Look, it’s probably too early to have a conversation about the 2026 race for governor in Wisconsin. But our readers spoke, and they asked for our take on this, so we delivered an extensive breakdown of who is running and who might be running in both the Democratic and Republican primaries for the first open race for governor in 16 years. 

In that breakdown, I identified the top 4 potential contenders to be the candidate for the Democratic Party. They are: Attorney General Josh Kaul, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, and State Senator Kelda Roys. There are more candidates we’re monitoring, too. 

This primary will be a remarkable opportunity for voters to choose the path forward for the party. But on the Republican side, it’s less about the voters, and more about the endorsement of one man: Donald Trump. Because whoever gets Trump’s endorsement is all but a lock to win that primary. 

Check out my column for much, much more in our too-early breakdown of the race for governor in 2026. 

Find all of Dan's work at The Recombobulation Area. Subscribe to The Recombobulation Area's podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and see more the Civic Media website.