If you haven’t looked at a map of the Midwest lately, you might’ve missed that Wisconsin is currently a weird mix of political high-stakes poker and actual, literal underwater basements. Between record-breaking rain in the middle of winter and a Supreme Court race that’s already burning through millions of dollars, things are... well, they’re intense.
Honestly, the "January thaw" usually brings a little slush and some optimism. This year? It brought a deluge.
The Great January Soak: What Happened in Wisconsin Weather
Last week, a massive, unseasonably warm system rolled through the state. We’re talking about the kind of humidity you’d expect in May, not when you’re supposed to be shoveling snow. On January 8 and 9, the clouds just opened up.
La Farge, Wisconsin, saw 2.29 inches of rain in a single 24-hour period. That doesn’t sound like much if you live in Seattle, but for a Wisconsin January? It’s massive. It beat the previous record by over an inch. To put that in perspective, the "normal" total for the entire month is usually around 1.25 inches.
Because the ground was just warm enough not to be rock-solid frozen, a lot of it soaked in, but the Kickapoo River still spiked. Families in southwest Wisconsin spent their weekend watching river gauges instead of playoff football. It’s a stark reminder of how "weird" the weather patterns are becoming—seeing rivers rise in January is something our grandparents basically never dealt with.
The $2.6 Million Bench: A Supreme Court Race Like No Other
While the rivers were rising, the political temperature was doing the same. We just got the first look at the fundraising numbers for the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court race, and they are eye-popping.
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Liberal candidate Chris Taylor dropped a bombshell of a report: $2.6 million raised since she launched her campaign in May. Her conservative opponent, Maria Lazar, is sitting at about $200,000.
Now, you might think, "Okay, Taylor’s winning." But in Wisconsin politics, it’s never that simple.
- Dark Money is Coming: These early numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. Last year’s race between Susan Crawford and Brad Schimel ended up costing over $100 million once the outside groups got involved.
- The Stakes: This seat is crucial. Even though liberals currently hold a 4-3 majority, every single election is a fight for the direction of the state on things like redistricting, abortion access, and election laws.
- Voter Interest: Despite the early date, a Marquette Law School poll found that nearly 70% of voters are "absolutely certain" they’re going to show up for this spring election on April 7.
The "Bipolar" Economy: Why Business Owners Are Nervous
If you talk to a shop owner in Wausau or a manufacturer in Milwaukee, you’ll get two different stories. Kurt Bauer, the CEO of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), recently described the current vibe as a "bipolar economy."
Basically, about 96% of businesses think they’ll stay profitable through the first half of 2026. That sounds great, right? But at the same time, only 46% of them think the state is headed in the right direction.
What’s the disconnect?
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It mostly comes down to three things: healthcare costs, labor shortages, and the "T-word"—tariffs. With the current federal administration’s trade policies, Wisconsin’s massive manufacturing and dairy sectors are feeling the squeeze. Farmers are worried about global retaliation, while factory owners are struggling to find enough Gen Z workers to replace the retiring Boomers.
The Packers’ Heartbreak and the Bucks’ Struggle
It wouldn’t be a week in Wisconsin without talking sports, though the mood at the local tavern is a bit somber.
The Green Bay Packers just had their season ended in a way that’s going to haunt message boards for months. After a loss to the Vikings and a rough showing in the playoffs, the talk in Titletown has shifted entirely to the coaching staff. Is Jeff Hafley staying? Will Matt LaFleur make a big change on the defensive side of the ball? Fans are restless, especially after seeing stars like Rashan Gary and Romeo Doubs deal with such an emotional end to the year.
Meanwhile, down in Milwaukee, the Bucks are currently 17-23. They’re actually trailing the Chicago Bulls for the final play-in spot. It’s a weird spot for a team that’s used to being at the top of the East, and tonight’s game against San Antonio feels like a must-win just to keep the vibes from spiraling.
What This Means for You
So, what happened in Wisconsin this week wasn't just one thing. It was a collision of climate, cash, and competition.
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If you’re living here or just watching from afar, here are the three things you actually need to keep an eye on:
- Check Your Sump Pump: With more volatility expected in the weather, that record rainfall might not be a one-off. Make sure your basement is ready for a thaw.
- Mark Your Calendar: The spring election is April 7. With $2.6 million already in the bank for one candidate, your mailbox is about to be flooded with flyers.
- Watch the Labor Market: If you’re looking for a career change, the WMC survey shows that 60% of businesses are still desperate for workers. It’s a good time to be looking, especially in trades and "physical AI" manufacturing.
The state is in a weird period of transition. We’re moving from the old ways of doing things—like predictable winters and quiet court races—into a future that’s a lot louder and a lot wetter.
Stay tuned, because if there's one thing we know about Wisconsin, it's that if you don't like what's happening now, just wait five minutes. It'll probably get weirder.
To stay ahead of the curve, you should verify your voter registration status now at MyVote Wisconsin to ensure you're ready for the April 7th Supreme Court election. Additionally, homeowners in the southwest regions should monitor the National Weather Service La Crosse office updates, as the Kickapoo River remains sensitive to any additional late-January precipitation.