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In this update:

• Election Updates
• Administration Updates
• Committee Schedule
• Upcoming Events

Election Updates

Michels weighs another gubernatorial bid

Conservative talk radio host Dan O’Donnell reported that 2022 Republican gubernatorial candidate and businessman Tim Michels visited the White House this week. According to O’Donnell, the visit comes as Michels has not ruled out a potential run for governor in 2026. Michels entered the 2022 Republican gubernatorial primary late in the race, and shortly after his entry, former President Trump endorsed him over former Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch.

In the 2022 gubernatorial race, incumbent Democratic Governor Tony Evers secured re-election by defeating Republican businessman Tim Michels in a highly competitive contest. Governor Evers received 51.5% of the total vote, while Mr. Michels garnered 47.8%. The race was notable not only for its tight margin — a 3.4% victory for Governor Evers— but also for being the most expensive gubernatorial election in the country that year. 

Martin announces Lt. Gov bid

Small business owner and longtime public servant Will Martin has officially entered the race for Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor with a video announcement posted on X. Formerly a member of the administrations of Governors Tommy Thompson and Scott Walker, Mr. Martin brings deep experience in economic development, workforce training, and housing affordability. His campaign centers on tackling what he calls Wisconsin’s “quiet crisis”— the loss of jobs, declining homeownership, and young people leaving the state. Martin is committed to restoring the American Dream by streamlining government, cutting costs, and partnering with communities and the private sector to create new opportunities.

As a small business owner for the past 25 years, Mr. Martin understands the costly impact of government over-regulation on entrepreneurs and job creators. That experience fuels his commitment to streamlining state government, reducing its costs and regulatory footprint, and restoring its focus on serving the people—not bureaucracy.

As Lieutenant Governor, Mr. Martin plans to work in close partnership with the next Governor to make government more efficient and responsive. “As Lt. Governor, I will help the next Governor shrink and streamline state government, cut its cost and regulatory burden, and make it work for you again. Together, the next Governor and I will partner with the private sector and communities to create more opportunities for our people to live, work, build, innovate, and thrive right here. In 2026, we will not only celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence, but elect a new Governor and Lt. Governor in Wisconsin. I am asking for your support so we can ignite a new era of freedom, opportunity, and prosperity in the Badger State, from Kenosha to Cornucopia,“ Mr. Martin stated.

Toney announces AG bid

Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney, has officially launched his second campaign for Wisconsin Attorney General, setting the stage for a rematch with incumbent Democrat AG Josh Kaul. In 2022, Kaul defeated Toney by approximately 35,000 votes—a margin of 1.3%.

Mr. Toney cited a life-altering health experience as a catalyst for his renewed candidacy. “Two years ago, at 39, I underwent open-heart surgery because of a defective heart valve. By the grace of God—and years of running—my heart held on,” Toney said. “That clarity led me here: if I could still make a difference for Wisconsin, I would. After seven years of broken promises and political spin in the Attorney General’s office, it’s time for change.”

In his current campaign, Mr. Toney is emphasizing public safety, support for law enforcement, and aggressive prosecution of violent and drug-related crimes, particularly in Milwaukee. He has pledged to restore accountability at that state crime labs and confront the fentanyl crisis.

Administration Updates

Evers, WisDOT announce $145M in transportation aids

Governor Tony Evers, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), announced that counties and municipalities across Wisconsin have received more than $145 million in fourth-quarter payments through the General Transportation Aids (FTA), connecting Highway aids, and expressway policing aids programs. These funds support the repair, maintenance, and improvement of local roads and highways statewide.

This final round of payments brings the total 2025 calendar year investment to over $540 million, marking a historic level of support for local transportation infrastructure. The funding stems from the 2023-25 biennial budget signed by Governor Evers, which delivered the largest STA allocation in Wisconsin’s history.

“We’ve fought hard to secure historic increases in local transportation funding that our communities need to ensure Wisconsinites have the safe, quality roads that they expect and deserve,” Gov. Evers stated. “Since Day One, my administration and I have made it a priority to fix the darn roads, and today, Wisconsinites could drive from Wausau to Disney World and back three times on the number of miles of roads fixed since 2019. We continue to work in earnest to ensure our communities have the resources they need to meet basic and unique needs alike.”

Building on the momentum, the bipartisan 2025-27 biennial budget, signed in July, includes $1.1 billion in new transportation investments, including a 3% annual increase to the GTA program. Over the next two years, municipalities will receive an additional $33.2 million, while counties will benefit from nearly $10 million in increased funding.

Read the full press release here.

Committee Schedule

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 27

No meetings currently scheduled.

Tuesday, October 28

Senate Committee on Transportation and Local Government

Public Hearing at 11:00 AM

Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Veteran and Military Affairs

Public Hearing at 11:30 AM

Wednesday, October 29

Assembly Committee on Local Government

Executive Session at 10:00 AM

Public Heating at 10:01 AM

Assembly Committee on Transportation

Executive Session at 10:30 AM

Public Hearing at 10:31 AM

Assembly Committee on Protecting Kids

Information Hearing at 11:00 AM

Senate Committee on Government on Operations, Labor and Economic Development

Public Hearing at 1:00 PM

Senate Committee on Insurance, Housing, Rural Issues and Forestry

Public Hearing at 1:00 PM

Thursday, October 30

Assembly Committee on Government Efficient and Modernization

Informational Hearing at 10:00 AM

Friday, October 31

No meetings currently scheduled.

Upcoming Events

Friday, October 31st at 8:30am - Capitol Chats with Rep. Jenna Jacobson (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