2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial election explained

Election Name:	2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial election
Country:	Wisconsin
Type:	gubernatorial
Ongoing:	yes
Previous Election:	2022 Wisconsin gubernatorial election
Previous Year:	2022
Next Election:	2030 Wisconsin gubernatorial election
Next Year:	2030
Election Date:	November 3, 2026
Party1:	Democratic Party (United States)
Party2:	Republican Party (United States)
Governor
Before Election:	Tony Evers
Before Party:	Democratic Party (United States)

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. A key aspect of this race is the 2026 Wisconsin State Senate election, which will determine which party controls the State Senate going into the 108th Wisconsin legislature.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Publicly expressed interest

• Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin (2019–present)^[1]
• Cavalier Johnson, Mayor of Milwaukee (2021–present)^[2]
• Ryan Strnad, beer vendor lobbyist (would only run if Evers does not)^[3]

Potential

• David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive (2020–present)^[4]
• Josh Kaul, Attorney General of Wisconsin (2019–present)^[5]
• Sara Rodriguez, Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin (2023–present)^[6]

Green primary

Candidates

Declared

• Jill Ferguson^[7]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Minnis . Glenn . Evers hints at third run for governor . . 21 July 2023 . 15 June 2023.
2. News: Johnson . Shawn . July 11, 2024 . Milwaukee’s Democratic mayor helped land the RNC. He’s ready for the spotlight . July 16, 2024 . Wisconsin Public Radio.
3. Web site: Katzenberger . Tyler . Beer vendor for governor? Wisconsin's Ryan Strnad opens the door for a 2026 run if Tony Evers doesn't . . 27 June 2023.
4. News: Shafer . Dan . December 21, 2023 . David Crowley 'possibly' interested in running for governor in 2026 . March 28, 2024 . The Recombobulation Area.
5. News: Kelly . Jack . February 8, 2023 . Top cop: What's Josh Kaul's next move? . March 28, 2024 . The Cap Times.
6. News: Walters . Steven . January 4, 2024 . Meet your lieutenant governor, Sara Rodriguez . July 3, 2024 . Isthmus.
7. News: July 26, 2024 . Green Party: Announcing candidate for WI Governor ‘26 . July 26, 2024 . WisPolitics.