Recapping the 2026 vote in Wisconsin for governor, lawmakers

Skip to content News News Elections Recapping the 2026 vote in Wisconsin for governor, lawmakers A historic 2026 election victory by Gov.-elect David Crowley and Democratic wins taking control of both chambers in the Wisconsin Legislature sets up expectations for a sea change in state government. By Zac Schultz | Here & Now November 6, 2026 Copy and Paste the Following Code to Embed this Video: A historic 2026 election victory by Democrats sets up expectations for a sea change. Milwaukee has made a lot of history with the Brewers winning the World Series and County Exec. David Crowley becoming the first Black man to be elected governor in Wisconsin. Perhaps it was fitting then, when Crowley came out on stage for his victory speech using the walk-up song that typically introduces World Series MVP William Contreras. “Thank you! Thank you Wisconsin!” the Democratic governor-elect told supporters gathered in Milwaukee. The crashing blue wave hit Wisconsin in the 2026 midterm elections, much like the rest of the country. It gave Democrats a trifecta at the State Capitol, with Crowley winning the seat and a majority for Democrats in both the state Senate and Assembly, while Attorney General Josh Kaul won a third term. Crowley’s Nov. 3 election night party featured very little of the anxiety common to most campaigns watching the results come in. Instead, revelers who weren’t watching his lead expand were focused on their dance moves. In Wausau, Tom Tiffany’s supporters realized the national wave would sweep away Republicans in Wisconsin. “Tonight was not the outcome we had hoped for,” said Tiffany, the Republican candidate and an outgoing U.S. representative . This race was the most expensive in state history , with an estimated $200 million spent by both sides. Meanwhile, Crowley’s margin of victory was the largest in three decades, leaving no room for election conspiracy theories about voter fraud. “We’re going to be magnanimous tonight,” Tiffany told supporters. Both candidates were gracious in accepting the outcome. “Despite our differences, I’ve never doubted that he loves the state that we both call home,” Crowley said. At 40, he is the youngest Wisconsin governor in the modern era. “But Wisconsin, this is a very good day. This is a very good day!” Crowley said. “Because of you, a boy who grew up facing eviction will now live in the governor’s residence.” For 10 days in July, Crowley wasn’t even running, having dropped out of the race . But as the Democratic primary blew up, Crowley got back in with the support of incumbent Gov. Tony Evers and narrowly won . “Governor, I am proud to call you my friend, honored to have had your support in my campaign, and I will build on what you have been doing and have done to keep moving the great state of Wisconsin forward,” Crowley said to Evers at the party. Unlike Evers who faced Republican majorities in the statehouse in both of his terms, Crowley can make good on his campaign pledges because he will have the support of the new Democratic-controlled Legislature . The expected leaders, state Rep. Greta Neubauer , D-Racine, and state Sen. Dianne Hesselbein , D-Middleton, were on hand at the election night party to announce their new majorities. “We will show that government can be a force for good in people’s lives, and that things will be different when Democrats are in charge,” said Neubauer, who is expected to become the state’s first woman Speaker of the Assembly. The new session doesn’t start until January 2027, but Democrats will start planning their agenda immediately. “We’re going to be caucusing next week and making sure that we’re in alignment with the Assembly and Gov. Crowley as well,” said Hesselbein, who is expected to become the new Majority Leader in the Senate. Crowley knows the last time Democrats had complete control, which was in 2008, they lost it all in the very next election. “In a state like ours, the voters keep everybody honest. And tonight, they told all of us in both parties, we are sending you to Madison to get something done — now go do it,” the governor-elect said. While that work starts immediately, for one night at least, the party would go on. “We are one people, one Wisconsin,” Crowley said. “And tonight, we choose to move forward together, y’all.” Related Stories Gov.-elect David Crowley on his vision as Wisconsin governor Gov.-elect David Crowley on Trump and governing Wisconsin More Elections Elections Recapping the 2026 vote in Wisconsin for governor, lawmakers Elections US Sen. Tammy Baldwin on the blue wave, Congress and Trump Politics Tommy Thompson on what's next for Republicans after 2026 Elections Ballot counting in Milwaukee was orderly in 2026 midterms Politics How the 2026 Democratic big blue wave washed over Wisconsin Politics Gov.-elect David Crowley on Trump and governing Wisconsin Contact Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-422-9707 PBS Wisconsin Vilas Communications Hall 821 University Ave. Madison, WI 53706 View map FAQ Explore About Us Blog Broadcast Channels Shop Apparel & Accessories Pressroom Join Us Career Opportunities Events Newsletters Travel Support Us Donate Become a Member Door to Door Friends of PBS Wisconsin Leadership Circles Legacy Giving Sponsorship Volunteer Lucky-Go-Happy Sweepstakes Federal Tax ID: 23-7300462 Our Partners PBS Wisconsin is a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison . © 2026 All Rights Reserved. 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