Candidates for statewide office and legislative races have filed their nomination papers and other paperwork to gain ballot access. This election cycle will see the second highest number of legislators not seeking reelection: 32! In addition to statewide races for governor, attorney general and U.S. Senate, all state congressional seats are up in November, as well as all 99 seats in the State Assembly and the odd numbered seats of the 33-member State Senate. The primary election is August 9 and the general election is November 8.
Governor’s Race
Democrat Governor Tony Evers is running for re-election, and does not have a primary opponent. Five Republicans are running to face Governor Evers in November:
• Former Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch
• Tim Michels
• Kevin Nicholson
• Rep. Tim Ramthun
• Adam Fischer
Attorney General
Incumbent Attorney General Josh Kaul is unopposed in the Democratic primary and will face the winner of the Republican primary between Fond du Lac District Attorney Eric Toney and former State Representative Adam Jarchow.
U.S. Senate
Republican incumbent Ron Johnson picked up a primary opponent, but is not expected to have much of a challenge before facing off against one of the eight candidates running in the Democrat primary. There are four main contenders in the Democratic primary:
• Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes
• Milwaukee Bucks Executive Alex Lasry
• State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski
• Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson.
Wisconsin State Senate
Republicans are hoping to gain on their 21-12 majority, though they have four open seats to defend. Senate Democrats have three open seats to defend, however only one is competitive.
Wisconsin State Assembly
Assembly Republicans currently hold a 61-38 majority, and there are 23 open seats this cycle. Six incumbent Assembly Republicans drew primary opponents, including both Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Speaker Pro-Tempore Tyler August.