TL/DR –
Democrats in Wisconsin are sensing a power shift a year and a half after Donald Trump’s victory. Seven state Republican lawmakers announced their retirement in the last three months, including the party leaders in the Assembly and Senate, providing Democrats with a potential opportunity to gain control of at least one legislative chamber that has been in Republican hands for 16 years. Furthermore, a significant fundraising advantage in the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court race has liberals confident about expanding their majority, with potential impact also on the governor’s race in November.
Democrats sense a shift in the political atmosphere in Wisconsin following Trump’s victory, which could potentially transform the state’s power balance.
Seven GOP state lawmakers have retired in recent months, bolstering Democrat hopes of winning control of at least one legislative chamber, a first in 16 years.
Liberals’ massive fundraising advantage in the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court race inspires confidence for further expanding their majority.
Democrats hope a state Supreme Court win gives momentum for the governor’s contest, with many Democratic candidates vying to succeed Gov. Tony Evers.
\”We have an extraordinary opportunity this year in Wisconsin,\” expressed Wisconsin’s Democratic Party Chairman Devin Remiker, as GOP lawmakers retire.
A recent Marquette University Law School poll suggests that the political tide is turning in Democrats’ favor, with 56% of registered voters disapproving of Trump’s job performance.
The 2026 elections see the continuation of Democrats’ efforts to dismantle Republicans’ hold on state power that began in 2010.
Democrats aim to maintain control over the governorship and Supreme Court, while making strides in the Legislature this year, with more competitive maps poised.
\”There is a changing of the guard. The top three people in the Capitol today won’t be there a year from now,\” shares Mark Graul, a Republican strategist in Wisconsin.
Seven retiring Republican lawmakers, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Wisconsin Senate President Devin LeMahieu, have served in the Legislature for at least a decade.
Liberals striking down the state’s legislative maps and Republicans retiring are factors in the anticipated Democratic gains.
After retaining their majority in an expensive state Supreme Court race last year, liberals could secure control of the bench for the next decade.
In the upcoming election, Democratic-backed Chris Taylor holds a clear fundraising advantage over Republican-backed Maria Lazar for a seat left by retiring conservative Justice Rebecca Bradley.
Early voting data in the race has Democrats feeling encouraged even though the turnout so far is down from last year.
The governor’s race sees a generational shift for the Democratic party, with younger candidates being more prominent than outgoing governor, Evers, 74.
Anika Rickard, Wisconsin Republican Party spokesperson, expresses optimism around her party’s prospects despite GOP lawmaker retirements.
\”The energy is still on our side, not with Democrats,\” she stated.
Despite Democrats and Democratic-backed candidates winning most statewide races in Wisconsin, it remains a swing state with tight presidential elections.
Graul attributes the string of Democratic success to anti-Trump sentiment more than their individual achievements.
“What’s shaping Wisconsin, in 2026, to be a good year for Democrats is what’s happening in Washington, not Wisconsin,” he concludes.
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