What you need to know about Wisconsin elections in 2026

Here are the important dates, key races, and the top issues that can determine our state’s future.

There are two vital lessons we should take from our democracy over the past few years: It’s more fragile than we used to think — and every election is important. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about Wisconsin politics in 2026.

Wisconsin voters will choose a new governor in the new year, with Democratic Gov. Tony Evers choosing not to run for a third term. There is already a large and growing field of candidates seeking the state’s highest elected office.

There will also be elections for other state offices, all eight of Wisconsin’s seats in the US House of Representatives, all 99 Assembly districts, about half of the state legislature’s 33 Senate districts, and some county-level offices and judgeships. And that’s just the fall election. There will also be spring elections. 

When are Wisconsin’s elections in 2026?

There are four dates to keep in mind: Feb. 17, April 7, Aug. 11, and Nov. 3. 

Let’s work backwards because most people are aware of what happens in November. That’s when general elections are held for partisan offices (Democrats, Republicans, and independent/third-party candidates). If a primary is needed for a party to figure out its November nominee, the candidates face off in August.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s nonpartisan election for local offices, judgeships, and seats on the state Supreme Court is held in April, with any necessary primaries in February. Each state sets its own dates for non-federal elections.

In the August party primary, it’s obviously the top vote-getter who advances. If there’s a February primary for a nonpartisan office, it’s the top two vote-getters who advance to April — even if they have similar values. For example, if there’s a progressive candidate and two conservative candidates, the two conservatives advance if the progressive finishes third in the voting. Remember: Every election matters!

What are the big races, besides a new governor?

This will be the first real battle for control of the Wisconsin Legislature in more than a decade. After Republicans racked up big wins in 2010, they redrew political maps to ensure they would dominate the Assembly and Senate, holding nearly two-thirds of the seats despite Wisconsin being a consistently 50-50 state. Democrats have won 15 of the 18 statewide elections since 2018, but could not overcome gerrymandered legislative maps. New, fairer maps took effect in 2024, which resulted in gains for Democrats — with more expected since the new maps only affected half of the state senate districts, with the other half up for election in 2026.

While there will be elections in the state’s eight congressional districts, only two of the races are considered competitive since those maps did not change in 2024 — though a legal challenge could still change that. 

Republicans have controlled three-fourths of Wisconsin’s US House seats in an otherwise closely-divided state. Republican US Rep. Derrick Van Orden is seeking a third term in one of the most competitive districts in the country, the 3rd District in the western and central part of the state. Republican US Rep. Bryan Steil represents the 1st District in southeast Wisconsin, also regarded as somewhat competitive. There will also be an open seat in the 7th District across northern Wisconsin, though the district has a solidly Republican voting record. US Rep. Tom Tiffany is leaving the post and running for governor.

There will also be high profile races for state attorney general, secretary of state, and treasurer. There is no US Senate race in Wisconsin in 2026. Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin was elected to a third term in 2024 and Republican Sen. Ron Johnson’s third term expires in 2028.

Voters in April will select a new justice to the Wisconsin Supreme Court with the retirement of conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley. However, even if a conservative were to hold the seat, progressive justices would still hold a 4-3 majority. 

There will be an important primary for lieutenant governor in August. In Wisconsin, voters choose the lieutenant governor nominee, who may or may not be the preferred candidate of the nominee for governor. The two nominees then run as a ticket in November. Current Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez is among several Democrats running for governor.

What are the key issues in the 2026 Wisconsin elections?

Obviously, a lot can change in the months leading up to any election, but the economy is almost always at or near the top of issues on voters’ minds. In October, the most recent Marquette University Law School poll of Wisconsin voters showed 69% described themselves as very concerned about inflation and the cost of living. Health insurance was cited by 60% of respondents. Public schools, gun violence, jobs and the economy, the affordability of housing, and abortion policy were noted by 50% or more of those surveyed as significant concerns. The issues of taxes, immigration/border security, and crime in their community were cited by fewer than 50% of respondents.

How can I learn more about voting in 2026?

The Wisconsin Elections Commission has created a comprehensive website at www.MyVote.wi.gov that provides information on voter registration, absentee ballots, election dates, polling places, and what races are on an upcoming ballot. Users can enter their name and birthdate to check their registration status, and they can enter their address to learn who currently represents them in every elected office — from the nation’s president to their school board members and dozens of posts in between.