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In this update:

• MU Poll Recap
• Election Updates
• Federal Updates
• Committee Schedule
• Upcoming Events

MU Poll Recap

Marquette University Law School Poll release a new statewide poll on Wednesday. It found that 46% of registered voters approve of President Donald Trump’s job performance, while 53% disapprove—a net -7% rating. Governor Tony Evers (D) holds a net +5% approval, with 50% approving and 45% disapproving.

The poll also reported the favorability for all the announced gubernatorial candidates:

The poll interviewed 846 registered Wisconsin voters between October 15-22, 2025. The margin of error is +/- 4.5 percentage points for the full sample. The partisan makeup of the sample is 36% Republican, 32% Democratic and 33% independent. The interviews were conducted online with 723 respondents and with 123 by telephone using live interviewers.

Read our full update here.

Election Updates

Impact Research - Gubernatorial general election results

Although former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes has not announced a run for governor, a poll conducted by Impact Research on behalf of his political action committee indicates that Barnes holds an early lead in a hypothetical general election matchup against Republicans Tim Michels and U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany. According to the poll, Barnes leads Michels by seven points (51% to 44%) and Tiffany by six points (50% to 44%). The Impact Research poll was in the field October 2-8, 2025 and has a margin of error +/- 4.4%. 

Alfonso announces 7th CD bid

Michael Alfonso has officially announced his candidacy as a Republican for Wisconsin’s Seventh Congressional District seat. Mr. Alfonso, a native of northern Wisconsin, is running on a platform focused on supporting local communities, preserving individual freedoms, and ensuring economic opportunity for all. Mr. Alfonso is also the son-in-law to former Congressman of the seventh Congressional district, Sean Duffy, who is also current United States Secretary of Transportation.

“I was born and raised with the traditional Wisconsin values of faith, community, and hard work – and now I’m ready to give back to the area that gave so much to me. I’ve watched as the American Dream has continued to slip away from the people who so deserve it,” said Alfonso. “I’ve seen the effects of higher taxes and the increased cost of living on our families and our farms, and the erosion of our constitutional rights. I’m running for Congress because Northern Wisconsin needs to continue to have a representative who will truly put our families, communities, and America first.”

Mr. Alfonso and his wife, Evita Duffy-Alfonso, have strong ties to the region. He grew up in Vilas County and later moved to Wausau, working in the construction industry to pay his way through college at UW-Madison. His upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for the values and work ethic of northern Wisconsin. As the grandson of Cuban immigrants who fled communism, Alfonso brings a personal understanding of the importance of protecting democratic freedoms. His campaign will focus on safeguarding constitutional rights, supporting local agriculture, and ensuring that the American Dream remains within reach for future generations.

“My grandparents’ decision to flee communist Cuba to ensure a better life for our family should not be in vain. The radical left wants to change this country to be what my grandfather, and many before and after him, fled their home countries to escape. We cannot let that happen, and I will fight every day to ensure Wisconsin, and this nation, continue to provide us with the freedoms and opportunities that my grandparents came here for,” Alfonso said.

Read the full press release here.

Wassgren announces for 7th CD

Conservative Businessman and attorney Paul Wassgren has officially launched his campaign to represent the Seventh Congressional District as a Republican. Mr. Wassgren is widely recognized for his work in economic development, particularly through the Opportunity Zone program established under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. His campaign will focus on key priorities for the region. including:

• Expanding economic opportunity
• Addressing legal and regulatory challenges
• Strengthening local communities
• Preserving Wisconsin’s outdoor heritage

“Growing up in Ashland was the ideal childhood experience – fishing and boating in the summer, jumping in piles of leaves in the fall, and throwing snowballs and skiing in the winter. Economic opportunities were plentiful, and social problems like homelessness, violent crime, and addiction were scarce,” Paul said. “I’m running for Congress because we need more successful businessmen like Donald Trump and Ron Johnson to shake up the status quo and revitalize our communities.”

A fifth-generation Ashland native, Paul Wassgren began his career early as one of the youngest licensed stockbrokers in U.S. history. After earning his law degree, he built a global career, became a partner at major firms, and focused on economic development through Opportunity Zones. Today, he runs hid own firm, advising clients and serving on corporate boards.

Read the full press release here. 

Federal Updates

Trump Trade 2.0: New Trade Deals and Advancements in Talks

Four New Trade Deals -



• Malaysia: Broad trade and security commitments; 19% U.S. tariff with exceptions; no digital services tax; rare earths export MOU.
• Cambodia: Similar to Malaysia but narrower; full tariff elimination on U.S. goods; regulatory and IP reforms.
• Thailand: 99% tariff elimination on U.S. goods; reciprocal 19% U.S. tariff; labor and environmental protections.
• Vietnam: Preferential access for U.S. exports; reduced U.S. tariff from 46% to 20%; digital trade and investment cooperation.

Read the full article here.

Are you concerned about the impacts of the outlined trade issues? Please contact Sarah Helton, Michael Best Strategies’ Trade Practice Lead at sarah.helton@michaelbest.com for assistance.

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, November 3

No meetings currently scheduled.

Tuesday, November 4

Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections

Executive Session at 10:30 AM

Public Hearing at 10:31 AM

Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue

Public Hearing at 12:00 PM

Senate Committee on Education

Informational Hearing at 1:00 PM

Public Hearing at 1:01 PM

Assembly Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention

Public Hearing at 2:00 PM

Wednesday, November 5

Joint Legislative Audit Committee

Public Hearing at 9:00 AM

Executive Session at 9:01 AM

Assembly Committee on Children and Families

Public Hearing at 10:00 AM

Senate Committee on Insurance, Housing, Rural Issues and Forestry

Public Hearing at 10:00 AM

Senate Committee on Transportation and Local Government

Public Hearing at 10:30 AM

Assembly Committee on Commerce

Public Hearing at 11:00am

Senate Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs

Public Hearing at 11:00 AM

Assembly Committee on Ways and Means

Executive Session at 11:00 AM

Public Hearing at 11:01 AM

Thursday, November 6

No meetings currently scheduled.

Friday, November 7

No meetings currently scheduled.

Upcoming Events

Friday, November 7th at 8:30am - Capitol Chats with Sen. Howard Marklein (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

Government Relations Team

Our Team |  michaelbeststrategies.com

One South Pickney Street, Suite 700

Madison, WI 53703

Phone: 608-257-3501

Fax: 608-283-2275