Is Wisconsin’s 2026 Governor Race About to Explode? Shocking Cost-of-Living Crisis Revealed!

MILWAUKEE — The race for Wisconsin's governorship is heating up as former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes officially announced his candidacy on Tuesday. He joins a competitive field of nine Democrats vying for the party's nomination in a primary set for next August. This announcement marks a significant moment in a state that is expected to play a pivotal role in the upcoming elections, particularly as political energy builds following recent successes for Democrats in Virginia and New Jersey.

In his announcement video, Barnes emphasized his deep-rooted connections to labor unions, a message likely designed to resonate with working-class voters. He framed his campaign around affordability, a theme that has become increasingly crucial for voters grappling with rising costs. "Seems like the harder you work, the more Washington looks the other way. Lower taxes for billionaires, higher prices for working people," Barnes stated, highlighting what he sees as the failures of economic policies under the previous Trump administration.

As Democrats mobilize ahead of the primaries, Republicans have wasted no time in pushing back against Barnes' candidacy. The Republican Governors Association criticized his platform, claiming it pushes “dangerous, soft-on-crime policies” and promotes a “disastrous economic agenda.” Their rapid response underscores the contentious atmosphere surrounding the race and the high stakes involved.

The affordability issue that Barnes is targeting is currently being tested in a special congressional race in Tennessee. Here, Republican candidate Matt Van Epp is facing a tough battle in a district that traditionally leans Republican, having been won by Donald Trump by 20% in 2020. His Democratic opponent, Aftyn Behn, has focused her campaign on the rising costs of living, using similar economic critiques aimed at Republican policies.

Wisconsin, a key battleground state, went for Trump in 2024, largely because of his messaging against high inflation and critiques of what he calls "Bidenomics." A recent Marquette nationwide poll shows Trump's job approval on inflation and cost of living stands at just 28%, suggesting vulnerability among voters on this issue as it continues to dominate discussions across the political spectrum.

Among the other Democrats in the race, Sara Rodriguez, the current Lieutenant Governor, was the first to announce her campaign after Tony Evers decided not to seek reelection. Rodriguez's campaign has focused on fighting against Trump’s tariff policies and expanding Medicaid in Wisconsin. Similarly, David Crowley, the Milwaukee County Executive, has highlighted affordability as his top priority, stating simply, "People can't just keep up."

Other candidates include Francesca Hong, a Madison-born legislator who aims to connect with Wisconsin’s working class through her background in the restaurant industry. Her campaign emphasizes "care" policies such as childcare, public school funding, and paid family leave. Meanwhile, Missy Hughes, who served as secretary and CEO of Economic Development under Evers, is advocating for a "Main Street Economy," stressing access to good-paying jobs.

Kelda Roys, a State Senator from Madison, is making her second run for the governorship. She aims to address education funding and healthcare access. On the Republican side, Congressman Tom Tiffany has proposed freezing property taxes if elected governor, while Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann has credited Trump’s policies for his decision to run, emphasizing a focus on American goods and services.

The candidate landscape remains fluid with Joel Brennan, the former Secretary of the Department of Administration under Evers, still considering a run and expected to announce his decision shortly. TMJ4 has already conducted interviews with several candidates, providing insight into their platforms and visions for Wisconsin's future.

The Democratic primary is shaping up to be fiercely contested, with a total of 20 candidates in the race, including three Republicans and eight Independents. As the election approaches, affordability and economic issues are likely to dominate discussions, setting the stage for a significant electoral battle in 2024.