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In this update:
- Governor’s Race
- Legislative Races
- Congressional Races
- Administration Updates
- Committee Schedule
- Upcoming Events
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Crowley campaign - Released a new statewide tv ad titled “Loyal,” criticizing U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany and alleging that he has consistently aligned with former President Donald Trump over Wisconsin voters. The ad highlights Mr. Tiffany’s votes related to the conflict with Iran and argues those decisions have contributed to higher fuel prices. Featuring a narrator and clips of Mr. Tiffany, the spot contends that the congressman has prioritized national political interests over the needs of Wisconsin families, farmers, and small businesses. The ad concludes by addressing that Mr. Tiffany is more loyal to President Trump than to Wisconsin constituents.
Third-Party Groups
Anti-Tiffany ad - The Democratic Governors Association (Protect Our Wisconsin) launched two new tv ads criticizing Republican gubernatorial nominee Tom Tiffany on abortion and healthcare issues. One ad features a Wisconsin OB-GYN who argues Mr. Tiffany’s positions on abortion and birth control are too restrictive, citing his support for an abortion abn and votes related to contraceptive access. The second ad features an Oconomowoc resident and cancer survivor who contends Mr. Tiffany’s healthcare positions could increase costs and reduce protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Both advertisements characterize Mr. Tiffany’s policy agenda as too extreme for WI voters.
Anti-Tiffany / Pro-Crowley ads - The Democratic-aligned Wisconsin Ideas Project launched a four-ad digital campaign supporting Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Crowley and criticizing Republican candidate Tom Tiffany. One 30-second ad contrasts Crowley's affordability proposals with Tiffany's congressional voting record, arguing that Crowley would work to reduce costs related to utilities, prescription drugs, and property taxes while alleging Mr. Tiffany supported policies that increased costs for Wisconsin families. Three additional 15-second ads focus on specific policy issues. One ad highlights Crowley's proposals to lower costs, regulate data center development, and address prescription drug prices. A second ad criticizes Tiffany's support for legislation related to data centers, tax incentives, and federal limits on state AI regulation. The third ad links Tiffany to former President Donald Trump and criticizes his positions on healthcare costs and the conflict with Iran. Collectively, the advertisements argue that Crowley's agenda is focused on affordability while portraying Tiffany as aligned with large technology companies and national Republican priorities.
Anti-Crowley ad spending -
Republican Governors Association – Reported $2.043 million in new expenditures opposing Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Crowley, according to a filing submitted Monday. The spending included approximately $1.5 million on television advertising and $543,000 on digital advertising as part of the group's ongoing effort in the Wisconsin gubernatorial race.
Right Direction Wisconsin (RGA affiliate) – Reported an additional $2 million in television and digital advertising expenditures opposing Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Crowley, according to a filing submitted Tuesday. The latest spending further expanded the Republican Governors Association's post-primary investment in Wisconsin's governor's race.
| | What the gubernatorial candidates are talking about this week | | |
David Crowley (D) -
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Focused on strengthening the state’s partnership with local governments, telling county officials that counties would have a seat at the table in a Crowley administration. He identified sustainable funding, local flexibility, and shared accountability as key priorities, while arguing counties should receive state funding that more accurately reflects the cost of delivering state-mandated services.
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Announced a statewide campaign tour with running mate Sarah Godlewski focused on rising fuel costs and affordability issues. During stops across Wisconsin, Crowley said he would meet with farmers, workers, and small business owners to discuss the impact of higher gas and diesel prices. The campaign criticized Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany's record on issues
Tom Tiffany (R) -
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Outlined a regulatory reform agenda during remarks to the Wisconsin Counties Association, pledging to reduce state regulations by 25% through a proposed “Red Tape Reset"." Mr. Tiffany said his administration would review outdated regulations, streamline permitting processes, and examine state mandates that impose burdens on local governments. He also expressed support for reauthorizing Wisconsin’s Stewardship Program, while emphasizing greater county input into Department of Natural Resources decisions and a focus on maintaining existing conversation properties.
