Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI) announced his campaign for governor of Wisconsin on Tuesday.
Tiffany was widely expected to run even before Gov. Tony Evers (D-WI) said he would not seek a third term. In a statement, Tiffany said it was an honor to represent his northern Wisconsin district in the House but that he was “ready to lead for every corner of our state.”
“In 2026, Wisconsin will have a choice between opportunity, security, and freedom or following the path of failure seen in Minnesota and Illinois. I will not allow our state to be dragged down that woke and broke road,” he said in a statement announcing his candidacy.
“As governor, I will freeze property taxes, protect our farmland from Communist China, and fight every day for families, for farmers, and for the hardworking people who make this state great,” the statement continued. “I will take on the powerful, stand for the commonsense values we share, and deliver real results for every Wisconsinite. Together, we will save Wisconsin and make the Badger State a shining star in America again.”
Tiffany, 67, has represented Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District since winning a special election in 2020. He previously served several terms in the Wisconsin Assembly and Wisconsin Senate.
Tiffany, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, is joining Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and Milwaukee-area businessman Bill Berrien on the Republican side of the race.
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Democratic candidates include state Rep. Francesca Hong, state Sen. Kelda Roys, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who has the support of Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. Attorney General Josh Kaul is said to be considering a run.
Next year’s race will be the first Wisconsin gubernatorial election since 2010 with no incumbent candidate.