
- Donald Trump, president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present)[144]
- JD Vance, vice-president of the United States (2025–present)[145]
- U.S. representatives
- Tom Emmer, House Majority Whip (2023–present) from MN-06 (2015–present)[146]
- Scott Fitzgerald, WI-05 (2021–present)[147]
- Glenn Grothman, WI-06 (2015–present)[148]
- Harriet Hageman, WY-AL (2023–present)[149]
- Jim Jordan, OH-04 (2007–present)[150]
- Troy Nehls, TX-22 (2021–present)[151]
- Bryan Steil, WI-01 (2019–present)[140]
- Derrick Van Orden, WI-03 (2023–present)[152]
- Tony Wied, WI-08 (2024–present)[153]
- State officials
- Kelly Armstrong, governor of North Dakota (2024–present)[154]
- State Legislators
- Angie Sapik former state representative from the 73rd district (2023–2025)[144]
- Municipal officials
- Labor unions
- Organizations
- Americans for Prosperity Wisconsin[161]
- College Republicans of America[162]
- Republican Party of Wisconsin[163]
- Turning Point Action[164]
- Wisconsin College Republicans[165]
- Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Volunteers for Agriculture[166]
- Wisconsin Young Republicans[167]
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of December 31, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Andy Manske (R) | $1,484 | $114 | $1,370 |
| Tom Tiffany (R) | $10,842,318 | $7,854,693 | $2,998,334 |
| Source: Wisconsin Ethics Commission[98] | |||
Polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Bill Berrien |
Andy Manske |
Josh Schoemann |
Tom Tiffany |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marquette University[109] | July 8–16, 2026 | 399 (RV) | ± 6.5% | — | 2% | — | 67% | — | 30% |
| Marquette University[113] | March 11–18, 2026 | 396 (RV) | ± 6.3% | — | 6% | — | 40% | 0%[m] | 54% |
| Patriot Polling (R)[114] | March 10–16, 2026 | — (LV) | — | — | 8% | — | 65% | 27% | |
| Marquette University[115] | February 11–19, 2026 | 371 (RV) | ± 6.4% | — | 2% | — | 35% | — | 63% |
| Schoemann withdraws from the race | |||||||||
| Marquette University[117] | October 15–22, 2025 | 406 (RV) | ± 6.9% | — | 0% | 6% | 23% | — | 70% |
| Berrien withdraws from the race | |||||||||
| Fabrizio, Lee & Associates (R)[168] | July 28–31, 2025 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 10% | — | 13% | 40% | — | 37% |
Hypothetical polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Eric Hovde |
Josh Schoemann |
Mary Felzkowski |
Tim Michels |
Tom Tiffany |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TIPP Insights (R)[118][F] | November 17–21, 2025 | 586 (LV) | — | 25% | 5% | — | 12% | 17% | 2%[n] | 37% |
| Platform Communications[119] | September 28–30, 2025 | — (LV) | — | 14% | 4% | 1% | 9% | 30% | 9%[o] | 33% |
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Tom Tiffany | 467,830 | 95.32 | |
| Republican | Andy Manske | 22,553 | 4.59 | |
| Write-in | 436 | 0.09 | ||
| Total votes | 490,819 | 100.0 | ||
Lieutenant governor
Candidates
Nominee
Eliminated in primary
- Will Martin, former director of strategic workforce initiatives for the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and candidate for lieutenant governor in 2022[170]
Withdrawn
- Nick Polce, business owner and candidate for Wisconsin's 1st congressional district in 2018 (running for state senate)[171]
Did not file
- Cyril Sablich, college student
- John Totz, Oakfield school board member
Endorsements
Will Martin
- Organizations
David Varnam
- U.S. representatives
- Derrick Van Orden, WI-03 (2023–present)[173]
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of July 15, 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Will Martin (R) | $225,842 | $72,031 | $153,811 |
| David Varnam (R) | $66,529 | $54,748 | $12,892 |
| Source: Wisconsin Ethics Commission[98] | |||
Results
Varnam
- 50–60%
- 60–70%
- 70–80%
Martin
- 50–60%
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | David Varnam | 239,272 | 55.53 | |
| Republican | Will Martin | 190,784 | 44.27 | |
| Write-in | 866 | 0.20 | ||
| Total votes | 430,922 | 100.0 | ||
General election
Post-primary endorsements
David Crowley (D)
- State legislators
- Francesca Hong, AD-76 (2021–present) and primary candidate for this seat[174]
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Elections[175] | Tossup | August 28, 2025 |
| Race to the WH[176] | Tossup | August 12, 2026 |
| RealClearPolitics[177] | Tossup | June 5, 2026 |
| Fox News[178] | Tossup | July 23, 2026 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[179] | Lean D | August 12, 2026 |
| The Cook Political Report[180] | Tossup | September 11, 2025 |
Polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
David Crowley (D) |
