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In this update:
- Election Updates
- Administration Updates
- Legislative Updates
- Committee Schedule
- Upcoming Events
| | Hughes launches bid for governor | | |
Missy Hughes — former executive at Organic Valley and past CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation— announced her candidacy for Governor this week. Her campaign centers on building a resilient Main Street economy that works for every worker, family, and business across the state.
For 17 years, Missy helped lead Organic Valley, guiding the farmer-owned cooperative to over $1 billion in sales while supporting 1,600 family farms and preserving Wisconsin’s agricultural heritage. Appointed by Governor Tony Evers to head the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Missy spearheaded transformative investments that brought over $10 billion in commitments form major companies like Milwaukee Tool, Microsoft, Eli Lily, and Kikkoman— creating 45,000 good-paying jobs statewide.
She also launched the groundbreaking Main Street Bounceback Program, helping more than 9,500 Wisconsinites start small businesses in communities across the state. Under her leadership, Wisconsin earned designation as a U.S. Regional Technology Hub, unlocking generational investment in bio health and medicine expected to create 30,000 future ready jobs. She also established $100 million Wisconsin Investment Fund to ensure homegrown businesses can thrive and scale right here in Wisconsin.
Ms. Hughes stated, “I’m not a politician, and that’s the point. To create a prosperous economy for the future in all 72 counties, we need a leader who knows what it takes to create jobs, support workers, and attract businesses – and who rejects divisive politics that leaves so many behind. As your Governor, I’ll build a Main Street Economy where every Wisconsinite can get ahead with higher wages, affordable and accessible childcare and healthcare, housing that families can afford and count on, and strong public schools that prepare every child for the future.”
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U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany has positioned himself as the leading Republican contender in Wisconsin’s 2026 gubernatorial race after Bill Berrien, a businessman and former Navy SEAL, ended his campaign.
With Mr. Berrien out, the GOP field narrows to Congressman Tom Tiffany and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, both vying to secure the party’s nomination in the August 2026 primary.
“I do believe I’m the leader at this point, yes,” Rep. Tiffany said during an appearance on WISN 12’s UpFront, “I took a few years to really evaluate is this the best thing to do, and I asked two questions. One, where can I do the most good for the people of the state of Wisconsin, and am I the best candidate? And I believe that I am the best candidate to provide the leadership that the state of Wisconsin needs.”
Congressman Tiffany officially launched his campaign last week and emphasized that he doesn’t believe he needs President Trump’s endorsement to win the nomination. His platform includes, freezing property taxes, protecting Wisconsin farmland from foreign ownership, and supporting law enforcement and rural communities.
Additionally, Congressman Tiffany is expected to face scrutiny over his past position on abortion, including his support for a six-week ban. When asked about this he stated, “I think there’s been some back and forth, like any piece of legislation, that there’s various proposals that are put out. But the law now in Wisconsin is you can have an abortion up to five months. I voted for that bill 10 years ago when I was in the state legislature. I stand by that vote, and I’ll stand by it as governor.”
Watch the full interview here.
| | DLGA pledges $2m to boost Rodriguez’s campaign | | |
The Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association (DLGA) announced a $2 million independent expenditure to back Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez in her campaign for Wisconsin governor—the largest investment the group has ever made in a lieutenant governor seeking higher office.
The funding comes as Lt. Gov. Rodriguez faces a crowded Democratic primary field, with at least nine candidates vying to succeed Gov. Evers. The DLGA did no specify when the spending will begin.
“The DLGA is proud to make this historic $2 million investment in support of Sara Rodriguez’s campaign for Governor — the largest commitment made to a Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate thus far this cycle,” said Executive Director of DLGA Kevin Holst. “As Lt. Governor, Sara has led efforts to expand access to affordable healthcare, defend reproductive freedom, and strengthen Wisconsin’s public schools.”
Lt. Gov. Rodriguez welcomed the support, saying, “With DLGA’s support, we’ll take our message to all 72 counties, build the strongest campaign in the field, and make sure we take our fight to lower costs, protect health care, and defend our freedoms all the way to the governor’s office.”
| | Lazar announces bid for WI Supreme Court | | |
In a statement, District II Court of Appeals Judge Maria Lazar has officially entered the race for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, seeking to fill the seat vacated by Justice Rebecca Bradley. In her campaign launch video, Judge Lazar emphasized her commitment to restoring integrity and impartiality to the court amid growing concerns over politicized judicial races.
“We need to draw a line in the sand and stop the destruction of our courts, especially out State Supreme Court,” Judge Lazar said. “I am an independent, impartial judge who strives to follow the law and Constitution in every decision I make from the bench. It is time to restore that level of judicial dedication to the Court.”
