If you’re living in the Badger State, your mailbox is probably about to get a lot heavier. People often think that once the big presidential circus leaves town, Wisconsin politics takes a nap. Honestly? That couldn't be further from the truth. 2026 is shaping up to be one of those "everything is on the table" years that will basically dictate how the state functions for the next decade.
We aren't just talking about a few local council seats. We’re talking about the Governor's office, a high-stakes Supreme Court seat, and every single person representing you in the State Assembly.
The Big Dates You Actually Need to Know
Let's skip the jargon. You need to mark two main dates on your calendar if you want your voice to be heard.
The first one hits fast: April 7, 2026. This is the Spring Election. While it’s technically "nonpartisan," don't let that fool you. This is where the fight for the Wisconsin Supreme Court happens.
Then comes the heavy hitter: November 3, 2026. This is the General Election. This is the big dance for the Governor, the state legislature, and the U.S. House of Representatives. Before that, though, there’s a partisan primary on August 11, 2026, where the parties pick their champions. If you want a say in who actually makes it to the November ballot, you can't skip August.
What Election Is Coming Up In Wisconsin: The Race for the Governor’s Mansion
This is the headline act. For the first time since 2010, Wisconsin has an open-seat gubernatorial race. Governor Tony Evers has already made it clear he isn’t running for a third term. This changes everything.
👉 See also: Why are US flags at half staff today and who actually makes that call?
When an incumbent steps down, the floodgates open. On the Democratic side, the field is already getting crowded. You’ve got big names like former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes and current Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez in the mix. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and State Senator Kelda Roys have also jumped in. It’s a bit of a "who’s who" of Wisconsin Democratic politics right now.
The Republican side is just as intense. Congressman Tom Tiffany from the 7th District is a major player here, and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann is positioning himself as a strong alternative. Even former Governor Tommy Thompson has had his name floated in conversations, though at this point, that’s more of a "maybe" than a "definitely."
Whoever wins this won't just be signing bills. They’ll be the one holding the veto pen—or the one working hand-in-hand with the legislature—on everything from school funding to reproductive rights and tax reform.
The Battle for the Gavel: Wisconsin Supreme Court
While the Governor’s race gets the TV ads, the Spring Election on April 7 might actually be more influential in the short term.
Justice Rebecca Bradley is retiring. Her seat is up for grabs. Now, right now, the court has a 4-3 liberal majority. Since Bradley is part of the conservative minority, a conservative win keeps the court exactly where it is. But if a liberal candidate wins? That majority jumps to 5-2.
✨ Don't miss: Elecciones en Honduras 2025: ¿Quién va ganando realmente según los últimos datos?
The candidates have already staked their ground:
- Chris Taylor: A Court of Appeals judge and former state rep. She’s got the backing of the state’s Democratic heavyweights.
- Maria Lazar: A Court of Appeals judge from Waukesha County. She’s the conservative choice looking to keep that seat in Republican-leaning hands.
Because only two people filed for the seat, we actually get to skip the February primary. It’s a straight shot to April. No warm-ups. Just the main event.
The Fight for the Legislature and the U.S. House
Every single one of the 99 seats in the Wisconsin State Assembly is up for election in November. Every. Single. One.
Plus, 17 of the odd-numbered seats in the Wisconsin State Senate are on the line. After the redistricting battle of 2024, the GOP majority in the Senate shrank to 18-15. Democrats are smelling blood in the water. They only need a few flips to take control of a chamber they haven't held in over a decade. Keep a very close eye on Senate District 5 (Brookfield) and District 21 (Racine). These are the "tipping point" areas where the whole state's direction could shift.
On the federal level, all eight of Wisconsin’s seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are on the ballot. Whether it's Bryan Steil in the 1st or Derrick Van Orden in the 3rd, these races will determine which party controls Congress in D.C.
🔗 Read more: Trump Approval Rating State Map: Why the Red-Blue Divide is Moving
Why Should You Care?
Look, I get it. Election fatigue is real. But Wisconsin is basically the center of the political universe.
Because we are such a "purple" state, the margins here are razor-thin. Sometimes a few hundred votes in a place like Eau Claire or Kenosha decide the whole thing. The decisions made by the people elected in 2026 will affect:
- Your Taxes: Will the state move toward a flat tax or keep the graduated system?
- Education: How much "per-pupil" spending goes to your local school district?
- The Environment: What happens with PFAS regulations and Great Lakes protection?
- Voting Laws: Will we see more drop boxes or stricter ID requirements?
How to Get Ready
Don't wait until the week before. Wisconsin makes it pretty easy to stay on top of things, but you have to be proactive.
- Check your status: Go to MyVote.wi.gov. Seriously, do it now. It takes two minutes to see if you’re still registered at your current address.
- Request an absentee ballot: If you hate lines or have a busy Tuesday, you can request your ballot online. Just remember that the USPS isn't getting any faster—get it in the mail early or use a designated drop box if your municipality allows them.
- Look at the sample ballot: About a month before each election, you can see exactly what yours will look like. It helps you research those random "Circuit Court Branch 8" races where you might not recognize a single name.
The 2026 cycle isn't just a "midterm." For Wisconsin, it’s a total reset. Whether you're worried about the economy, the courts, or just who’s running the show in Madison, the power is basically sitting in your hands.
Next Steps for You:
- Visit MyVote.wi.gov to verify your registration status and see your specific polling place.
- Note the August 11, 2026 partisan primary on your calendar so you can vote on which candidates from your preferred party make it to the November ballot.
- Research the judicial philosophies of Chris Taylor and Maria Lazar before the April 7, 2026 Supreme Court election.