Post-Election Update - Candidate Results

Wisconsin Remains a Purple State after Democrat Tony Evers, Republican Ron Johnson Declare Victory

Governor: Incumbent Democrat Tony Evers fended off a challenge from businessman Tim Michels to win a second term on Tuesday, ensuring divided government in Madison will continue for at least four more years. Evers is the first governor in 32 years to win when his party was in power in the White House.  He is also the first Dem in state history to win the governor’s race when his party's nominee (Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes) lost the contest for U.S. Senate.  Evers and the groups supporting him spent nearly $57 million post-primary compared to the $30 million spent by Michels and his backers.

Congress: Republican U.S. Senator Ron Johnson has declared victory over Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes, earning him a third six-year term in the Senate.  With several races too close to call, control of the U.S. Senate will be decided in the coming days, or weeks, with a runoff likely in Georgia.  Republicans remain favored to take control of the U.S. House of Representatives when all votes have been counted.  The race for western Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District has not yet been officially called but it appears former Navy SEAL Derrick Van Orden will defeat state Sen. Brad Pfaff, flipping a district that was long held by Democratic Congressman Ron Kind.  The other members of Wisconsin’s Congressional Delegation did not face serious challenges and were re-elected on Tuesday.

State Senate: Senate Republicans picked-up one seat in northern Wisconsin on Tuesday and are poised to return with 22 seats and a veto-proof supermajority.  Former state Representative Romaine Quinn won the 25th Senate District in the far northwestern corner of the state and will replace retiring Dem Janet Bewley.  In western Wisconsin’s 31st Senate District, although the race has not been officially called, it appears incumbent Dem Senator Jeff Smith narrowly defeated GOP challenger Dave Estenson.  In other closely watched contests, GOP state Rep. Rachel Cabral Guevara won the Fox Valley’s 19th Senate District, defending the seat being vacated by Roger Roth.  Additionally, former GOP lawmaker Rob Hutton won the 5th Senate District in the Milwaukee suburbs, keeping in GOP hands the seat that was previously represented by Dale Kooyenga.

State Assembly: With votes still being counted in several contested races, Assembly Republicans are on track gain three seats, however, they will likely come up two short of the partisan margin needed for a supermajority.  In the Milwaukee suburbs, Republican Tom Michalski won the 13th Assembly District, which became a safe GOP seat due to redistricting.  In northern Wisconsin, Republican Angie Sapik narrowly won the 73rd Assembly District, open due to longtime Dem Representative Nick Milroy opting against seeking re-election.  The neighboring 74th Assembly District, open with the retirement of Rep. Beth Myers, also flipped from D to R, as GOP small business owner Chanz Green has claimed victory.  Among other closely watched contests, Representative Robin Vos, the longest serving speaker in Wisconsin history, beat two write-in opponents, including Adam Steen who was backed by former President Donald Trump.  In the 94th Assembly District, incumbent Dem Steve Doyle defeated GOP Challenger Ryan Huebsch. Incumbent Dems Katrina Shankland and Tip McGuire also beat back GOP challenges.

Four Caucuses To Vote on Leadership Positions
Senate Republicans – Thursday, November 10th
Senate Democrats – Tuesday, November 15th
Assembly Republicans – Thursday, November 10th
Assembly Democrats – Thursday, November 17th