2026 Wisconsin Governor Election
Wisconsin’s 2026 gubernatorial election is an open-seat race after Democratic Gov. Tony Evers said he would not seek reelection. The contest is unfolding in a closely divided battleground state, with the governor’s office likely to influence taxes, schools, health care, abortion policy, labor issues, energy costs, and election administration. Both parties have crowded or developing primary fields, and early polling shows many voters are still undecided and unfamiliar with the candidates. The race is expected to hinge on which party can define the stakes and consolidate support before the August primary and November general election.
Candidates
Sara Rodriguez is Wisconsin’s lieutenant governor and a former state Assembly member from suburban Milwaukee. A nurse and public health professional, she entered the 2026 governor’s race as a Democrat focused on lowering costs, expanding health care access, and funding public services.
Tom Tiffany is a Republican U.S. representative from northern Wisconsin and a candidate for governor in 2026. He previously served in the Wisconsin Legislature and has centered his campaign on taxes, education, immigration enforcement, energy costs, and conservative social policy.
Mike Kohn is an independent candidate in Wisconsin’s 2026 gubernatorial election. Public reporting and campaign finance records indicate he filed to run, but available sources provide little additional biographical or policy detail.
David D. King is a Milwaukee-based pastor and community leader running as an independent for Wisconsin governor. His campaign says he is focused on education, health care, infrastructure, public safety, and economic opportunity, and it highlights his work with community outreach and transitional support programs.
Francesca Hong is a Democratic member of the Wisconsin State Assembly representing Madison’s 76th District and a candidate for Wisconsin governor in 2026. Her background includes work as a chef, restaurant worker, community organizer, and single mother, and her campaign says it is focused on affordability, public services, and working families.
Mandela Barnes is a Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor and a former Wisconsin lieutenant governor. He served as Wisconsin's 45th lieutenant governor from 2019 to 2023 and is running in the open 2026 governor's race.
Kelda Roys is a Democratic member of the Wisconsin State Senate representing District 26 and a candidate for governor in 2026. Before joining the Senate, she served in the Wisconsin State Assembly, led NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin, and founded a small business focused on real estate brokerage.
Missy Hughes is a Wisconsin business and economic development leader running for governor in 2026. She previously led the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and worked for 17 years at Organic Valley before entering the race.
Josh Schoemann is the Washington County executive and a Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor in 2026. He previously served in county government in Washington County and has emphasized taxes, education, energy, housing, and election administration in his campaign.
Andrew Manske is a Republican running for governor of Wisconsin in 2026. He describes himself as a working Wisconsinite and says affordability, government efficiency, and family-focused policies are central to his campaign.
Polling
Data Analysis Information
Data compiled from public sources and analyzed using AI. Last updated 4/27/2026. Visit candidate websites for the most current information.