Tiffany Leads GOP Field in Wisconsin Governor Race

Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany officially launched his 2026 campaign for Wisconsin governor on Sept. 23, entering the GOP primary for the open seat after Gov. Tony Evers announced he will not seek a third term. Tiffany, who represents the state's solidly Republican 7th Congressional District, is running as a conservative focused on education, job creation, lowering energy costs, supporting nuclear power and defending tariffs to boost manufacturing. Early polling and betting markets show Tiffany with a commanding lead in the Republican primary, and he has picked up at least one GOP endorsement, though former President Trump has not formally endorsed him. Fundraising filings show Tiffany raised roughly $150,000 in the first half of 2025—well behind some GOP rivals—raising questions about his statewide fundraising capacity. His run opens his House seat to a likely crowded Republican primary, while Democrats including Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez (considered an early favorite) and state Rep. Francesca Hong have launched bids for governor.