Tom Tiffany Wins Wisconsin GOP Gubernatorial Primary

Republican Representative Tom Tiffany won the August 12, 2026, primary for Governor of Wisconsin in a decisive victory over Andrew Menske. Bolstered by an endorsement from Donald Trump, Tiffany focused his platform on controlling utility costs and lowering property taxes. His running mate, David Varnam, also led the Lieutenant Governor's race with 54% of the vote.

In the Democratic gubernatorial primary, State Representative Francesca Hong and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley competed in a volatile race. While Crowley held a slim lead with the endorsement of Governor Tony Evers, Hong campaigned on a progressive platform including a $20 minimum wage and universal child care. Donald Trump responded to the progressive shift in Wisconsin and other Midwestern states by labeling Democratic candidates as communists and jihadists.

Simultaneously, Democrat Rebecca Cooke won the primary for Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District, defeating Emily Berge. Cooke, a nonprofit founder who raised over $8 million, will face incumbent Republican Representative Derrick Van Orden in a November 3 rematch. Cooke previously lost to Van Orden in 2024 by approximately 11,000 votes. The Cook Political Report has reclassified the race as a toss-up, as it is considered pivotal for Democrats seeking to flip the House of Representatives.