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.
Primary elections were held on August 11, 2026. Tiffany won the Republican nomination without serious challenge. Crowley, despite having temporarily withdrawn his candidacy, won the Democratic nomination in an upset victory over state representative Francesca Hong, receiving 39.8% of the vote.
This is the first Wisconsin gubernatorial election since 2010 in which the incumbent is not seeking re-election, 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.
If elected, Crowley would be the first African-American governor of Wisconsin.
The 2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial election was held on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Wisconsin. The Democratic nominee, Milwaukee County executive David Crowley, was elected governor, defeating Republican U.S. representative Tom Tiffany. When sworn in in January 2027, Crowley will become the first African-American governor of Wisconsin and the fifth African-American governor in U.S. history.
Incumbent Democratic governor Tony Evers did not seek re-election to a third term, making this the first open-seat gubernatorial election in Wisconsin since 2010. Crowley's victory represents the first time since 1962 that Democrats have won a third consecutive gubernatorial election in Wisconsin.
Primary elections were held on August 11, 2026. Tiffany won the Republican nomination without serious challenge. Crowley, despite having temporarily withdrawn his candidacy, won the Democratic nomination in an upset victory over state representative Francesca Hong, receiving 39.8% of the vote.
Crowley's victory was part of a national Democratic wave in the 2026 elections, which also saw Wisconsin Democrats gain control of the state Senate and Assembly, achieving their first governing trifecta since 2009–2010. Crowley's margin of victory—just over eight percentage points—is the largest margin of victory in a Wisconsin gubernatorial election since Tommy Thompson's third re-election in 1998, and the largest margin for a Democrat since Thompson's predecessor, Tony Earl, won election with 57% of the vote in 1982.
Crowley's running mate on the Democratic ticket was Sarah Godlewski, the incumbent secretary of state and former state treasurer; she was unopposed in the lieutenant gubernatorial primary. Tiffany's running mate was David Varnam, the former mayor of Lancaster, Wisconsin; the Republican Party of Wisconsin had endorsed and supported Will Martin in the lieutenant gubernatorial primary, but Varnam won the nomination in an upset.
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). 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. 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.
Incumbent Democratic governor Tony Evers was first elected in 2018, narrowly defeating incumbent Republican Scott Walker. He was re-elected by a slightly larger margin in 2022, defeating Republican businessman Tim Michels. 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.
Democratic primary
Governor
Tony Evers's decision not to seek re-election triggered a competitive Democratic primary. The Associated Press described the process leading up to the August 11 primary as chaotic. 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. The race became a showdown between Crowley, who was endorsed by Evers and other establishment figures, and state representative Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist. 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.
Candidates
David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive (2020–present) (previously withdrew, endorsed Rodriguez)
Joel Brennan, former secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration (2019–2022)
Francesca Hong, state representative from the 76th district (2021–present)
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
Mandela Barnes, former lieutenant governor (2019–2023) and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2022 (remained on ballot)
Missy Hughes, former CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (2019–2025) (remained on ballot; endorsed Rodriguez, later endorsed Crowley)
Brett Hulsey, former state representative from the 78th district (2011–2015) and candidate for governor in 2014 (endorsed Crowley)
Tim Jacobson, Oshkosh Defense assembler (ran for Winnebago County Board of Supervisors)
