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In this update:
- Election Updates
- Administration Updates
- Legislative Updates
- Committee Schedule
- Upcoming Events
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President Donald Trump endorsed Congressman Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin’s GOP gubernatorial primary this week, weighing in on one of the state’s most high-profile Republican contests. In a post on truth social, President Trump said Congressman Tiffany “has always been at my side,” praising the Northwoods Congressman’s loyalty and alignment with his agenda. President Trump continued adding that Congressman Tiffany “will fight to advance Common Sense Values and put Wisconsin and America First.”
Congressman Tiffany thanked President Trump for the endorsement in a post on X.
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Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann announced this week that he is ending his campaign for governor following President Donald Trump’s endorsement of his primary opponent Congressman Tom Tiffany.
In a statement, County Executive Schoemann congratulated Congressman Tiffany in securing the President’s backing and on being the Republican nominee. Stating, “I wish Tom great success in November. If we keep our focus on the people of Wisconsin instead of fighting among ourselves, we can make Wisconsin the place to be, not just the place we’re from.”
In response to County Executive Schoemann departing the race, opponent Tom Tiffany stated, “I appreciate Josh’s kind words and wish him the very best. We are both committed to making Wisconsin the place to be. As governor, I will ensure seniors, young families, and the next generation can afford to stay here by lowering property taxes and utility rates, cutting red tape to reduce housing costs, and delivering honest government and strong schools for every Wisconsinite.”
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President Donald Trump also endorsed Republican candidate for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, Michael Alfonso. In a post on Truth Social, President Trump praised Mr. Alfonso as a “MAGA Warrior” and a “young STAR”, highlighting his support for President Trump’s agenda and movement. President Trump also stated, “As your next Congressman, Michael will work tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations champion our Amazing Farmers and Ranchers, Promote Made in the U.S.A., Advance American Energy Dominance, Keep our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Support our Military/Veterans, Safeguard our Elections, and protect our always under siege Second Amendment.”
Mr. Alfonso thanked President Trump for the endorsement in a post on X.
| Gruber launches bid for 51st Assembly District | |
Ben Gruber announced that he is running for the Assembly in District 51. A lifelong Wisconsin resident, Mr. Gruber has served the district in multiple public safety roles, including conservation warden, EMT, police office, firefighter, and president of AFSCME Local 1215. He issued the following statement:
“I am proud to announce my candidacy for the 51st Assembly District. For far too long, families in this community have been left behind. From rising costs, lack of funding for local services, and school closures, the 51st has been hit hard by legislative actions in Madison. As a husband and father, I’ve seen firsthand how policy decisions have affected people across the district. When our local elementary school in Arena closed, my daughter faced a bus ride of over 90 minutes to kindergarten and our community lost one of its anchors. Our dream of sending our kids to the elementary school I attended was crushed. We’ve also seen how state actions can cause harm with volunteer EMS staffing collapsing and the village police department closing due to lack of resources. Time and time again, our communities have been forced to do more with less, and it’s time to change that. I’m running for the Assembly to make sure working families in this district have someone who is truly looking out for us and who will truly listen to us. This district deserves better and I am looking forward to connecting with our communities in the months ahead about how true representation can help improve our everyday lives. Let’s get to work!”
A video of the press conference can be found here.
The 51st AD is viewed as a swing district and is one of the key races that will determine control of the Assembly in 2027. The seat is currently held by Rep. Todd Novak (R-Dodgeville), who has been elected to the Assembly since 2014 and was last reelected in 2024 with 51.7% of the vote. In 2024, Democratic Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris carried the district by 3.5 percentage-points and U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D) won by 7.8 percentage-points.
| Bukiewicz launches bid for 21st Assembly District | | |
Democratic Oak Creek Mayor and Milwaukee Building & Construction Trades Council President Dan J. Bukiewicz announced that he is running for the 21st Assembly district.
Mayor Bukiewicz has served as mayor since 2017 and has led the Milwaukee Building & Construction Trades Council since 2014. In announcing his candidacy, he said rising costs, wage pressures and support for working families are key issues driving his campaign.
His bid is endorsed by Assembly Democratic Leader Greta Neubauer and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, who both cited his experience in local government and labor leadership. Additional endorsements include State Representative Karen Kirsch, Milwaukee Alderperson Scott Spiker, and Oak Creek Alderperson Alicia Haase, Greg Loreck and Chris Guizkowski.
