U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany has entered the race for Wisconsin governor, becoming one of the most prominent Republicans to seek the open seat in 2026.
Tiffany, who has represented Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District since 2020, brings years of experience in both state and federal government. Before Congress, he served in the Wisconsin State Assembly and later in the State Senate, where he focused on rural economic development, natural resources, and regulatory reform. Raised on a dairy farm and educated in agricultural economics, Tiffany also ran a family business in northern Wisconsin, a background he says shaped his focus on small business and rural concerns.
The 2026 contest will be the first open race for governor in 16 years, following Gov. Tony Evers’ decision not to seek a third term. Tiffany joins a growing Republican field that includes Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and businessman Bill Berrien. On the Democratic side, declared candidates include Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, State Sen. Kelda Roys, and Rep. Francesca Hong.
Wisconsin is expected to be a closely watched state in the next election cycle, with both parties viewing the governor’s office as critical ahead of the 2028 presidential election. Tiffany has emphasized his record of winning in northern Wisconsin and says he will campaign on conservative principles while seeking to broaden his appeal statewide.