Judge Lazar’s campaign will focus on engaging directly with voters and promoting her common-sense, constitutional approach to judicial decision-making. She has served in the Wisconsin Court of Appeals since 2022 and previously spent seven years on the Waukesha County Circuit Court. Her legal career includes five years as an Assistant Attorney General and over two decades in private practice.
| | Grorich announce bid for Wisconsin 1st State Senate District | | |
Sturgeon Bay veteran and small business owner Sean Grorich has announced his candidacy for Wisconsin’s 1st State Senate District, pledging to bring active, solutions-focused leadership to Northeast Wisconsin.
“I’m not a career politician — I'm a father, a veteran, and a business owner,” said Mr. Grorich. “Our neighbors deserve solutions, not partisan squabbles.”
Mr. Grorich’s campaign will focus on lowering healthcare and housing costs, strengthening schools, protecting Wisconsin’s natural resources, and building a stronger future for working families. His candidacy has already earned the endorsement of Senate Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein, who called him “the type of hardworking Wisconsinite we want in the State Senate.”
Mr. Grorich’s background includes service in the U.S. Air Force, law enforcement, and healthcare, as well as founding Pinky Promise Coffee in Sturgeon Bay.
The 1st Senate District is currently represented by Sen. Andre Jacque (R-New Franken), who last won reelection in 2022 with 59.5% of the vote. Although district lines have changed since then, the 1st SD remains a safe Republican seat with President Trump taking 59.4% of the vote in 2024 and GOP US Senate candidate Eric Hovde taking 58.3% the same year.
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Bennett launches bid for 76th AD | | |
Juliana Bennett, a former Madison alder and current aid to Rep. Angelito Tenorio, announced her candidacy for the 76th Assembly district seat in Madison, currently held by Representative Francesca Hong (D-Madison). In a press release announcing her bid, Ms. Bennett described herself as a “caregiver, community organizer, former alder, and proud queer black democratic socialist” and a “firebrand advocate with a track record of getting things done.” Rep. Hong was unopposed when she was last reelected to the seat in 2024, taking 98.9% of the total vote.
| | Clark launches bid for WI-07 | | |
Former Democratic state Rep. Fred Clark announced his candidacy for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, calling this a “transformative political moment.” Mr. Clark said voters across party lines are rethinking what they need from Washington amid rising costs and political dysfunction.
“We need a representative who shows up, listens, and works for everyone—regardless of how they votes,” Mr. Clark told WisPolitics.
Mr. Clark, who served in the Assembly from 2009 to 2015, now lives in Bayfield and has led two nonprofits since leaving office, including Wisconsin’s Green Fire, which promotes science-based environmental policy. He recently stepped back from a farm sustainability project to focus on the campaign.
Although the 7th CD will be an open seat in 2024 with incumbent Congressman Tom Tiffany running for governor, it’s still a reliably red district. In 2024, Rep. Tiffany won reelection to the 7th CD with 63.6% of the vote. Meanwhile, President Trump took 60.4% of the vote and GOP US Senate candidate Eric Hovde took 58.6%.
| | Evers secures child care subsidy increase for 15,000+ families | | |
As part of 2025: The Year of the Kid, Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) announced a significant boost to the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program, increasing subsidy rates for roughly 15,000 families starting this month. The change, backed by $123 million in the bipartisan 2025-27 state budget, raises the maximum subsidy to cover 75% of child care slot costs, saving families an average of $174 per month.
“This investment helps lower child care costs, fill slots, cut waitlists, and keep providers open,” said Governor Evers. “It’s a win for kids, families, and our workforce.”
The Wisconsin's Shares program, primarily federally funded, helps working families afford child care. While the state met the 75% coverage benchmark in 2022, rising tuition costs had reduced its effectiveness — dropping to just 41% coverage by 2025. This new investment restores its buying power.
DCF Secretary Jeff Pertl added, “Gov. Evers’ investment provides stability for today’s families and builds a stronger foundation for tomorrow’s workforce.”
This announcement follows the launch of the Child Care Bridge Payments Program, which began in August and will deliver $110 million in monthly payments to over 3,100 providers through June 2026. These funds support 126,000 children and help retain 25,000 child care workers, continuing the success of the earlier Child Care Counts Program.
In total, Gov. Evers secured over $360 million for child care in the 2025-27 budget, including:
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$110 million in direct monthly payments to providers
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$66 million for the new Get Kids Ready initiative, Wisconsin’s first state-funded child care program for four-year-old's
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$28.5 million for a pilot program expanding infant and toddler care capacity
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$2 million for wonder school to help providers grow and reduce waitlists
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$2 million to strengthen Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies.
Governor Evers has made child care a top priority, using his veto authority to protect these investments and ensure continued support for Wisconsin’s kids, families, and providers.
Read the full press release here.
| | Evers, DATCP open applications for food security grants | | |
Governor Tony Evers, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), announced that applications are now open for the Food Security and Wisconsin Products Grants Program, backed by $10 million in the 2025-27 biennial budget. The program funds nonprofit food assistance organizations to purchase Wisconsin-grown food and supports local producers and processors.
