In this update:

Michael Best Strategies Updates
Election Updates
Administration Updates
Legislative Updates
Committee Schedule
Upcoming Events

Michael Best Strategies Updates

MBS hosts WTCS President Layla Merrifield

Michael Best Strategies was honored to welcome Wisconsin Technical College System President Layla Merrifield to our Madison as part of our ongoing ‘Meet the State Leader’ series.

President Merrifield joined Michael Best clients and colleagues for a thoughtful discussion on the System’s key priorities — including aligning education with regional workforce needs through strong employer partnerships, offering over 500 industry-informed programs across more than 50 campuses. Key focuses include expanding access for diverse student populations, integrating emerging technologies like AI, supporting dual credit opportunities for high school students, and addressing workforce shortages in critical sectors such as healthcare and manufacturing. WTCS remains committed to affordability, innovation, and collaboration to ensure its continued impact on Wisconsin’s economy.

Read our full memo here.

Election Updates

Governor Race Update

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul announced he will run for reelection as AG in 2026, ending speculation about a potential gubernatorial bid. Mr. Kaul cited personal considerations and the critical role of the attorney general in defending democracy and civil rights as key reasons for his decision. “The rule of law and some of our basic freedoms are under threat in a way they haven’t been in my lifetime,” he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes has been hinting at announcing a gubernatorial bid. A recent poll from Platform Communications showed 38% of Democratic voters remain undecided, with former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes leading with 16% support and incumbent Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez receiving the second most support at 8%. Former Lt. Gov. Barnes stated, “I’m strongly considering entering the race for Governor. I’ve been blown away by the number of people across the state who have reached out and asked me to run, and I will have more to say very soon.”

Vos weighs 2026 reelection decision

Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, the longest-serving speaker in state history, revealed in an Oct. 5 interview on WISN-TV’s UpFront that he is considering not seeking reelection in 2026. Speaker Vos, a Republican from Rochester who has held the speakership since 2013, said he plans to make a final decision by January. Reflecting on his tenure, Speaker Vos stated, “I’ve done this for a long time. How long am I going to do it? I don’t know.” He noted that Governor Tony Evers’ decision not to seek reelection has sparked his interest in potentially working with a new administration, which could influence his decision.

Speaker Vos previously contemplated stepping down in 2024 but said a recall effort—driven by supporters of President Donald Trump—reinvigorated his commitment to public service and led him to run again. If he opts not to run in 2026, his departure would add to a growing list of open statewide races, including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, and treasurer. With new legislative maps in place and a narrowing Republican majority, the 2026 election cycle is expected to be highly competitive, with Democrats aiming to flip control of the Legislature for the first time since 2011.

Tiffany raises $1 million

U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany (WI-07) announced his campaign for Wisconsin governor has raised $1 million less than two weeks after launching. He emphasized that most contributions came from Wisconsin residents, countering doubts about his fundraising ability. Rep. Tiffany, who leads early Republican primary polling, said the funds will support messaging focused on improving education, public safety, energy costs, and economic growth.

On the Democratic side, State Representative Francesca Hong has raised over $115,000 in her first 36 hours, while Missy Hughes self reported $207,000 within 24 hours—setting a record for a Democratic candidate in the 2026 race. Republican candidate Josh Schoemann raised over $420,000 in his first two months after entering the race in May.

The next campaign finance reports are due January 15, 2026, which will offer a clearer picture of the race’s financial landscape.

Read the full story here.

Callahan not running for CD 7

State Representative Calvin Callahan (R-Tomahawk) announced he will not run for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional district, opting instead to focus on unfinished legislative priorities in his Assembly district. “There are some things that I was hoping to be able to get done this session” that aren’t quite “past the finish line,” Callahan told WisPolitics.

So far, Jessi Ebben, is the only Republican officially in the race. Other potential Republican contenders include Michael Alfonso (son-in-law of former U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy), state Senator Mary Felzkowski of Tomahawk and state Senator Rob Stafsholt of New Richmond.

Administration Updates

Jacob Pankratz selected as Governor’s Policy Director

Governor Tony Evers has tapped Jacob Pankratz to be his new policy director. Prior to being named to the position, Mr. Pankratz served as a policy advisor to the governor for nearly five years specializing in energy, infrastructure, and natural resources, among other policy areas. He also has experience working at Amnesty International, Epic, and UW-Madison.

Mr. Pankratz replaces Katie Domina, who served as the Governor’s policy director for three years before taking a job as government affairs director for Milwaukee County.

