The race for governor in Wisconsin is heating up as seven Democratic candidates have reported significant fundraising efforts, marking the beginning of a highly competitive primary. This follows outgoing Governor Tony Evers’ decision not to pursue a third term, leading to an open field for the upcoming election.
Covering from July 1 to December 31, 2025, the fundraising reports highlight a bustling few months. Although the period officially began in July, Evers only announced his decision not to run on July 25, which triggered a flurry of campaign activity among Democrats.
Leading the Democratic fundraising efforts is Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. Crowley, who entered the race in September, reported a total of $789,000 in donations, with $602,000 available in his campaign funds. His total includes $123,000 transferred from his county executive account.
According to University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Political Science Professor Anthony Chergosky, Crowley’s fundraising figures are notable, yet there is no clear frontrunner in the Democratic primary. “I think the numbers reflect the fact that there is no overwhelming favorite on the Democratic Party side,” Chergosky said.
The second-highest fundraiser is Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, who raised about $618,000 and holds $603,000 in cash reserves. Rodriguez was prompt to announce her candidacy following Evers’ announcement.
Third in line is Greater Milwaukee Committee President Joel Brennan, who declared his campaign in December. Brennan reported contributions totaling $566,000, with $552,000 in the bank.
Trailing closely behind is former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, who entered the race in December as well. Barnes raised $556,000, with $471,000 remaining on hand. Notably, $50,000 of his funds came from a state political action committee backed by his federal PAC.
Missy Hughes, former head of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, reported $465,000 in contributions and $402,000 in available funds after launching her campaign in late September.
State Rep. Francesca Hong, representing Madison, raised approximately $369,000 with $135,000 left in her campaign account. Notably, Hong had the highest expenditure among Democrats at $235,000 and received the most individual contributions.
State Sen. Kelda Roys, also from Madison, reported raising $355,000 with nearly all of it, $344,000, remaining at her disposal. Roys has previously run for governor, losing to Evers in the 2018 Democratic primary.
Just 2 candidates in GOP primary
In contrast to the crowded Democratic field, only two candidates are vying for the Republican nomination. This limited competition impacts their fundraising dynamics, as Chergosky points out. “With the Democrats, the money is just being fragmented to the wide variety of candidates,” he said. “With Republicans … they just have that small, two-person field.”
U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany leads the Republican fundraising with $2.1 million raised and nearly $1.7 million in cash. Tiffany also spent the most among all candidates, with $438,000 in expenditures.
Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, who announced his candidacy last May, reported $536,000 in funds raised, including a $100,000 loan, with $492,000 left in the bank.