- Reiterated his support for ending U.S. military operations in Iran during a media interview this week, arguing that U.S. objectives have largely been achieved and that it is time to shift focus back to domestic priorities. Tiffany said Iran's nuclear and military capabilities have been significantly degraded and called for bringing U.S. involvement in the conflict to a close. While he has publicly called for ending the conflict, reports noted that he did not vote on the most recent House resolution urging the administration to cease military operations. Opposition candidate David Crowley criticized Tiffany's position and voting record on the issue
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New political ads were released this week for state legislative races.
The Assembly districts include:
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53rd AD: A new television advertisement criticizes Democratic candidate Becky Nichols, arguing that she supported actions that increased costs for local taxpayers while serving on the Menasha Common Council. The ad alleges Nichols supported raising taxes and highlights payments made for repairs to her home, as well as a vote to increase the mayor's salary prior to her mayoral campaign. The spot contends that Nichols has not been a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars and contrasts her record with the needs of local families and small business owners. The advertisement was paid for by supporters of Republican candidate David Daniels in the competitive 53rd Assembly District.
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61st AD: A new television advertisement from Republican Assembly Rep. Bob Donovan highlights his record on taxes, affordability, and public safety. The ad says Donovan supported eliminating the state income tax on overtime pay, voted to remove the sales tax on household energy bills, and has worked to end vehicle emissions testing requirements. The spot also highlights Donovan's support for increased funding for local law enforcement and bipartisan public safety legislation. The advertisement portrays Donovan as a candidate focused on lowering costs for working families and supporting safer communities.
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88th AD: A new television advertisement from Democratic Assembly candidate Brandy Tollefson focuses on healthcare affordability and her family's experience managing Type 1 diabetes. In the ad, Tollefson describes learning that her son had been diagnosed with the condition and argues that access to affordable healthcare is a personal issue for her family. The ad criticizes Republican candidate Ben Franklin's voting record on insulin costs and health insurance protections, while highlighting Tollefson's support for policies aimed at reducing healthcare expenses. The advertisement concludes with Tollefson pledging to work to ensure families can afford the healthcare they need.
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Also 88th AD: A new television advertisement criticizes Democratic Assembly candidate Brandy Tollefson, highlighting her participation in a fundraiser hosted by Democratic lawmakers and arguing that she is aligned with progressive policy positions. The ad claims those policies could result in higher taxes and changes to public safety, energy, and criminal justice policies. The spot contends that Tollefson's views are out of step with the district and concludes by urging voters to oppose her candidacy.
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89th AD: A new television advertisement supporting Republican Assembly candidate Bobby Lindsay criticizes incumbent Democratic lawmaker Ryan Spaude's record on taxes and energy policy. The ad argues that Spaude opposed tax relief measures, including proposals related to retirement income, and supported policies that could increase energy costs. The spot highlights Lindsay's background as a Marine, police officer, and small business owner, while presenting him as an outsider focused on addressing government spending and affordability concerns. The advertisement concludes by pledging that Lindsay would work to reduce property taxes, eliminate taxes on tips and overtime pay, and address rising energy costs.
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Also 89th AD: A new television advertisement from Democratic Assembly candidate Ryan Spaude focuses on affordability issues and the role of large corporations in the economy. In the ad, Spaude argues that data centers, pharmaceutical companies, and other large businesses contribute to rising costs for Wisconsin families. He highlights legislation he says would require data centers to cover their own energy-related costs, efforts to reduce prescription drug expenses, and support for increasing the minimum wage. The advertisement presents Spaude as an advocate for working families and concludes by arguing that he is focused on representing constituents over corporate interests.
The Senate Districts include:
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17th SD: A new television advertisement criticizes Republican State Sen. Howard Marklein over healthcare and prescription drug costs. The ad features an individual living with diabetes who argues that Marklein has accepted campaign contributions from pharmaceutical companies and opposed efforts to cap insulin prices. The spot contends that those decisions have benefited drug manufacturers while increasing costs for patients and concludes by urging voters to oppose Marklein's reelection.
