Following is an initial overview of this fall’s statewide elections. The candidate filing deadline is June 1, and the primary is Aug. 9. After paperwork is filed, we will share with you a full list of the candidates running for all legislative offices.
Governor
Four years ago, Democrat Governor Tony Evers won in a crowded primary field and went on to defeat Governor Scott Walker. Governor Evers, who was the former State Superintendent of Public Schools has never lost a statewide election.
There are four main Republican candidates running for Governor. Delegates at the recent Republican Party Convention chose not to make any endorsement in the primary race for Governor.
Republican candidates:
- Rebecca Kleefish
- Tim Michels
- Kevin Nicholson
- Tim Ramthun
U.S. Senate
Despite a pledge to serve only two terms in the U.S. Senate, Ron Johnson has decided to run for a third term. With the U.S. Senate tied at 50-50, the race in Wiscon- sin will draw national attention and could decide which party controls the Senate. Johnson will wait until the Aug. 9 Primary to see who he will face in the general election.
There are 9 announced Democrats seeking to take on Johnson in the general election. Of the 9, there are 4 main candidates seeking the nomination:
- Current Governor Mandela Barnes
- Current State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski
- Alex Lasry, Milwaukee Bucks Executive
- Tom Nelson, Outagamie County Executive
Attorney General
Democrat incumbent Attorney General Josh Kaul was swept into office four years ago along with Governor Evers. Two Republicans are squaring off in the Aug. 9 primary to face Kaul: Fond du Lac District Attorney Eric Toney, and former State Representative
Adam Jarchow. As is the case with the Governor's race, the Republican Party will not be making an endorsement in the Republican Primary.
State Legislative Races
There will be at least 30 new faces in the 132-member state legislature next session. With 30 legislators not seeking reelection in 2022, we are seeing the 2nd highest number to not seek reelection in state history. All 99 seats of the State Assembly are up for election as well as the odd numbered seats of the 33 member State Senate.