Blab Politics
Wisconsin Democrats Eye Trifecta as Gubernatorial Race Opens Up
On June 13‑14, 2026, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin gathered in Madison with a clear ambition: to seize control of the state’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches in the November election. The convention also signaled a new era for the state’s politics, as incumbent Governor Tony Evers announced he would not seek a third term, opening the gubernatorial field for the first time since 2010.
Evers used the convention’s spotlight to launch a blistering critique of Republican U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany, who is now vying for the governor’s office. He warned that a Tiffany victory would plunge Wisconsin “even worse than this position and where we were when I took office eight years ago.” Citing Tiffany’s congressional record—votes to slash Medicaid, allow Affordable Care Act tax credits to expire, oppose the CHIPS and Science Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—Evers portrayed the Republican as a “saying ‘no’ to Wisconsin, and ‘yes’ to Donald Trump” advocate.
At the same time, party chair William Garcia of the 3rd Congressional District expressed growing confidence. “It’s becoming more realistic that we’re going to gain all three of those branches of government, and be able to really transform Wisconsin government in a way that helps Wisconsin working people,” he said. Garcia added that many activists were still undecided, underscoring the need for continued outreach.
Senate prospects were a major talking point. Democrats hold 15 of 33 seats and must retain those while flipping two more to claim a majority. Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein outlined a plan to target Districts 5, 17, 21 and 25. She noted that District 5 is open after retiring Republican Sen. Rob Hutton, District 17 is held by Republican Sen. Howard Marklein, District 21 is open after Sen. Van Wanggaard, and District 25 is open after Sen. Romaine Quinn.
In the Assembly, Democrats occupy 45 of 99 seats and need five additional seats to flip the chamber. Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer, who joined the convention via video, declared it “time for new leadership,” arguing that the party could build a Wisconsin where “their kids can thrive at their public school.” Garcia pointed to the new legislative maps adopted in 2024, which give Democrats an advantage because Republican resources are stretched thin.
The convention also served as a showcase for the seven candidates who will appear on the August 11 primary ballot: former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Rep. Francesca Hong, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Missy Hughes, former head of Gov. Tony Evers’ Department of Administration Joel Brennan, and state Sen. Kelda Roys. Delegates toured themed hospitality suites where each candidate delivered a brief pitch.
Rodriguez positioned herself as a “proven winner” who could defeat Tiffany, branding him a “MAGA extremist.” Brennan highlighted his collaboration with Evers to rebuild the state after a Republican trifecta, urging the party to “stop playing defense and go on the offensive.” Crowley focused on affordability and care, proposing a cut to the minimum markup law on gas and stressing the need for a coalition that reaches every corner of Wisconsin. Hong, a Democratic socialist, called for a moratorium on data‑center construction, universal child care, and paid family leave, framing her platform as a continuation of Wisconsin’s progressive legacy.
Roys drew support from former Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton and the Wisconsin Education Association Council, while Hughes emphasized economic growth and public‑school funding, asserting that “Wisconsinites will trust us to deliver economic justice.” A straw poll reported by other outlets showed Rodriguez leading, though the source did not provide specific numbers.
The convention closed with a unified call for party cohesion. Evers, Hesselbein, Neubauer and the candidates urged members to work together to win the primary and then the general election. The next major event will be the August 11 primary, after which the Democratic nominee will face Republican Tom Tiffany on November 3.
In short, the party now believes it has a realistic chance to flip the Senate and Assembly and to win the governor’s office, but the nominee remains uncertain. The primary will determine who carries the Democratic banner into the November election, which will decide whether Wisconsin’s political landscape shifts toward a Democratic trifecta.
Evers used the convention’s spotlight to launch a blistering critique of Republican U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany, who is now vying for the governor’s office. He warned that a Tiffany victory would plunge Wisconsin “even worse than this position and where we were when I took office eight years ago.” Citing Tiffany’s congressional record—votes to slash Medicaid, allow Affordable Care Act tax credits to expire, oppose the CHIPS and Science Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—Evers portrayed the Republican as a “saying ‘no’ to Wisconsin, and ‘yes’ to Donald Trump” advocate.
At the same time, party chair William Garcia of the 3rd Congressional District expressed growing confidence. “It’s becoming more realistic that we’re going to gain all three of those branches of government, and be able to really transform Wisconsin government in a way that helps Wisconsin working people,” he said. Garcia added that many activists were still undecided, underscoring the need for continued outreach.
Senate prospects were a major talking point. Democrats hold 15 of 33 seats and must retain those while flipping two more to claim a majority. Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein outlined a plan to target Districts 5, 17, 21 and 25. She noted that District 5 is open after retiring Republican Sen. Rob Hutton, District 17 is held by Republican Sen. Howard Marklein, District 21 is open after Sen. Van Wanggaard, and District 25 is open after Sen. Romaine Quinn.
In the Assembly, Democrats occupy 45 of 99 seats and need five additional seats to flip the chamber. Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer, who joined the convention via video, declared it “time for new leadership,” arguing that the party could build a Wisconsin where “their kids can thrive at their public school.” Garcia pointed to the new legislative maps adopted in 2024, which give Democrats an advantage because Republican resources are stretched thin.
The convention also served as a showcase for the seven candidates who will appear on the August 11 primary ballot: former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Rep. Francesca Hong, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Missy Hughes, former head of Gov. Tony Evers’ Department of Administration Joel Brennan, and state Sen. Kelda Roys. Delegates toured themed hospitality suites where each candidate delivered a brief pitch.
Rodriguez positioned herself as a “proven winner” who could defeat Tiffany, branding him a “MAGA extremist.” Brennan highlighted his collaboration with Evers to rebuild the state after a Republican trifecta, urging the party to “stop playing defense and go on the offensive.” Crowley focused on affordability and care, proposing a cut to the minimum markup law on gas and stressing the need for a coalition that reaches every corner of Wisconsin. Hong, a Democratic socialist, called for a moratorium on data‑center construction, universal child care, and paid family leave, framing her platform as a continuation of Wisconsin’s progressive legacy.
Roys drew support from former Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton and the Wisconsin Education Association Council, while Hughes emphasized economic growth and public‑school funding, asserting that “Wisconsinites will trust us to deliver economic justice.” A straw poll reported by other outlets showed Rodriguez leading, though the source did not provide specific numbers.
The convention closed with a unified call for party cohesion. Evers, Hesselbein, Neubauer and the candidates urged members to work together to win the primary and then the general election. The next major event will be the August 11 primary, after which the Democratic nominee will face Republican Tom Tiffany on November 3.
In short, the party now believes it has a realistic chance to flip the Senate and Assembly and to win the governor’s office, but the nominee remains uncertain. The primary will determine who carries the Democratic banner into the November election, which will decide whether Wisconsin’s political landscape shifts toward a Democratic trifecta.