The 21st Assembly District is another swing district that will determine control of the Assembly in 2027. It is currently represented by Rep. Jessie Rodriguez, a Republican who has held the seat since 2013 and was last reelected in 2024 with 51.3% of the vote. In 2024, Democratic Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris carried the district by 4 percentage-points and U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D) won by 5.4 percentage-points. The district includes Oak Creek and parts of Milwaukee’s south side.
| | New WEDC CEO details economic development priorities and data centers | |
John W. Miller joined WPR’s Wisconsin Today to discuss his economic priorities, including support for manufacturing, emerging technologies and both large and small-scale development projects. Governor Tony Evers last month appointed John W. Miller as WEDC’s new secretary and CEO, replacing Missy Hughes, who left the role to pursue a Democratic run for governor.
Mr. Miller said his background in manufacturing and venture capital aligns with the state’s economic priorities. Manufacturing remains central to Wisconsin’s economy, employing more people per capita than nearly any other state, while investment in emerging technologies is necessary for future growth.
Inflation continues to affect both employers and workers, though recent data points to a generally positive outlook. A survey by the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing Progress found that 65% of manufacturers believe the state’s business climate is headed in the right direction. Many cited the need for access to capital and workers as their top challenges. Uncertainty around tariffs has also created hesitation among businesses considering new investments. Mr. Miller said Wisconsin continues to engage international trade partners through trade missions and plans further outreach, including a trip to Mexico.
Mr. Miller said data centers are one area of potential economic growth, though he acknowledged local concerns related to water usage and electricity demand. He said those impacts can be managed in coordination with local and state leaders, and noted that companies such as Microsoft have pledged their facilities will not raise local utility rates. He added that data centers can create jobs beyond construction, including in management and technology roles.
While data centers may employ fewer workers once operational, Mr. Miller said they help attract high-skill positions and support innovation linked to Wisconsin’s university system. He said the state aims to pursue both data center projects and traditional manufacturing investments.
Mr. Miller also emphasized the importance of balancing large-scale economic development projects with smaller, community-based investments. While major projects like Foxconn have not met all initial employment expectations, he said the company remains a significant employer in the state and continues to invest. At the same time, he pointed to the value of supporting small businesses and downtown development. Mr. Miller cited examples of fully occupied Main Streets in small communities and said WEDC efforts range from billion-dollar projects to small grants that help local businesses renovate vacant storefronts.
| | Vos open to compromise with Evers on surplus, property tax relief | | |
In a sit down interview with WISN 12’s ‘UpFront’ Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says he’s open to working with Governor Tony Evers on using part of that state’s surplus for property tax relief, calling Evers’ $1.3-$1.4 billion proposal reasonable. He added that Republicans still plan to challenge Evers’ “400-year veto” on school revenue limits, saying it must be addressed before making further funding commitments.
On data center regulation, Speaker Vos called the facilities a “necessary evil” and said lawmakers must ensure they don’t raise electric rates, misuse land, or exceed environmental expectations. The Assembly passed a related bill with limited bipartisan support, though Governor Evers has signaled a likely veto.
Speaker Vos expressed his optimism about advancing legislation to legalize online sports betting through Wisconsin tribes, despite personally opposing online gambling. He said the Assembly may vote on extending postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months but reaffirmed his opposition to the proposal.
Speaker Vos plans to decide in February whether he’ll seek reelection, noting he will discuss it with his family.
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The following meetings have been noticed as of 2:00 pm Friday. Committee and Agency meeting notices are frequently updated and can be found here (for the Legislature) and here (for the Administration).
Monday, February 2
No meetings currently scheduled.
Tuesday, February 3
Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Sporting Heritage
Public Hearing at 10:00 AM
Assembly Committee on Transportation
Executive Session 10:30 AM
Public Hearing 10:31 AM
Wednesday, February 4
Senate Committee on Insurance, Housing, Rural Issues and Forestry
Public Hearing at 9:30 AM
Assembly Committee on Health, Aging, and Long-Term Care
Executive Session at 10:00 AM
Public Hearing at 10:01 AM
Assembly Committee on Science, Technology, and AI
Public Hearing at 10:00 AM
Thursday, February 5
Assembly Committee on Agriculture
Executive Session at 12:30 PM
Public Hearing at 12:31 PM
Friday, February 6
No meetings currently scheduled.
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Monday, February 2 - Meet the Candidate with Congressman Tom Tiffany
Monday, February 2 - Meet the Candidate with Former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes
Friday, February 6 - Capitol Chats with Rep. Jessie Rodriguez (virtual)
Monday, February 16 - Meet the Candidate with Joel Brennan
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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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