The 2026 Wisconsin governor race: David Crowley vs. Tom Tiffany

The Democratic field changed sharply in July 2026. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez disclosed that her campaign had far less cash than she had thought after planned advertisements failed to air because of unpaid invoices.^[8] She ended her campaign days later amid errors in its financial reports.^[9] Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who had suspended his bid two weeks earlier, reentered with Evers's endorsement.^[10] Barnes withdrew at the end of July as state Rep. Francesca Hong expanded her lead in polls.^[11]

Hong, a democratic socialist who had worked as a dishwasher and line cook, emerged as a leading candidate.^[12][13] Crowley narrowly defeated her in the August 11 primary despite her lead in preelection polling.^[3] Some progressives blamed Sen. Bernie Sanders for not endorsing Hong; he told Politico that he had limited resources and could not endorse everyone.^[14] Crowley later said he would not campaign with streamer Hasan Piker, who had backed Hong.^[15]

Tiffany entered the general election with substantial financial backing. An October 1 Associated Press report said he had raised more than $26 million over the previous two months, with more than $24 million coming from three billionaires.^[2]

Marquette Law School polls showed a close contest. Its August poll put Crowley and Tiffany level at 44% among registered voters.^[16] Reporting on the poll released September 30 put Crowley ahead 49% to 46% among likely voters, a different voter population.^[17] Crowley and Tiffany met on October 21 in their only debate before the November 3 election.^[18] A Marquette poll released in late October put Crowley 7 points ahead among likely voters.^[19]