Sara Rodriguez, lieutenant governor (2023–present) (remained on ballot)
Ryan Strnad, stadium vendor (endorsed Crowley)
Kirk Bangstad, business owner
Tony Evers, incumbent governor (2019–present) (endorsed Crowley)
Sarah Godlewski, Wisconsin Secretary of State (2023–present) and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2022 (running for lieutenant governor)
Cavalier Johnson, mayor of Milwaukee (2021–present) (endorsed Crowley)
Josh Kaul, Attorney General of Wisconsin (2019–present) (running for re-election)
Tip McGuire, state representative from the 64th district (2019–present) (running for re-election)
Ben Wikler, former chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party (2019–2025) and candidate for Democratic National Committee chair in 2025
Endorsements
Joel Brennan
Tom Barrett, former U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg (2022–2025) and former Mayor of Milwaukee
Dennis Conta, former secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (1977–1979)
Mark Meyer, former Wisconsin Public Service Commissioner (2004–2010)
Dan Schooff, former secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration (2010–2011)
Janet Bewley, former minority leader of the Wisconsin Senate (2020–2023) from SD-25 (2015–2023)
Chester Gerlach, AD-3 (1975–1985)
Jim Holperin, SD-12 (2009–2013)
Robert Jauch, former minority leader of the Wisconsin Senate (1993–1995) from SD-25 (1987–2015)
Shirley Krug, former minority leader of the Wisconsin State Assembly (1998–2001) from AD-12 (1985–2005)
Walter Kunicki, former Assembly Speaker (1991–1995) from AD-8 (1981–1999)
Brad Pfaff, SD-32 (2021–present)
Judy Robson, former majority leader of the Wisconsin Senate (2007) from SD-15 (1999–2011)
Donna Seidel, AD-85 (2005–2013)
Mike Sheridan, former Assembly Speaker (2009–2011) from AD-44 (2005–2011)
Kevin Soucie, AD-7 (1975–1981)
Dana Wachs, AD-91 (2013–2019)
James Wahner, former majority leader of the Wisconsin State Assembly (1977–1980) from AD-15 (1971–1980)
John Antaramian, former mayor of Kenosha (1992–2008, 2016–2024)
John Medinger, former mayor of La Crosse (1997–2005)
John Robinson, member of the Marathon County board of supervisors (1974–1981, 2006–present)
Tony Staskunas, member of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors from the 16th district (2013–present)
Jeffrey Neubauer, former chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin (1989–1993)
David Crowley
Gregory Meeks, NY-05 (1998–present)
Gwen Moore, WI-04 (2005–present)
Tony Evers, governor of Wisconsin (2019–present)
Missy Hughes, former CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (2019–2025) (previously endorsed Rodriguez)
Dora Drake, SD-4 (2024–present)
Kalan Haywood, AD-16 (2019–present)
Brett Hulsey, AD-78 (2011–2015)
Melissa Ratcliff, SD-16 (2025–present)
Lisa Subeck, AD-79 (2015–present)
Alicia Halvensleben, mayor of Waukesha (2026–present)
Cavalier Johnson, mayor of Milwaukee (2021–present)
Dennis McBride, mayor of Wauwatosa (2020–present)
IAFF Locals 215 & 1848
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Wisconsin State Conference
International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139
Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin
Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters
Plumbers Union Local 75
Wisconsin Laborers' District Council
Congressional Black Caucus PAC
The Shepherd Express(co-endorsement with Roys)
Francesca Hong
Ro Khanna, CA-17 (2017–present)
Ilhan Omar, MN-05 (2019–present)
Ryan Clancy, AD-19 (2023–present)
Gary George, former president pro tempore of the Wisconsin State Senate (1999–2003) from SD-6 (1981–2003)
Chris Larson, SD-7 (2011–present)
Angelito Tenorio, AD-14 (2025–present)
Nina Turner, former Ohio state senator, SD-25 (2008–2014)
Kat Abughazaleh, journalist and social media influencer
Hasan Piker, political commentator
Qasim Rashid, attorney
OPEIU Local 39
Service Employees International Union Wisconsin
AAPI Victory Fund
Center for Freethought Equality (co-endorsement with Roys)
Citizen Action of Wisconsin
Madison Area Democratic Socialists of America
Milwaukee Democratic Socialists of America
Twin Ports Democratic Socialists of America
Our Wisconsin Revolution
Our Revolution
Young Progressive Democrats of America
Kelda Roys
Thomas Loftus, former U.S. ambassador to Norway (1993–1997)
Barbara Lawton, former lieutenant governor of Wisconsin (2003–2011)
