Will they or won’t they? Kaul and Tiffany creep closer to deciding whether to enter a crowded WI governor race.

The Democratic attorney general and the Republican congressman would each rise to the top of their party’s primary field based on public recognition, but a lot can happen before August 2026.

The race for Wisconsin governor in 2026 got its first legislator this week — and then its second. But a Republican US congressman and a Democratic state attorney general could shake up the field in each of their respective primaries to fill Gov. Tony Evers seat next year.

Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat, remains evasive on whether he will run for a third term or join the race for governor and become an instant frontrunner due to his statewide electoral record.

The Republican field hasn’t changed for several weeks. But Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and Waukesha County business owner Bill Berrien are campaigning while casting a wary eye toward US Rep. Tom Tiffany of Hazelhurst. While Tiffany is far better known up north in the 7th Congressional District, his name has been dropped in countless conversations around the state as GOP insiders desperately seek a rare win in a statewide election.

Tiffany has scheduled an appearance in Wausau on Sept. 24, according to Wisconsin College Republicans, but it does not mention whether an announcement will be made.

Meanwhile, Sen. Kelda Roys and Rep. Francesca Hong, both Madison Democrats, entered the gubernatorial field. Each enjoys growing levels of support beyond their local districts.

Democratic or progressive candidates have won 15 of the 18 statewide elections dating back to 2018, including two terms for Evers, Kaul, and Sen. Tammy Baldwin, as well as four of the last five state Supreme Court elections that gave liberals their current majority.

Roys, Hong run for WI governor

Roys enters the race for governor with experience on the Legislature’s powerful Joint Finance Committee, which crafts the biennial state budget. She is an attorney with previous experience in the state Assembly, running a real estate tech firm, and heading a state organization defending women’s healthcare rights.

“With everything on the line, Wisconsin needs a Governor who’s been training for this moment her whole career and knows how to deliver,” Roys said. “We can’t afford to wait. No matter who you are or where you’re from, you deserve the freedom to thrive right now.”

Hong, a chef and former restaurant owner, said she was inspired to run for Assembly in 2000 while advocating for essential workers in the food service industry during the pandemic. Hong, the first Asian American elected to the Wisconsin Legislature, regularly uses social media — and strong language — to push for bold progressive ideas. In her introductory video, she takes issue with those who say politicians should temper their expectations to make radical change.

“That’s bullshit,” she says.

Speaking on our radio show, Hong talked about being a member of the Legislature’s socialist caucus and said she embraces that label because it is rooted in the politics of caring for others — not just people you know or who support you.

“In this moment, incrementalism is irresponsible,” Hong said. “The need and urgency to meet the needs of working class people, has to prioritize urgency. And you achieve that. You ensure people have basic needs met and that they can have access to: universal childcare, fully funded public schools, guaranteed paid leave, and cheaper health care. These are transformative policies that I think are the responsible and practical ones where people will feel, and they will know that this is what can improve their lives.

Timeline for candidates

The announced Democratic candidates for governor include Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, and baseball beer vendor Ryan Strnad. 

Missy Huges recently resigned as secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, increasing speculation she may enter the race. Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes is another name that comes up when assessing the final field of candidates.

With Rodriguez in the race, current Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski has announced her candidacy for lieutenant governor. Godlewski’s post has attracted three candidates so far: Democratic Milwaukee alder and former state Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa, Democrat Collin McNamara of Stevens Point, and Green party candidate Pete Karas.

There is still plenty of time for Democratic, Republican, and independent candidates to explore running for office — governor or otherwise. Nominating petitions to get on the ballot won’t be available until April 15, 2026; and we’ll know on the June 1 filing deadline which candidates collect enough signatures to compete in the primary on August 11. The primary winners will face off on November 3.