Legislative Updates

Recap of this week's floor session

The State Assembly and State Senate convened this week to consider 33 pieces of legislation, including:

AB-194 — WHEDA Program Modifications (Rep. Armstrong)

This bill makes changes to housing programs administered by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA). Amendments 1 and 3 were adopted via voice vote. The bill passed on voice vote.

AB-280 — Business Development Tax Credit Adjustments (Rep. Armstrong)

Expands workforce housing and childcare awards under the business development tax credit. Amendment 1 was adopted by voice vote. The bill passed with bipartisan support, 92-4.

AB-450 — Commercial Building Code Applicability (Rep. Penterman)

Clarifies the applicability of the commercial building code to certain buildings. A point of order was raised on Substitute Amendment 1, ruling it non-germane; the chair’s decision was upheld by a vote of 54-41. The bill passed by voice vote.

SB-084 — Real Estate Transfer Fee Exemption (Sen. Wimberger)

Exempts certain property conveyances between grandparents and grandchildren from the real estate transfer fee. The bill passed by voice vote.

Find the rest here.

Upcoming floor activity

Below is the proposed Assembly calendar for Tuesday, October 14th. Note the State Senate is also expected to meet on Tuesday, October 14th but has not released a calendar as of yet.

Joint Resolution

AJR92 — U.S. Marine Corps 250th Anniversary Recognition

Authored by Rep. Kurtz and Sen. Wimberger, this resolution honors the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

Assembly Bills

AB 34 — Officer-Involved Death Investigation

Authors: Rep. Moses and Sen Hutton

The bill addresses court-issued criminal complaints in cases involving officer-involved deaths.

AB 77 — License Plate Concealment Devices

Authors: Rep. Donovan and Sen. Wanggaard

Prohibits the use of devices that conceal vehicle registration plates and establishes penalties.

AB 136 — Impersonation of Emergency Personnel

Authors: Rep. Wichgers and Sen. James

Reclassifies the crime of impersonating law enforcement officers, firefighters. and other emergency personnel, with enhanced penalties.

AB 179 — Police Vehicle Lighting Requirements

Authors: Rep. B. Jacobson and Sen. Wanggaard

Establishes specific lighting requirements for police vehicles

AB 191 — Subpoena Service for Law Enforcement Officers

Authors: Rep. Goeben and Sen. James

Requires subpoenas served to law enforcement officers in their official capacity to be delivered to their work address.

AB 199 — Emergency Services Reimbursement and Scope of Practice Reporting

Authors: Rep. Kurtz and Sen. Marklein

Addresses reimbursement for emergency services under Medicaid when no transport occurs, reporting changes to EMS scope of practice, and eligibility for the expenditure restraint incentive program.

AB 239 — Protection of search and rescue dogs

Authors: Rep. Green and Sen. James

Creates penalties for harassment of search and rescue dogs

AB 265 — Human Trafficking Penalties

Authors: Rep. Wittke and Sen. Wanggaard

Strengthens penalties for human trafficking and trafficking of a child.

AB 309 — 988 Lifeline Call Transfer Immunity

Authors: Rep. VanderMeer and Sen. James

Provides immunity for 911 call centers and dispatchers who transfer callers to the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

AB 409 — Passing Stopped Vehicles

Authors: Rep. Piwowarczyk and Sen. James

Establishes penalties for improperly passing certain vehicles stopped on or near a highway.

AB 429 — Bridge Designation

Authors: Rep. Dallman and Sen. Jagler

Designated the Greg Quinn and Larry Millard Memorial Bridge.

Senate Bill

SB 76 — Deferred Prosecution Agreements

Authors: Sen. Hutton and Rep. B. Jacobson

Relates to dismissing or amending certain criminal charges and deferred prosecution agreements.

Committee Schedule

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, October 13

Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules

Executive Session at 10:00 AM

Tuesday, October 14

No meetings currently scheduled.

Wednesday, October 15

Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care

Public Hearing at 10:00 AM

Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities

Public Hearing at 11:00 AM

Senate Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges

Public Hearing at 11:00 AM

Senate Committee on Insurance, Housing, Rural Issues and Forestry

Public Hearing at 12:00 PM

Thursday, October 16

No meetings currently scheduled.

Friday, October 17

No meetings currently scheduled.

Upcoming Events

Friday, October 17th at 8:30am - Capitol Chats with Rep. Bare (virtual)

ABOUT US

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