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In this update:
- Election Updates
- Administration Updates
- Legislative Updates
- Committee Schedule
- Upcoming Events
| | Tiffany launches bid for Governor | | |
Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) officially launched his campaign for governor of Wisconsin during an appearance on the Dan O’Donnell Show, pledging to bring bold, commonsense leadership to every corner of the state.
“It has been an honor to represent my friends and neighbors in western and northern Wisconsin in Congress, where I worked alongside President Trump to secure our border and deliver the largest tax cut in history for families, seniors, and small businesses. Now I’m ready to lead for every corner of our state” Tiffany said.
Congressman Tiffany painted a stark contrast between his vision and the current direction of the state under Democratic leadership. Stating, “Under Democrat leadership in Madison, farms have disappeared, factories have shut down, and our children’s educational results have fallen behind Mississippi. In 2026, Wisconsin will have a choice between opportunity, security, and freedom or following the path of failure seen in Minnesota and Illinois. I will not allow our state to be dragged down that woke and broke road.”
As Governor, Congressman Tiffany pledged to:
- Freeze property taxes
- Protect Wisconsin farmland from foreign ownership, including Communist China
- Champion families, farmers, and working people across the state
A lifelong Wisconsinite, Congressman Tiffany grew up on a dairy farm in western Wisconsin, where he learned the value of hard work milking cows and feeding calves before school. He attended public school, worked his way through UW-River Falls, and built a successful small business with his wife, operating Wilderness Cruises in the Northwoods for over 20 years. From his early service in local government in Little Rice to his roles in the State Legislature and Congress, Congressman Tiffany has built a career in public service across multiple levels of government. His experience includes work on budget policy, border-related legislation, and initiatives aimed at addressing the needs of Wisconsin residents.
Fellow Congressman for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District, Tony Weid has announced his endorsement for Congressman Tiffany, stating on X: “This was a no-brainer for me. @TomTiffanyWi is the absolute right choice to lead our state and I’m proud to give him my complete and total endorsement for Governor of Wisconsin.”
Watch full launch video here.
| | Berrien ends gubernatorial campaign | | |
Republican businessman Bill Berrien has ended his campaign for governor of Wisconsin, just 11 weeks after entering the race.
In a statement, Mr. Berrien shared; despite gaining momentum in the gubernatorial race, he faced a setback this week following the publication of two articles by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
| | Roys and Hong on 'UpFront' | | |
WISN’s “UpFront” program featured interviews with State Senator Kelda Roys (D-Madison) and State Representative Francesca Hong (D-Madison) following their announcements to run for Governor. Topics discussed include:
Sen. Kelda Roys
- Raised over $75,000 in the first 24 hours of campaign launch.
- Identifies as a “common sense Democrat.”
- Highlighted legislative accomplishments concerning cost of living, education, reproductive health, and healthcare.
- Opposed the recent state budget due to lack of school funding.
- Advocates for tax fairness, including taxing cannabis and increasing taxes on billionaires and corporations.
Rep. Francesca Hong
- Describes herself as a “wild card” candidate with strong grassroots support.
- Priorities include universal childcare, paid leave, and fully funded schools.
- Member of the Socialist caucus in the Assembly.
- Emphasizes fair taxation and progressive revenue strategies (e.g., cannabis legalization, Medicaid expansion).
| | Ebben launches bid for CD 07 | | |
Jessi Ebben announced her candidacy as a Republican for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, following Congressman Tom Tiffany’s decision to run for governor in 2026.
Ms. Ebben stated, “Now more than ever, Wisconsin needs people willing to step into the arena and fight to deliver on President Trump’s effort to Make America Great Again. Rep. Tiffany has done a fantastic job, and I look forward to continuing his efforts to secure the southern border, stand with Wisconsin law enforcement, unleash American energy, fight to curb wasteful government spending, and deliver lower costs for Wisconsin families.”
Ms. Ebben brings over a decade of experience in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors. A seventh-generation Wisconsinite, she emphasizes her deep connection to the region and plans to bring a fresh, outsider perspective to Washington.
| | Phillips announces bid for the 56th AD | | |
Dr. Anthony (Tony) Phillips, a retired cancer physician and Republican, has declared his candidacy for Wisconsin’s 56th Assembly District. The seat is being vacated by Rep. Dave Murphy, who is not seeking reelection after serving since 2012. During his 2024 bid, Rep. Murphy won the district with 64.7% of the vote.
