The left’s megadonors have propelled state Democrats to dominate fundraising in recent years. But in 2026, they have been vastly outspent by billionaires on the political right.
John Kroll, bankrolled by the state’s Democratic Party, has outraised Republican incumbent Patrick Snyder in the campaign to flip an Assembly seat in the Wausau area.
The Democrat is winning the fundraising game in the GOP-leaning district, but the parties have mostly stayed out of the race, contrasting with their heavy spending in swing districts.
The political tradition of using the city’s urban problems to win votes in Wisconsin might not be as effective this year, experts say, as the campaign runs during a historic season.
Based on political climate, district makeup and money, GOP candidates face an uphill climb against several La Crosse-area Democrats in the state Assembly, according to one expert.
Both parties are using a well-worn loophole – that the Legislature could close – to boost their candidate, creating a tsunami of advertising in the relatively small race.
Republican state Rep. Todd Novak is facing game warden Ben Gruber. Both have received more than $1 million from their parties through a loophole the Legislature could close. That cash translates to lots of advertising on TV and in mailboxes.
Sheriff Wes Revels is running a write-in campaign to defeat his former jail sergeant Mike Krause, who won the primary. Krause declared himself independent of the U.S. in 2008.
The son of a famous tech billionaire, a former U.S. Senate candidate, and the former owner of the Milwaukee Brewers have all given Crowley the maximum.
State Democrats have dominated fundraising in recent years. But in 2026, its heavy hitters have been vastly outspent by the state’s Republican megadonors.
Tom Tiffany supported Donald Trump’s attempt to overturn the 2020 election. As governor, he would play a key part in the state’s 2028 election. “I’ll certify whoever wins the most votes in Wisconsin,” he said.
The central Wisconsin sheriff’s office has 50 take-home vehicles, nine of which travel beyond the county, Sheriff Tim Wilz says. The take-home policy is excessive and should be reined in, a contender for sheriff says.
The U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands, a major Silicon Valley billionaire and many others have given Van Orden the maximum donation allowed in this election cycle.
A famous musician, the former CEO of the Green Bay Packers and members of the Soros, Pritzker and Walton families have all given the challenger the maximum allowed by federal law.
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.