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 is eligible to run for re-election to a third term but has not yet announced whether he will do so. This will be one of five Democratic-held governorships up for election in 2026 in a state won by Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
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Democratic primary
editCandidates
editPublicly expressed interest
edit- David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive (2020–present)[1][2]
- Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin (2019–present)[2]
- Cavalier Johnson, Mayor of Milwaukee (2021–present)[3]
- Ryan Strnad, beer vendor lobbyist[4]
Potential
edit- Mandela Barnes, former Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin (2019–2023) and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2022[5]
- Kevin Conroy, CEO of Exact Sciences Corp.[5]
- Sarah Godlewski, Wisconsin Secretary of State (2023–present), former Wisconsin State Treasurer (2019–2023), and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2022[5]
- Missy Hughes, CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation[5]
- Josh Kaul, Attorney General of Wisconsin (2019–present)[5]
- Sara Rodriguez, Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin (2023–present)[5]
Republican primary
editCandidates
editPublicly expressed interest
edit- Josh Schoemann, Washington County Executive (2020–present)[5]
- Patrick Testin, state senator from the 24th district (2017–present) and candidate for lieutenant governor in 2022[5]
- Tom Tiffany, U.S. representative for Wisconsin's 7th congressional district (2020–present) (decision expected after April 1, 2025)[2]
Potential
edit- Eric Hovde, bank executive, nominee for U.S. Senate in 2024 and candidate in 2012[2]
- Rebecca Kleefisch, former lieutenant governor (2011–2019) and candidate for governor in 2022[5]
- Bryan Steil, U.S. representative for Wisconsin's 1st congressional district (2019–present)[5]
Declined
edit- Bill Berrien, manufacturing executive[5]
- Bill McCoshen, WTMJ-TV host and owner of the Janesville Jets[5]
Green primary
editCandidates
editDeclared
edit- Jill Ferguson, retiree[6]
References
edit- ^ Shafer, Dan (December 21, 2023). "David Crowley 'possibly' interested in running for governor in 2026". The Recombobulation Area. Retrieved March 28, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Andrea, Lawrence; Bice, Daniel (November 11, 2024). "After an intense election season, the political focus shifts to state races in Wisconsin". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ Johnson, Shawn (July 11, 2024). "Milwaukee's Democratic mayor helped land the RNC. He's ready for the spotlight". Wisconsin Public Radio. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
- ^ Katzenberger, Tyler (June 27, 2023). "Beer vendor for governor? Wisconsin's Ryan Strnad opens the door for a 2026 run if Tony Evers doesn't". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Walters, Steven (August 1, 2024). "Who might run for Wisconsin governor in 2026?". Isthmus. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
- ^ "Green Party: Announcing candidate for WI Governor '26". WisPolitics. July 26, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.