Dr. Phillips previously ran for the 18th Senate District in 2024, winning the GOP primary. He is a UW-Madison graduate and former President of the Fox Valley Hematology and Oncology, where he led a successful merger with ThedaCare Oncology before retiring in 2025.
The 56th AD is located in the east-central part of Wisconsin and includes portions of Outagamie and Waupaca counties.
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Seawright announces bid for the 21st AD | | |
Social worker and disability rights advocate Jessica Seawright has launched her campaign for Wisconsin’s 21st Assembly District. With over 20 years of experience in crisis response, mental health care, and community development, Seawright aims to bring practical, compassionate leadership to Madison.
Ms. Seawright’s campaign focuses on expanding access to healthcare, improving public services, and promoting inclusive policies. Her candidacy has been endorsed by Senator Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee) and Rep. Christine Sinicki (D-Milwaukee), who praised her readiness to lead and help secure a Democratic majority in the State Assembly.
Wisconsin’s 21st Assembly District is currently held by Representative Jessie Rodriguez (R-Oak Creek), who was reelected in 2024 with 51.3% of the vote. The district is located in southeastern Wisconsin and includes portions of Milwaukee County.
| | Wilson launches bid for state treasurer | | |
Democrat Eric Wilson, a small business owner and mortgage professional with a background in technology and coalition building, has announced his campaign for Wisconsin State Treasurer. A Western Wisconsin native and economics graduate from UW-Madison, Mr. Wilson has experience in IT project management, housing, and financial services. He has helped families navigate homeownership and led complex budget and technology initiatives in the private sector.
Mr. Wilson’s platform centers on four priorities:
- Building Wealth Through Homeownership: Expanding programs to help renters become homeowners.
- Financial Literacy & Digital Protection: Launching statewide education initiatives and promoting safe engagement with emerging financial tools like cryptocurrency.
- Returning Unclaimed Property: Modernizing systems to help families reclaim funds, with optional charitable giving.
- Investing in Wisconsin’s Future: Safeguarding and growing over $1 billion in trust funds supporting schools, libraries, and broadband.
John Leiber is Wisconsin’s current state treasurer and was first elected in 2022, capturing 49.6% of the overall vote in a three-way race.
| | Evers, WisDOT launch first round of road improvement grant applications | | |
Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation will open applications for the first round of Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP) grants on Monday, October 6th, 2025. This round will distribute $50 million to improve rural roads and culverts vital to agriculture and forestry transport.
Funded through the 2025-27 state budget, ARIP received $150 million, including $30 million for bridge and culvert repairs under a separate program. Since its launch in 2023, ARIP has supported 91 projects across 48 counties.
Program details and application materials will be available soon via WisDOT.
Read full press release here.
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Republicans are introducing a broad package of election bills that would allow absentee ballots to be processed on the Monday before Election Day and implement new security requirements for ballot drop boxes, including 24/7 livestreamed surveillance and law enforcement oversight during ballot transfers.
Rep. Scott Krug (R-Rome) emphasized that the proposals were developed with the input from election officials, advocacy groups, and bipartisan stakeholders. He noted that while the package includes Republican priorities, it also reflects compromises.
Additional measures include penalties for unauthorized corrections to absentee ballot certificates, a grant program to help municipalities meet security standards, and a new process for resolving disputes between election observers and poll workers on election day.
Watch the full interview here.
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The following meetings have been noticed as of 2:30 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 29
No meetings currently scheduled.
Tuesday, September 30
Assembly Committee on Housing and Real Estate
Public Hearing at 9:30 AM
Assembly Committee on Children and Families
Informational Hearing at 10:30 AM
Senate Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children and Families
Informational Hearing at 10:30 AM
Wednesday, October 1
Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Executive Session at 1:00 PM
Public Hearing at 1:01 PM
Assembly Committee on Ways and Means
Public Hearing at 2:30 PM
Thursday, October 2
Senate Committee on Insurance, Housing, Rural Issues and Forestry
Public Hearing at 10:00 AM
Assembly Committee on Ways and Means
Informational Hearing at 10:00 AM
Assembly Committee on Commerce
Public Hearing at 10:30 AM
Executive Session at 10:31 AM
Friday, October 3
No meetings currently scheduled.
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Wednesday, October 8th at 11:30am - Meet the State Leader with Wisconsin Technical College System President, Layla Merrifield
Friday, October 3rd at 8:30am - Capitol Chats with Rep. Hurd (virtual)
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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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