WI 2026 Election

WI 2026 Election — Tom Tiffany Frontrunner, Open Governor Race

WI 2026 election: August 11 primary, November 3 general. Open governor race — Evers, LeMahieu, Vos, Felzkowski all leaving. R frontrunner U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Minocqua) "open to medical marijuana and supporting veterans." Other R: Washington Co. Exec. Josh Schoemann; manufacturer Bill Berrien. D field: Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Milwaukee Co. Exec. David Crowley, Sen. Kelda Roys, Rep. Francesca Hong, Cavalier Johnson interest, AG Josh Kaul speculated.

Legal Disclaimer: This information reflects Wisconsin cannabis law as of May 2026 and is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Laws and regulations change — always verify current rules with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) for Lydia's Law CBD; Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) for hemp or a qualified attorney. Cannabis remains illegal under federal law.

Last verified: May 2026

Open Governor Race — First in 8 Years

Gov. Tony Evers is not seeking a third term. The November 3, 2026 election will determine his successor. Republican primary candidates leave, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu and Speaker Robin Vos are also not seeking re-election; Senate President Felzkowski leaving Senate presidency. The simultaneous departures of WI’s longest-serving cannabis policymakers create the conditions for substantial 2027-session policy change.

Republican Frontrunner — U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany

U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Minocqua) is the GOP frontrunner. Tiffany has stated he is "open to medical marijuana and supporting veterans" — the most cannabis-receptive position from a Republican gubernatorial frontrunner in recent WI election history.

Tiffany’s Northwoods home base aligns with Sen. Felzkowski’s SB 534 sponsorship. The regional alignment suggests a Tiffany governorship would likely sign a Felzkowski-style medical bill if the 2027 legislature passed one.

Other Republican Candidates

Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann.
Manufacturer Bill Berrien.
Other potential entrants depending on the August 11 primary dynamics.

Democratic Field

Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez — running.
Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.
Sen. Kelda Roys.
Rep. Francesca Hong.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson (interest noted; endorsed Crowley).
AG Josh Kaul (speculated).

Cannabis policy is on every Democratic candidate’s agenda.

The 2024 Wisconsin Supreme Court Redistricting Ruling

The 2024 Wisconsin Supreme Court redistricting ruling tightened legislative maps. Democrats picked up four Senate seats and ten Assembly seats in November 2024. The redistricting effect creates the structural conditions for potential Democratic legislative-majority gains in 2026.

Key Watch List for 2026-27

August 11, 2026 primary — does Tiffany consolidate the GOP nomination? Does any 2026 candidate make adult-use a centerpiece?
November 3, 2026 general — gubernatorial outcome plus legislative composition.
SB 534 floor vote — does Felzkowski’s bill receive a Senate floor vote before the 2025-2027 session ends?
November 12, 2026 — federal hemp THC-per-container restrictions take effect; WI retail availability of intoxicating hemp likely contracts sharply.
Marquette polling trends — sustained 60%+ recreational support has not moved the legislature; the variable that would matter is partisan Republican support climbing meaningfully above the current ~51%.

2027 Outlook

Three scenarios:

Democratic trifecta: full adult-use legalization in 2027-2028. The most consequential outcome for cannabis-policy reform.
Continued split government: narrow medical program at most (SB 534 or successor). Adult-use unlikely.
Republican trifecta: forecloses adult-use indefinitely but might still pass a Felzkowski-style medical bill given GOP internal evolution.