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In this update:
- Governor’s Race
- Legislative Updates
- Congressional Updates
- Committee Schedule
- Upcoming Events
| | Michael Best Strategies offices are closed tomorrow, June 19th, in recognition of the Juneteenth Holiday. | | Rodriguez leads in straw poll at state Democratic convention | |
Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez led a WisPolitics straw poll of Democratic activists at last weekend’s state convention, with state Rep. Francesca Hong finishing a close second.
Lt. Gov. Rodriguez received 164 votes (27.5%) from convention participants, followed by State Representative Francesca Hong with 138 votes (23.1%). State Sentor Kelda Roys placed third with 114 votes.
Sara Rodriguez - 164 votes
Francesca Hong - 138 votes
Kelda Roys - 114 votes
David Crowley - 78 votes
Joel Brennan - 52 votes
Mandela Barnes - 41 votes
Missy Hughes - 10 votes
| Candidates focus on costs, economy, and electability at WisDems Convention | |
Democratic candidates for governor used their party's annual state convention to focus on the November election and the possibility of unified control of state government. Achieving that would require flipping two state Senate seats and five Assembly seats, while also holding the governor’s office as Governor Tony Evers prepares to leave office in January.
Seven Democratic candidates for governor addressed convention attendees, outlining plans centered on affordability and contrasting their approach with likely Republican nominee U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany. While Tiffany was a frequent point of contrast, the Democratic side remains competitive ahead of the August primary.
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Sara Rodriguez - Emphasized lowering health care and everyday costs, tying economic challenges to Republican policies. Highlighted her background in health care and her 2018 Assembly win in a Republican-leaning district as proof of electability.
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Francesca Hong - Ran on a more progressive platform, including a moratorium on AI data centers and broader affordability measures. Argues Democrats need bold ideas to win and avoid repeating past governing complacency.
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Mandela Barnes - Highlighted affordability and economic fairness, calling for policies such as taxing higher earners and limiting corporate influence. Emphasized a grassroots approach and contrasted himself with both President Trump and establishment politics.
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Kelda Roys - Focused on confronting the Trump administration and advancing policies like paid leave, child care, and expanded public health coverage. Stressed urgency and warned against nominating a candidate who could jeopardize a potential trifecta.
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David Crowley - Centered his message on practical problem-solving, citing his record on housing and government access. Argued Democrats must build a broad coalition statewide to win in November.
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Joel Brennan - Framed his candidacy around continuing Governor Evers’ agenda and “moving past the Walker era,” focusing on infrastructure, education funding, and middle-class access. Positioned a Democratic trifecta as key to advancing these goals.
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Missy Hughes - Focused on economic growth and small business development, pointing to her experience in economic development and managing major projects. Emphasized that long-term affordability depends on a string state economy.
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Democratic gubernatorial candidate and current State Senator Kelda Roys announced a $500,000 media buy aimed at primary voters, featuring a new ad highlighting her record in office. She is the second Democratic candidate to launch TV ads, following former DOA Secretary Joel Brennan. Senator Roys’ campaign said the ad will run on streaming platforms online and on TV, targeting Democratic primary voters, particularly in the Milwaukee suburbs.
The ad features Senator Roys biking through Madison with her children, highlighting her legislative work on abortion rights, health care access, and labor issues. She also outlines priorities including expanding access to the state health plan, increasing school funding, and protecting democratic institutions.
Watch the full ad here.
| New ad released backing Rodriguez | | |
A third party group supporting Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez has launched a second TV ad highlighting her proposal to lower health care costs. The spot, backed by Wisconsin Forward Fund, began airing last week in the Madison and Milwaukee markets. According to AdImpact, the group has now spent more than $820,000 on advertising.
The new ad emphasizes Lt. Gov. Rodriguez’s background and contrasts her health care proposal with GOP frontrunner Tom Tiffany, arguing she would lower premiums and prescription drug costs through a public option.
Watch the full ad here.
| | Hesselbein discusses elections, agenda for next session | |
Senate Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein emphasized affordability, education funding, and housing as central priorities during a June 16 WisPolitics luncheon, while expressing confidence in Democrats’ prospects in upcoming elections. Sen. Hesselbein said rising costs remain a primary concern for voters statewide, with K-12 education funding emerging as a consistent issue in communities. She described a system that relies heavily on local referenda and said more consistent state investment is needed.
The discussion linked education funding to broader economic challenges, including workforce retention and population trends, as well as access to child care and housing. She pointed to housing affordability as another key issue, noting that higher costs are delaying homeownership for some residents. Looking ahead to 2026, Sen. Hesselbein said Democrats see a path to a Senate majority following recent redistricting changes and are targeting several competitive districts.
On fiscal policy, Sen. Hesselbein addressed Senate Democrats’ opposition to a recent tax cut and spending package, citing concerns about long-term sustainability and projected budget pressures. She also outlined additional priorities under discussion, including child care costs, prescription drug prices, and school meal programs, alongside an interest in broader efforts to address affordability. She said bipartisan collaboration remains important in a closely divided Legislature, while noting that voters are focused on stability and practical policy outcomes.
Watch the luncheon here.
| | First televised debate scheduled in 7th CD GOP primary | | The first televised debate in the 7th Congressional District’s GOP primary has been scheduled for July 7th and will air on WJFW-TV. Three of the four GOP candidates have agreed to participate in the debate, including Michael Alfonso, Jessi Ebben, and Niina Baum. The fourth candidate, Kevin Hermening, has not yet said whether he would join the debate. The district’s incumbent Congressman, Tom Tiffany, is running for governor. The 7th CD is a safe Republican district. | | As of 1:00 pm Friday, there have been no committee meetings scheduled for next week. Committee and Agency meeting notices are frequently updated and can be found here (for the Legislature) and here (for the Administration). | | |
Friday, June 26 - Coffee with the Candidate - Becky Nichols (virtual)
Thursday, July 23 - Pre-primary event with Charles Franklin in Madison
Thursday, August 27 - Post-primary event with Charles Franklin in Milwaukee
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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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