Wisconsin's 2026 state legislative races take shape

Democrats aim to flip control of the state Senate as Republicans maintain fundraising edge in the Assembly

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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With several Republican state senators announcing their retirements and Democrats outraising their GOP counterparts in the Senate, the battle for control of Wisconsin's legislature is heating up ahead of the 2026 elections. Meanwhile, Republicans have brought in over $4 million for their Assembly campaign committee, dwarfing the fundraising of Democrats, though the party is investing early in key districts.

Why it matters

The outcome of the 2026 state legislative races in Wisconsin will have major implications for the balance of power in Madison, with Democrats needing to flip two seats to take control of the state Senate and five seats to flip the Assembly. The races will also be closely watched as a bellwether for the political landscape heading into the 2028 presidential election.

The details

Several key state Senate races are shaping up, with the retirements of Republican Sens. Steve Nass and Rob Hutton opening up opportunities for Democrats. The Senate Democratic campaign committee has outraised its GOP counterpart, bringing in over $770,000 in the second half of 2025. On the Assembly side, the Republican campaign committee has brought in over $4 million, much of it from major GOP donors, while Democrats are investing heavily in protecting vulnerable incumbents like Rep. Steve Doyle.

  • On Monday, Sen. Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) announced he will not run for reelection.
  • In recent weeks, Sen. Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield) also announced his retirement.

The players

Steve Nass

A Republican state senator who has served in the Legislature since 1991 and is one of the most conservative lawmakers in the state Senate.

Rob Hutton

A Republican state senator who represents Senate District 5, which includes portions of Milwaukee and Waukesha counties.

Robyn Vining

A Democratic state representative running for Hutton's open Senate seat.

Van Wanggaard

The Republican incumbent in Senate District 21, which encompasses parts of Racine and Milwaukee counties.

Trevor Jung

The Democratic challenger running against Wanggaard in Senate District 21.

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What they’re saying

“Working across the aisle for common sense solutions is how I've always approached governing. We've been able to accomplish a lot to help address affordability, reduce the tax burden, support education, and reduce healthcare costs.”

— Todd Novak, Republican State Assembly Member (Wisconsin Examiner)

“We see the same story play out across this district every single day. Our communities are hurting. Schools are closing. Our ambulances are often unstaffed and our police departments are closing. We can do better for our communities.”

— Ben Gruber, Democratic Challenger for State Assembly (Wisconsin Examiner)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This election year in Wisconsin will be a crucial test of the state's political landscape, with control of the legislature up for grabs and the outcome potentially shaping the 2028 presidential race. The fundraising numbers and retirements of key Republican lawmakers suggest Democrats have a path to flipping the state Senate, but the GOP's financial advantage in the Assembly could make that chamber a tougher climb.