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First Congressional District
Steil Campaign - Released a new tv ad highlighting U.S. Representative Bryan Steil’s efforts to prohibit members of Congress from trading individual stocks. In the ad, Mr. Steil says he is “leading the charge” on congressional stock trading reform and presents the issues as part of his broader effort to increase accountability in Washington. According to AdImpact, Mr. Steil has reserved approximately $3.4 million in advertising between August 11 and Election Day. Overall, Mr. Steil and groups supporting his candidacy have spent roughly $5.9 million on the race, compared to just over $3 million by Democratic challenger Mitchell Berman. and allied organizations.
Third Congressional District
Anti-Cooke ad - The Congressional Leadership Fund released a new tv ad in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District criticizing Democratic candidate Rebecca Cooke and challenging her political positioning. The ad argues that Ms. Cooke presents herself as a moderate candidate while highlighting her previous political work and affiliations with Democratic organizations. The spot also ties Ms. Cooke to national Democratic figures and raises concerns about her policy positions on immigration and government benefits. The ad concludes by arguing that Ms. Cooke’s views are more aligned with progressive political priorities than those of moderate voters.
Pro-Van Orden ad - Driving Force Action released a new television and digital advertisement supporting U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden and highlighting the economic impact of Wisconsin's motorsports industry. The ad features Gregg Mckarns, owner of Madison International Speedway, who says the racing industry generates billions of dollars in economic activity and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide. The spot argues that racetracks and related businesses benefit from having elected officials who understand the industry's contributions and concludes with Mr. Mckarns endorsing Rep. Van Orden's reelection campaign.
| Spending in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District continues to grow | |
Advertising spending in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District has surpassed $25 million since the August primary, exceeding the pace of spending seen during the 2024 election cycle. According to AdImpact, candidates and outside groups have reserved approximately $25.2 million in advertising between August 11 and Election Day, compared to $21.9 million over the same period two years ago.
Republican U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden and groups supporting his reelection account for roughly $13.1 million of the spending to date. Rep. Van Orden's campaign is the district's largest spender, with approximately $5.5 million in ad reservations. On the Democratic side, House Majority PAC has emerged as the largest outside spender, reserving nearly $5.2 million in advertising to support Democratic candidate Rebecca Cooke.
| State of Education address recap | |
State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly delivered her sixth annual State of Education Address, using the nation's 250th anniversary as a backdrop to highlight the role of public education in American democracy. She traced Wisconsin's commitment to public education back to the 1787 Northwest Ordinance and emphasized the state's long history as a leader in public education, including establishing the nation's first kindergarten in 1856.
A central theme of Dr. Underly's address was school funding. She argued that decades of policy decisions, including school revenue limits and state aid not keeping pace with inflation, have placed increasing financial pressure on school districts. Underly pointed to growing reliance on referendums, staffing challenges, rising operational costs, and the recent dissolution of the Hustisford School District as examples of the strain facing public schools. She also criticized the expansion of private school choice programs and called for a funding formula that prioritizes student needs and the actual cost of educating students rather than enrollment and property values.
Dr. Underly urged policymakers and voters to support increased investments in public education, arguing that strong public schools are essential to supporting students, communities, and Wisconsin's long-term economic and civic success. She also encouraged voters to examine candidates' records on education funding as the 2026 election cycle continues.
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The following meetings have been noticed as of 1:00 pm Friday. Committee and Agency meeting notices are frequently updated and can be found here (for the Legislature) and here (for the Administration).
Monday, September 28
No meetings currently scheduled.
Tuesday, September 29
2026 Floodplain Restoration (Legislative Council)
Study Meeting at 10:00 AM
2026 Floodplain Resortation (Legislative Council)
Study Meeting at 1:00 PM
Wednesday, September 30
No meetings currently scheduled.
Thursday, October 1
No meetings currently scheduled.
Friday, October 2
No meetings currently scheduled.
| | October 2 - Coffee with the Candidate with Ben Franklin (virtual) | | |
If you would like any additional information about the above topic, or if you would like to find time to discuss the above matter in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact your Michael Best Strategies contact.
Have a great day,
Wisconsin GR Team
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One South Pickney Street, Suite 700
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: 608-257-3501
Fax: 608-283-2275
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