Who is running for Wisconsin Governor 2026?
The 2026 Wisconsin governor election is set to be one of the most closely watched contests in the country. With incumbent Governor Tony Evers not seeking re-election, the race is wide open, drawing a diverse field of candidates from both major parties and independents. Wisconsin is known for its razor-thin statewide margins, and this year’s governor election is expected to reflect that competitive spirit. This article provides a clear, factual guide to the candidates, process, and outlook for the 2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial election.
2026 Wisconsin Governor Election: Who is Running?
Voters in Wisconsin will choose a new governor in the 2026 election, as Democratic incumbent Tony Evers has announced he is not running for a third term. This creates the first open-seat gubernatorial race in Wisconsin since 2010, contributing to increased interest and competition. Election raters describe the Wisconsin governor race as a tossup, reflecting the state’s ongoing political balance. Wisconsin is known as a competitive swing state, with recent federal and statewide races—presidential and Senate elections among them—decided by fractions of a percentage point. In the 2024 presidential election, the state saw the second highest voter turnout in the nation. While Republicans hold a majority in both chambers of the legislature and dominate the congressional delegation, Democrats currently lead most statewide executive offices, including the governorship. The field for the 2026 Wisconsin governor election is large and diverse, with both major parties and independent candidates vying for the open seat.
Candidates in the 2026 Wisconsin Governor Election
Democratic Candidates:
– David Crowley is the Milwaukee County Executive (2020–present) and a declared Democratic candidate. According to the provided summary, Crowley has endorsements from figures including state representative Kalan Haywood, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Marcelia Nicholson (Chair of Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors), José G. Pérez (President of Milwaukee Common Council), and organizations such as the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 215.
– Francesca Hong serves as a state representative from the 76th district (2021–present) and is a declared Democratic candidate. – Missy Hughes, formerly CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (2019–2025), is also declared for the Democratic primary.
– Brett Hulsey is a former state representative (78th district, 2011–2015) and prior gubernatorial candidate (2014); he is declared for 2026.
– Sara Rodriguez, the Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin (2023–present), has declared her candidacy and is an incumbent. According to available information, she has endorsements from Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, multiple Wisconsin state representatives and senators, the Madison Common Council president, and organizations including 314 Action Fund and the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association.
– Kelda Roys, a current state senator from the 26th district (since 2021), was previously a congressional and gubernatorial candidate and is declared for governor.
– Ryan Strnad is a stadium vendor who has announced his candidacy.
– Zachary Roper is a college student and 2024 nominee for Wisconsin’s 84th Assembly district, and is also running for governor.
– Tim Jacobson has filed paperwork as a Democratic candidate.
Republican Candidates:
– Tom Tiffany, U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s 7th congressional district (2020–present), is a declared Republican candidate. According to the input, his endorsements include U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Wisconsin Representatives Scott Fitzgerald and Glenn Grothman, Harriet Hageman (WY), Jim Jordan (OH), Troy Nehls (TX), Derrick Van Orden (WI), Tony Wied (WI), former Dodge County sheriff Todd Nehls, College Republicans of America, Milwaukee Police Association, and Wisconsin College Republicans.
– Josh Schoemann is the Washington County Executive (2020–present) and a declared Republican candidate.
– Andy Manske is a medical service technician who has filed for the Republican primary.
Independent and Other Candidates:
– Jill Ferguson, a retiree associated with the Green Party, is a declared candidate running as an independent/other.
– David King, a pastor and perennial candidate, is listed as officially declared.
– Carlos Dixon, a musician, is also running as an independent.
– Oliver Carranza, a college student, has filed for candidacy.
– Alexander Kent, described as an electoral reform activist, has filed to run as an independent.
2026 Wisconsin Governor Election Details
The 2026 Wisconsin governor election will use the state’s traditional partisan primary and general election system. Party primaries for Democrats and Republicans are scheduled for August 11, 2026; voters will select nominees separately for each party. The general election takes place on November 3, 2026, when voters will choose among the primary winners and any qualified independent or third-party candidates. No special voting procedures or alternative election systems are described in the available data. The race is further distinguished by its open-seat status, as no incumbent is running from either major party. The competitive gubernatorial election coincides with an important Wisconsin Supreme Court contest in April 2026. According to the Marquette Law School Poll conducted in late 2025, most voters remain undecided and less familiar with many gubernatorial and judicial candidates at this stage of the cycle. Voter engagement in Wisconsin elections is typically high, with turnout among the highest nationwide. Election participants will ultimately decide the next state executive in a process shaped by close margins and intense party competition.
Polling and Race Outlook: Wisconsin Governor 2026
Polling as of late 2025 reveals a crowded and unsettled field for both Democratic and Republican primaries. On the Democratic side, Francesca Hong leads early polls with 6% support, followed by Sara Rodriguez at 4%, David Crowley and others polling in the single digits, and approximately 81% of likely Democratic voters remaining undecided. For Republicans, Tom Tiffany is the early frontrunner with between 23% and 40% support, while Josh Schoemann and Andy Manske trail with lower percentages. Bill Berrien had some support but has since withdrawn from the race. In hypothetical general election matchups, probable Democratic nominee Mandela Barnes narrowly leads Republican Tim Michels or Tom Tiffany by small margins, while generic polling shows Republicans slightly ahead. Expert race raters, including The Cook Political Report and others, currently classify the general election as a tossup. According to the Marquette Law School Poll, voter awareness is very low, with only 6% of registered voters having heard a lot about the campaigns, and majorities in both party primaries undecided about their choices. Name recognition for all candidates remains limited, with only a handful reaching double digits. Regional variation exists, with Tiffany performing best in northern and western Wisconsin and Crowley more recognized in the Milwaukee area.
Key Issues in the 2026 Wisconsin Governor Race
Several significant issues shape the 2026 Wisconsin governor election, reflecting both statewide and national dynamics. Key concerns include the economy—specifically strategies for building a Main Street economy and raising wages—education funding, universal child care, and public school improvements. Healthcare access and affordability, housing availability, and opposition to increased taxes are also among voter priorities. Additional focal points are agriculture and farmland protection, the preservation of Wisconsin values, inflation and cost of living, public health insurance, and gun violence. Jobs, housing affordability, abortion policy, immigration and border security, and crime in communities are highlighted repeatedly in polling and voter surveys as important to participants in the 2026 contest. These issues are likely to dominate campaign messaging and debate as candidates work to distinguish themselves in this open and highly competitive race.
Partner with Sutton & Smart for Your 2026 Campaign
Campaign professionals, candidates, and organizations can rely on Sutton & Smart for comprehensive petition gathering, canvassing, voter contact, and expert political consulting services for the 2026 Wisconsin governor election. Connect with our team to enhance your campaign strategies without partisanship.
https://www.wisn.com/article/wisconsin-governor-race-candidates-2026/68107012#
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Jon Sutton
An expert in management, strategy, and field organizing, Jon has been a frequent commentator in national publications.
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