2026 FALL ELECTIONS
IN WAUKESHA COUNTY
AUGUST 11 PRIMARY
NOVEMBER 3 GENERAL
Welcome! This page is your go-to spot for the upcoming fall Wisconsin elections, with a full look at the candidates who will appear on Waukesha County ballots. Our goal here is simple: make it easier to know who’s running so you can feel informed heading into Election Day.
A quick note, this is not a list of endorsements or recommendations. We’re not telling you whom to vote for. We’re just putting the information in one place so you can explore the candidates and make the decision that feels right to you.
Things can change quickly in an election cycle, so we do our best to keep this page as up to date as possible. If you spot something that looks off or is missing, please contact us.
Over the next few months, we’ll also be inviting many of these candidates to connect with Blue Sky, whether that’s through events, conversations, or opportunities to hear directly from them. If you want to stay in the loop on what’s coming up next, make sure you’re on our email list.
And if you’ve found this helpful, we’d truly appreciate your support. We’re a nonprofit powered by people like you, and every donation helps us keep this work going. Click here to become a member and support Blue Sky Waukesha County!
WISCONSIN GOVERNOR
There are currently 17 candidates running for Governor of Wisconsin. Two are Republicans: Rep. Tom Tiffany, who is endorsed by Donald Trump, and Andy Manske. Ten are Democrats, and five are Independents. A primary election will be held on Tuesday, August 11, to determine the nominees who will advance to the general election.
Blue Sky is not endorsing a candidate at this time, but you can explore the candidates who align with our values below. To view all campaign filings and finance reports for the candidates, click here.
The current governor, Tony Evers, has decided not to run for re-election. Whoever wins the general election will serve a four-year term. There are no term limits for this seat.
The governor plays a critical role in shaping the direction of the state. From proposing the state budget to overseeing agencies and appointing key leadership positions, the office has a direct impact on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and more. One of the most powerful tools the governor holds is the veto. In Wisconsin, the governor has one of the strongest veto powers in the country, including the ability to partially veto budget bills. That means the governor can strike or reshape portions of legislation, making this role especially important when it comes to balancing priorities and protecting the interests of Wisconsin residents.
Mandela Barnes (D)
Joel Brennan (D)
David Crowley (D)
Francesca Hong (D)
Missy Huges (D)
Brett Hulsey (D)
Tim Jacobson (D)
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Sara Rodriguez (D)
Zachary Roper (D)
Kelda Roys (D)
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
There are currently 7 candidates running to be the next Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin. Five are Republicans, one is a Democrat, and one is an Independent. The only candidate who aligns with Blue Sky values is Sarah Godlewski, who currently serves as Secretary of State. The current Lieutenant Governor, Sara Rodriguez, is vacating the role to run for Governor. To view all filings for this seat, click here.
The Lieutenant Governor is elected to a four-year term and serves alongside the Governor as part of the same ticket. While the role does not carry as many day-to-day responsibilities as the Governor, it plays an important part in supporting the administration’s priorities, leading initiatives, and stepping in when needed. The Lieutenant Governor also serves as first in line to become Governor if the position becomes vacant, making it a key leadership role in ensuring continuity and stability in state government.
Sarah Godlewski (D)
ATTORNEY GENERAL
There are currently two candidates running for Attorney General of Wisconsin: incumbent Democrat Josh Kaul and Republican Eric Toney. Since there are only two candidates in this race, there will not be a primary election. Voters will decide this race in the general election this November. To view all filings for this seat, click here.
The Attorney General serves as the state’s chief legal officer, responsible for enforcing Wisconsin law, representing the state in legal matters, and protecting residents from fraud, crime, and threats to public safety. The role also includes working with local law enforcement, defending state laws in court, and taking action on issues that impact communities across Wisconsin.
Josh Kaul (D)
SECRETARY OF STATE
There are currently six candidates running for Secretary of State of Wisconsin: Republicans Brayden Meyer, Nathan Pollnow, and Cindy Werner; Democrats JoCasta Zamarripa and Eileen Newcomer; and Green Party candidate Pete Karas. Incumbent Sarah Godlewski is not seeking reelection as she is running for Lieutenant Governor, leaving this seat open. A primary election will take place before voters decide the next Secretary of State in the November general election. To view all filings for this seat, click here.
The Secretary of State in Wisconsin has a more limited but still important role. The office is responsible for maintaining official state records, publishing and archiving laws, and affixing the state seal to official documents. While the position does not carry the same policy-making authority as other statewide offices, it plays a key role in government transparency, recordkeeping, and ensuring the accuracy and accessibility of state documents.
Eileen Newcomer (D)
JoCasta Zamarripa (D)
TREASURER
There are currently five candidates running for Treasurer of Wisconsin: Republicans John Leiber, Orlando Owens, and Jacey Dean; and Democrats Dylan Helmenstine and Yee Leng Xiong. Incumbent John Leiber is seeking reelection. This is currently the only statewide elected office in Wisconsin held by a Republican. To view all filings for this seat, click here.
The State Treasurer serves as Wisconsin’s chief financial officer, with a focus on managing and safeguarding public funds. The office oversees programs like the Unclaimed Property Program, which works to return lost or forgotten assets to residents, and plays a role in promoting financial literacy and transparency across the state. While the Treasurer does not control the full state budget, the position is an important voice in advocating for responsible fiscal management, protecting taxpayer dollars, and ensuring that state resources are handled with accountability and care.