Steve Kagen, WI-08 (2007–2011)
Brienne Brown, AD-43 (2025–present)
Chris Danou, AD-91 (2009–2013), AD-92 (2013–2017)
Dave Hansen, former majority leader of the Wisconsin Senate (2010–2011) from SD-30 (2001–2021)
Sarah Keyeski, SD-14 (2025–present)
Jessica King, SD-18 (2011–2013)
Karen Kirsch, AD-7 (2025–present)
Donna Seidel, AD-85 (2004–2013)
Gary Sherman, AD-74 (1999–2010)
Ryan Spaude, AD-89 (2025–present)
Mark Spreitzer, SD-15 (2023–present)
Robert Wirch, SD-22 (1997–present) (previously endorsed Rodriguez)
Tom Nelson, Outagamie County executive (2011–present)
John Norquist, former mayor of Milwaukee (1988–2004)
Wisconsin Education Association Council
Vote Run Lead
Center for Freethought Equality (co-endorsement with Hong)
The Shepherd Express(co-endorsement with Crowley)
Sara Rodriguez (withdrawn, remained on ballot)
Austin Davis, lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania (2023–present)
Missy Hughes, former CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (2019–2025) (endorsed Crowley after Rodriguez withdrew)
Martin J. Schreiber, former governor of Wisconsin (1977–1979)
Ben DeSmidt, AD-65 (2025–present)
Joan Fitzgerald, AD-46 (2025–present)
Gary Hebl, AD-46 (2005–2023)
Andrew Hysell, AD-48 (2025–present)
Beth Meyers, AD-74 (2015–2023)
Maureen McCarville, AD-42 (2025–present)
Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, AD-8 (2021–present)
Janis Ringhand, SD-15 (2015–2023)
Robert Wirch, SD-22 (1997–present) (endorsed Roys after Rodriguez withdrew)
David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive (2020–current) (re-entered race)
Paul Soglin, former mayor of Madison (1973–1979, 1989–1997, 2011–2019)
AFSCME Council 32
314 Action
Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association
Fundraising
Italics indicate a withdrawn candidate
Polling
The company Median Strategies released a poll purporting to show Hong with a 20-percentage point lead in the primary. However, the poll was later revealed as fabricated.
Lieutenant governor
Candidates
Sarah Godlewski, Wisconsin Secretary of State (2023–present) and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2022
Sara Rodriguez, incumbent lieutenant governor (2023–present) (ran for governor)
Republican primary
Tom Tiffany, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, was expected to obtain the nomination without meaningful challenge. Tiffany received an endorsement from Donald Trump, who Tiffany believes may have won the 2020 presidential election. 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. He has kept mention of Trump to a minimum during his primary campaign.
Governor
Candidates
Tom Tiffany, U.S. representative for Wisconsin's 7th congressional district (2020–present)
Andy Manske, medical service technician
Bill Berrien, manufacturing executive
Josh Schoemann, Washington County Executive (2020–present)
Rohn W. Bishop, mayor of Waupun, Wisconsin (2022–present)
Eric Hovde, bank executive, nominee for U.S. Senate in 2024 and candidate in 2012
Ron Johnson, U.S. senator (2011–present)
Mary Felzkowski, president of the Wisconsin Senate (2025–present) from the 12th district (2021–present)
Bill McCoshen, WTMJ-TV host and owner of the Janesville Jets
Tim Michels, co-owner of the Michels Corporation, nominee for governor in 2022 and U.S. Senate in 2004
Matt Neumann, business owner
Bryan Steil, U.S. representative for Wisconsin's 1st congressional district (2019–present) (running for re-election; endorsed Tiffany)
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 (endorsed Tiffany)
Scott Walker, former governor (2011–2019)
Endorsements
Tom Tiffany
Tommy Thompson, former secretary of health and human services (2001–2005) and former governor (1987–2001)
Donald Trump, president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present)
JD Vance, vice-president of the United States (2025–present)
Tom Emmer, House Majority Whip (2023–present) from MN-06 (2015–present)
Scott Fitzgerald, WI-05 (2021–present)
Glenn Grothman, WI-06 (2015–present)
Harriet Hageman, WY-AL (2023–present)
Jim Jordan, OH-04 (2007–present)
Troy Nehls, TX-22 (2021–present)
Bryan Steil, WI-01 (2019–present)
Derrick Van Orden, WI-03 (2023–present)
Tony Wied, WI-08 (2024–present)
Kelly Armstrong, governor of North Dakota (2024–present)
Angie Sapik former state representative from the 73rd district (2023–2025)