“In order to have a strong workforce and economy, we must ensure every Wisconsinite has access to nutritious food,” said Gov. Evers. “This investment helps connect food pantries with local producers and keeps our communities fed and healthy.”
A total of $5 million will be awarded in 2026 through a competitive process, with applications due by Nov. 5, 2025. No match is required, and projects may begin in February 2026.
DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski added, “Thanks to this investment, food assistance organizations can stock shelves with Wisconsin-grown products and get them to those who need them most.”
This initiative builds on Gov. Evers’ broader efforts to strengthen Wisconsin’s agricultural industry, including:
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$150 million for rural road improvements
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$66 million for the new Get Kids Ready child care initiative
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$20 million for dairy and agriculture resilience
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$3 million for Tribal Elder Food Security
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$2 million for nitrogen optimization
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$1.6 million for cover crop insurance rebates
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$1 million for meat processor grants
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$800,000 for dairy processor grants
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$500,000 for watershed protection
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$200,000 for farmer mental health
Read the full press release here.
| | Vos announces 2025 task force members | | |
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has announced the membership of the four bipartisan Speaker’s Task Forces for 2025. Each task force will be led by a Republican chair and a Democratic vice chair.
Speaker Vos stated in a press release, “The objective is for each bipartisan task force to start their work this fall by talking to experts and individuals who have knowledge on these topics, then recommend legislation to the full Assembly in the spring. These issues are important to our state and I am pleased we are taking a bipartisan approach to address each one.”
Speaker’s Task Force on Government Efficiency and Modernization
This task force will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies can be leveraged to improve government operations, eliminate redundancies, and reduce costs.
Members:
Rep. Piowarczyk (Chair)
Rep. Bare (Vice Chair)
Rep. Armstrong
Rep. Maxey
Rep. O’Connor
Rep. Tittl
Rep. Hong
Rep. Cruz
Speaker’s Task Force on Protecting Kids
Focused on safeguarding children in the digital age, this task force will examine how to better support parents and protect youth from online risks associated with rapidly evolving technology and social media.
Members:
Rep Brill (Chair)
Rep. Joers (Vice Chair)
Rep. Goeben
Rep. Green
Rep. Dittrich
Rep. Billings
Rep. Mayadev
Speaker’s Task Force on Rulemaking
This task force will review and recommend the repeal of excessive agency rulemaking authority. Areas of focus include environmental regulations, building codes, and fee-setting powers.
Members:
Rep. Jacobson (Chair)
Rep. Anderson (Vice Chair)
Rep. Sortwell
Rep. Hurd
Rep. Gustafson
Rep. Tusler
Rep. Tucker
Rep. Arney
Rep. Brown
Rep. DeSanto
Speaker’s Task Force on Elder Services
Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Wisconsin’s seniors, this task force will focus on promoting independence, social engagement, physical and financial wellbeing, and preventing elder abuse.
Members
Rep. Snyder (Chair)
Rep. Doyle (Vice Chair)
Rep. Melotik
Rep. Gundrum
Rep. VanderMeer
Rep. Novak
Rep. McCarville
Rep. Taylor
| | Democrats added to three committees | | |
Following Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez’s (D-Milwaukee) decision to leave the Assembly Democratic Caucus, Minority Leader Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) requested—and received approval from Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester)—to appoint an additional Democratic member to each committee on which Rep. Ortiz-Velez currently serves: Consumer Protection, Housing and Real Estate, and Judiciary.
The new committee appointments are as follows:
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Housing and Real Estate: Rep. Lori Palmeri (D-Oshkosh)
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Consumer Protection: Rep. Ben DeSmidt (D-Kenosha) and Rep. Todd Novak (R-Dodgeville)
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Judiciary: Rep. Ryan Spaude (D-Green Bay) and Rep. Shae Sortwell (R-Two Rivers)
With these changes, the Housing and Real Estate Committee now comprises 10 Republicans, five Democrats, and Rep. Ortiz-Velez. The Consumer Protection and Judiciary Committees each consist of five Republicans, two Democrats, and Rep. Ortiz-Velez.
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The following meetings have been noticed as of 12:00 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 6
No meetings currently scheduled.
Tuesday, October 7
Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Veteran and Military Affairs
Executive Session at 9:45 AM
Public Hearing at 10:00 AM
Senate Committee on Transportation and Local Government
Public Hearing at 11:00 AM
Wednesday, October 8
Assembly Committee on Science, Technology, and AI
Informational Hearing at 10:00 AM
Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections
Executive Session at 11:30 AM
Public Hearing at 11:31 AM
Thursday, October 9
No meetings currently scheduled.
Friday, October 10
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 10th at 8:30am - Capitol Chats with Rep. Subeck (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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