State Democrats have dominated fundraising in recent years. But in 2026, its heavy hitters have been vastly outspent by the state’s Republican megadonors.
Using a big legal loophole, state Democrats have dominated fundraising recently. This year, its heavy hitters have been vastly outspent by the state’s Republican megadonors.
Eric Hovde, Tim Michels and Kwik Trip co-founder Donald Zeitlow have each given the legal maximum of $20k, as have billionaire GOP megadonors the Uihleins and Diane Hendricks and her children.
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin has raised nearly $57 million this election, and is showering its candidates with cash. The state Republican Party has raised only about $29 million. Here are the billionaires behind much of that haul.
Rep. Tom Tiffany, the incumbent Republican, has raised about $1.2 million. Right-wing billionaires like the Uihleins, Diane Hendricks of ABC Supply and the Kwik Trip co-founder all made big donations.
Rich, liberal donors like George Soros, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman are repeatedly exploiting the loophole left open by state Republicans.