Mandela Barnes (D), David Crowley (D), Francesca Hong (D), Sara Rodriguez (D), and three other candidates are running in the Democratic primary for governor of Wisconsin on August 11, 2026. As of June 2026, Barnes, Crowley, Hong, and Rodriguez led in endorsements, polls, and fundraising.

Incumbent Tony Evers (D) is not running for re-election. Wisconsin Public Radio's Anya Van Wagtendonk said, "[T]he sizeable field means the candidates will have their work cut out for them as they seek to build name recognition and war chests ahead of the August primary." Wisconsin Watch's Brittany Carloni quoted professor Anthony Chergosky as saying, "there are multiple factors that could play a role in pushing one of the Democrats out in front … [including electability], a compelling biographical story, unique political experience or signature policy issues."

Barnes was elected lieutenant governor on a ticket with Evers in 2018 and ran for U.S. Senate in 2022 rather than seeking re-election. He served in the Wisconsin Assembly from 2013 to 2017. In a campaign ad, Barnes said, "The only way for our state to move forward is to reject the Washington way and get things done the Wisconsin way. It isn't about left or right. It's not about who can yell the loudest. It's about whether people can afford to live in the state they call home."

Crowley was elected Milwaukee County Executive in 2020 and served in the Wisconsin Assembly from 2017 to 2020. Crowley's campaign website said, "To win, the democratic nominee must do three things: boost turnout in Milwaukee, grow margins in the suburbs, and hold the line in rural communities. David is the only candidate who can do all three with the results to prove it."

Hong was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 2020. She works as a chef and community organizer. In a campaign ad, Hong said, "We can fully fund our public schools and have universal childcare. We can guarantee paid leave and have cheaper health care. We can fix a rigged system that puts oligarchs over workers and small businesses."

Rodriguez was elected lieutenant governor on a ticket with Evers in 2022. She served in the Wisconsin Assembly from 2021 to 2023. Rodriguez's campaign website said, "People don't trust politicians right now. But they do trust a nurse. A mom. Someone who shows up, listens, and delivers. Sara has won tough races before, earned trust across county lines, and she knows how to win in Wisconsin."

Also running in the primary are Joel Brennan (D), Missy Hughes (D), and Kelda Roys (D).

As of June 2026, major election forecasters rated the general election Toss-up. In 2022, Evers defeated Tim Michels (R) 51.1%–47.8%. In 2024, Donald Trump (R) defeated Kamala Harris (D) 49.6%–48.7% in the presidential election in Wisconsin. The last Republican to win election as governor of Wisconsin was Scott Walker (R) in 2014.