Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Wisconsin election season is likely to be highly competitive, with the governor’s seat and control of the state Legislature up for grabs.
- Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ decision to retire has opened up the governor’s seat, with eight Democrats and two Republicans vying for the position.
- The state Legislature is also a key battleground, with Democrats hoping to flip the Senate and potentially the Assembly.
- National politics, the economy, and approval ratings of both parties will play a significant role in the election outcomes.
- Other notable races in 2026 include the Wisconsin 3rd Congressional District, the attorney general’s race, and a state Supreme Court race.
Introduction to the 2026 Wisconsin Election Season
Wisconsin is set to have a highly competitive election season in 2026, with the future of the state’s government hanging in the balance. For the first time in years, the outcome of the election is truly uncertain, with both parties having a chance to gain control of the state Legislature and the governor’s seat. The retirement of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has opened up the governor’s seat, and a long list of Democrats has jumped into the race to replace him. Two Republicans have also announced their bids for the seat.
The Gubernatorial Race
The gubernatorial race is likely to be the marquee event of the election season, with the outcome having significant implications for the state’s government. Eight Democrats are vying for the party’s nomination, including former U.S. Senate candidate and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, current Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriquez, and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany of Minocqua and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann are the two candidates competing for the nomination. While Barnes and Tiffany have emerged as the frontrunners, there is still plenty of time for the landscape of the race to change.
The State Legislature
The state Legislature is also a key battleground in the 2026 election season. Democrats are hoping to flip the Senate, which is currently controlled by Republicans with an 18-15 majority. To do so, they will need to flip two seats, and there are four districts that are seen as competitive battlegrounds. The Assembly is a more difficult target for Democrats, as they need to flip at least five seats to take control. However, there are six battleground districts in the Assembly, and the road to controlling both chambers may run through southwest Dane County.
Other Notable Races
In addition to the legislative and executive races, there are several other notable elections taking place in 2026. The Wisconsin 3rd Congressional District is one of the most competitive districts in the country, with Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden likely to face a rematch with Democrat Rebecca Cooke in November. The attorney general’s race is also an important one, with Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul running for reelection against Republican Fond du Lac County District Eric Toney. The state Supreme Court is also up for election, with liberal Court of Appeals Judge Chris Taylor and conservative Court of Appeals Judge Maria Lazar vying for the open seat of retiring conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley.
Factors That Will Influence the Election Outcomes
A number of factors will influence the outcomes of the 2026 Wisconsin elections, including national politics, the economy, and approval ratings of both parties. The candidate for governor will also play a significant role in the legislative races, as voters often cast a straight ticket for one party. The economy and national politics will also impact the elections, with the mid-term elections often favoring the party that is not in control of the White House. Additionally, the personality and individual attributes of the candidates will also play a role in shaping the outcome of the elections.
Conclusion
The 2026 Wisconsin election season is shaping up to be highly competitive, with the governor’s seat and control of the state Legislature up for grabs. Both parties have a chance to gain control of the state government, and the outcome of the election is truly uncertain. With a number of factors influencing the election outcomes, including national politics, the economy, and approval ratings of both parties, it will be an interesting and closely watched election season. The candidates’ personalities and individual attributes will also play a significant role in shaping the outcome of the elections, making it a highly unpredictable and exciting election season.