MADISON, WI – With the 2024 elections fading into the rearview mirror, political observers in Wisconsin are already turning their attention to the 2026 gubernatorial race, anticipating a potentially transformative election that could reshape the state's political future. While the field of candidates is still taking shape, early indicators suggest a highly contested and closely watched campaign.
The current Governor, Tony Evers (D), will be term-limited in 2026, automatically opening up the seat after two terms in office. This has created a scramble within both the Democratic and Republican parties to identify and support viable candidates capable of winning statewide.
On the Democratic side, several names are being floated as potential contenders. Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, having served alongside Evers, is widely considered a frontrunner. She possesses statewide name recognition and a track record of working on key policy initiatives. However, she would likely face challenges from other ambitious Democrats seeking to establish their own leadership credentials. Other potential Democratic candidates include State Attorney General Josh Kaul, who has gained prominence through high-profile legal battles, and several state senators and representatives with strong grassroots support. A successful Democratic candidate will need to rally the party base while also appealing to moderate voters in key swing districts.
The Republican Party is equally engaged in identifying a strong candidate to challenge for the governorship. After narrowly losing to Evers in the previous two elections, Republicans are eager to reclaim the executive office. Potential Republican candidates include U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher, who has built a national profile on defense and foreign policy issues, and State Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, a seasoned legislator with deep ties to the party establishment. Other names being mentioned include several prominent business leaders and wealthy donors who could self-fund their campaigns. The challenge for Republicans will be to unite behind a candidate who can appeal to both the conservative base and suburban voters who have increasingly trended towards the Democratic Party in recent elections.
Beyond the candidates themselves, several key issues are expected to dominate the 2026 gubernatorial campaign. The economy, particularly job creation and wage growth, will likely be a top priority for voters. Healthcare access and affordability, particularly in rural areas, will also be a major point of contention. Education funding and the ongoing debate over school choice are perennial issues in Wisconsin politics that will undoubtedly resurface. The political discourse surrounding election integrity, following the 2020 election and subsequent legal challenges, is also expected to play a significant role in shaping the campaign narrative.
Another crucial factor in the 2026 election will be the demographics of the Wisconsin electorate. The state has a rapidly aging population, and issues affecting senior citizens, such as Social Security and Medicare, will be critical. The growing Latino population in Wisconsin is also becoming an increasingly important voting bloc, and candidates will need to tailor their messages to appeal to this demographic group. Turnout among young voters, traditionally a reliable source of support for Democrats, will also be a key factor in determining the outcome of the election.
While it is still early in the election cycle, the 2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a highly competitive and consequential contest. The outcome will have a significant impact on the state's political direction for years to come, shaping policy on everything from economic development to education and healthcare. Political analysts anticipate a close race, with the winner likely needing to assemble a broad coalition of voters from across the political spectrum. As the field of candidates becomes clearer and the campaign intensifies, Wisconsin voters will face a crucial choice that will determine the future of their state. The coming months will be filled with political maneuvering, policy debates, and ultimately, a decision that will shape Wisconsin's political landscape for the foreseeable future.