Tom Tiffany (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform Communications (R)[181] | August 12–13, 2026 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 48% | 44% | – | – |
| Primary elections are held | |||||||
| GBAO (D)[182][G] | July 30 – August 3, 2026 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.5% | 47% | 44% | — | 5% |
| RMG Research[184] | July 20–24, 2026 | 800 (RV) | ± 3.5% | 46% | 43% | — | 11% |
| TIPP Insights (R)[185][186][F] | March 13–19, 2026 | 1,175 (LV) | ± 2.9% | 42% | 41% | 5%[p] | 12% |
| 1,495 (RV) | ± 2.7% | 39% | 38% | 7%[q] | 16% | ||
Hypothetical polling
Joel Brennan vs. Tom Tiffany
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Joel Brennan (D) |
Tom Tiffany (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marquette University[109] | July 8–16, 2026 | 695 (LV) | ± 4.9% | 43% | 44% | — | 13% |
| 838 (RV) | ± 4.5% | 39% | 42% | — | 19% |
Francesca Hong vs. Tom Tiffany
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Francesca Hong (D) |
Tom Tiffany (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RMG Research[184] | July 20–24, 2026 | 800 (RV) | ± 3.5% | 44% | 43% | — | 13% |
| Marquette University[109] | July 8–16, 2026 | 695 (LV) | ± 4.9% | 44% | 44% | — | 12% |
| 838 (RV) | ± 4.5% | 40% | 43% | — | 17% | ||
| Wedgewood Polls[110][D] | July 2–4, 2026 | 707 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 47% | 44% | — | 9% |
| TIPP Insights (R)[185][186][F] | March 13–19, 2026 | 1,175 (LV) | ± 2.9% | 40% | 43% | 6%[q] | 12% |
| 1,495 (RV) | ± 2.7% | 37% | 40% | 7%[r] | 16% | ||
| Patriot Polling (R)[114] | March 10–16, 2026 | 812 (LV) | ± 3.5% | 42% | 46% | 12% | |
Kelda Roys vs. Tom Tiffany
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Kelda Roys (D) |
Tom Tiffany (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marquette University[109] | July 8–16, 2026 | 695 (LV) | ± 4.9% | 42% | 44% | — | 14% |
| 838 (RV) | ± 4.5% | 38% | 42% | — | 21% |
Mandela Barnes vs. Tim Michels
Mandela Barnes vs. Tom Tiffany
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Mandela Barnes (D) |
Tom Tiffany (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RMG Research[184] | July 20–24, 2026 | 800 (RV) | ± 3.5% | 47% | 42% | — | 11% |
| Marquette University[109] | July 8–16, 2026 | 695 (LV) | ± 4.9% | 47% | 42% | — | 11% |
| 838 (RV) | ± 4.5% | 44% | 40% | — | 16% | ||
| Wedgewood Polls[110][D] | July 2–4, 2026 | 707 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 48% | 44% | — | 8% |
| TIPP Insights (R)[185][186][F] | March 13–19, 2026 | 1,175 (LV) | ± 2.9% | 43% | 41% | 6%[q] | 10% |
| 1,495 (RV) | ± 2.7% | 40% | 38% | 7%[r] | 15% | ||
| Impact Research (D)[187][H] | October 2–8, 2025 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 50% | 44% | — | 7% |
Sara Rodriguez vs. Tom Tiffany
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[d] |
Margin of error |
Sara Rodriguez (D) |
Tom Tiffany (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marquette University[109] | July 8–16, 2026 | 838 (RV) | ± 4.5% | 42% | 41% | — | 17% |
| Wedgewood Polls[110][D] | July 2–4, 2026 | 707 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 47% | 42% | — | 11% |
| TIPP Insights (R)[185][186][F] | March 13–19, 2026 | 1,175 (LV) | ± 2.9% | 44% | 41% | 5%[p] | 10% |
| 1,495 (RV) | ± 2.7% | 40% | 39% | 7%[q] | 15% |
Generic Democrat vs. generic Republican
See also
Notes
- Calculated by taking the difference of 100% and all other candidates combined.
- Kelda Roys with 7.4%; Joel Brennan with 4.3%; Zachary Roper with 1.3%; Missy Hughes with 1%
- Kelda Roys with 7.5%; Joel Brennan with 4.5%; Sara Rodriguez with 3%
- Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear - With voters who lean towards a given candidate
- With voters who lean towards a given candidate and withdrawn-candidate push
- Brett Hulsey with 1%
- Brett Hulsey with 1%
- Brett Hulsey and Ryan Strnad with 0%
- Kelda Roys with 1%; Missy Hughes with 2%
- Kelda Roys with 4%; Missy Hughes with 2%; Ben Wikler with 1%; "None of the candidates" with 12%
- "Refused" with 0%
- Kevin Nicholson with 2%
- "None of the candidates" with 9%
- "Someone else" with 5%
- "Someone else" with 6%
- "Someone else" with 7%
Partisan clients
- Poll sponsored by Crowley's campaign
- Poll sponsored by Main Street Action and UpNorthNews
- Poll sponsored by Barnes' campaign
- Poll sponsored by the Isthmus Political Report, a progressive Wisconsin-based organization.
- Poll sponsored by the Great Lakes Perspective
- Poll sponsored by the League of American Workers
- Poll sponsored by Protect Our Wisconsin PAC, a group backed by the Democratic Governors Association.[183]
- Poll sponsored by The Long Run PAC, an organization founded by Barnes