Dylan Helmenstine (D)
Yee Leng Xiong (D)
U.S. CONGRESS DISTRICT 5
There are currently two candidates running for Wisconsin’s 5th Congressional District: incumbent Republican Scott Fitzgerald and Democrat Andy Beck. Since only two candidates are in the race, there will not be a primary election. Voters will decide this race in the November general election.
Wisconsin’s 5th Congressional District includes all of Waukesha County, along with parts of Milwaukee, Washington, Jefferson, Walworth, and Dodge counties. It is one of the most Republican-leaning districts in the state, but it is also home to voters who expect serious, accountable leadership.
Since taking office in 2021, Scott Fitzgerald has built a record defined more by loyalty to national party politics than by delivering for this district. He voted to object to the certification of the 2020 presidential election results, aligning himself with efforts that called into question a free and fair election. Instead of focusing on lowering costs, strengthening local infrastructure, or working across the aisle, his time in Congress has been marked by partisan positioning and a lack of visible results for communities like those across Waukesha County. This district deserves a representative who shows up, puts people over politics, and takes the job seriously.
Members of Congress serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, where they introduce and vote on federal legislation, shape national policy, and advocate for their constituents. Wisconsin has eight seats in the U.S. House, meaning eight representatives are responsible for bringing the voices of their districts to Washington.
Andy Beck (D)
STATE SENATE DISTRICT 5
There are currently two candidates running for Wisconsin State Senate District 5: Republican Mike Roberts and Democrat Robyn Vining. Republican Incumbent Rob Hutton has announced he will not be seeking reelection, making this an open seat. To view all filings for this seat, click here. To check if you live in this district, click here.
State Senate District 5 includes communities across Waukesha and Milwaukee counties and was recently redrawn from a reliably Republican seat into a true swing district. With a near 50/50 partisan split, this race presents a real opportunity to flip the seat and bring new representation to the area.
The Wisconsin State Senate is part of the state legislature, working alongside the State Assembly to pass laws, approve the state budget, and address issues impacting communities across the state. State Senators represent larger districts than Assembly members and play a key role in shaping statewide policy on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and more. Their decisions directly impact funding, local priorities, and the day-to-day lives of Wisconsin residents.
Robyn Vining (D)
STATE SENATE DISTRICT 33
There are currently three candidates running for Wisconsin State Senate District 33: incumbent Republican Chris Kapenga, Republican Marcus Jensen, and Democrat Mike Van Someren. With two Republican candidates in the race, there will be a primary election to determine the GOP nominee before voters decide the seat in the November general election.
State Senate District 33 covers much of northwestern Waukesha County, along with parts of Jefferson, Washington, and Dodge counties. The district includes a mix of suburban and more rural communities, with areas that have traditionally leaned Republican but are seeing gradual shifts as population growth and changing demographics reshape the region. As a result, this seat remains important to watch, especially as voter priorities continue to evolve across the district. To check if you live in this district, click here.
Mike Van Someren (D)
STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 13
There are currently two candidates running for Wisconsin State Assembly District 13: Democrats David Sanchez and Amy Zimmerman. Incumbent Robyn Vining is not seeking reelection as she is running for State Senate, making this an open seat. With no Republican candidates in the race, the winner of the Democratic primary on August 11th will become the next State Representative for District 13. The district includes parts of Brookfield, Elm Grove, and Wauwatosa. To check if you live in this district, click here.
David Sanchez (D)
Amy Zimmerman (D)
STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 15
There are currently two candidates running for Wisconsin State Assembly District 15: incumbent Republican Adam Neylon and Democrat Stephen Tryon. Since only two candidates are in the race, there will not be a primary election. Voters will decide this race in the November general election.
State Assembly District 15 includes parts of Brookfield and Pewaukee. The district is considered Republican-leaning, with a consistent GOP advantage in recent elections, though it remains an important race as voter engagement continues to grow across these communities. To check if you live in this district, click here.
Stephen Tryon (D)
STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 82
There are currently three candidates running for Wisconsin State Assembly District 82: Republican Bryon Reyes and Democrats Rico Camacho and Kevin Reilly. With two Democratic candidates in the race, there will be a primary election on August 11th to determine the Democratic nominee before the general election in November. To view all filings for this seat, click here.
Incumbent Scott Allen has announced he will not be seeking reelection following his mayoral race in Waukesha, making this an open seat. While the district has historically leaned Republican, open seats like this create a real opportunity for a shift, especially as voters take a fresh look at their options.
State Assembly District 82 covers much of the City of Waukesha and the surrounding areas. With no incumbent on the ballot, this race is one to watch closely as both parties compete to earn support in a district that could be more competitive than in past cycles. To check if you live in this district, click here.
Rico Camacho (D)
Kevin Reilly (D)
STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 98
There are currently two candidates running for Wisconsin State Assembly District 98: incumbent Republican Jim Piwowarczyk and Democrat Matt Philibert. Since only two candidates are in the race, there will not be a primary election. Voters will decide this race in the November general election.
State Assembly District 98 covers parts of Merton, Sussex, and Lisbon and is considered a solidly Republican district, with a consistent GOP advantage in recent elections.
Matt Philibert (D)
YOU SHOULD RUN FOR OFFICE!
If you’ve ever thought about running for office, this is your moment. There are several races this fall where voters deserve stronger options and fresh leadership, and too many seats go uncontested or without candidates who truly reflect the needs of the community. Waukesha County is changing, and with that change comes real opportunity to move the needle in meaningful ways. Local leadership matters more than ever, and the impact you can have is real. If you’ve been thinking about stepping up to run in 2027 and beyond, we’d love to connect. Reach out to us at info@blueskywaukesha.org.