The 2026 Wisconsin Senate election will be held on November 3, 2026. Seventeen of the 33 seats in the Wisconsin Senate are up for election—those in the odd-numbered districts. Republicans currently hold 12 of these 17 seats and have an 18–15 majority in the Senate overall.

This election will be significantly influenced by the legislative maps drawn as a result of the Wisconsin Supreme Court decision in Clarke v. Wisconsin Elections Commission, which declared the previous legislative district map to be unconstitutional on December 22, 2023. The court was in the process of selecting a remedial plan, when the legislature chose to embrace the remedial map proposal from Governor Tony Evers. Evers signed the plan into law on February 19, 2024.[1]

This will be the first state Senate elections held in these seats under the new redistricting plan. Under the new maps, control of the Senate could go to either party due to Democratic gains in the 2024 election.[2]

Background

Partisan background

In the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Republican nominee Donald Trump won 9 districts, while Democratic nominee Kamala Harris won 8 districts. Republicans currently hold three districts where Harris won in 2024: District 5 (Harris +5.81%), represented by Rob Hutton; District 17 (Harris +1.03%), represented by Howard Marklein; and District 21 (Harris +1.23%), represented by Van Wanggaard.

Redistricting

This election will be significantly affected by the legislative maps drawn as a result of the Wisconsin Supreme Court decision in Clarke v. Wisconsin Elections Commission, which declared the previous legislative district map to be unconstitutional on December 22, 2023.[3] The court was in the process of selecting a remedial plan, when the legislature chose to embrace the remedial map proposal from Governor Tony Evers. Evers signed the plan into law on February 19, 2024.[4]

2024 elections

In 2024, Democrats gained four seats in the Senate under the new maps, with the expectation they would not be able to win a majority then because only even-numbered seats were up for election that year.[5][6] During the 2024 campaign, both parties spent heavily on the competitive races in that cycle.[7] The Democrats' gains put them on a path towards winning a majority in 2026, where three senate districts could determine control of the chamber.[8][9]

Democrats last won a majority of seats in the state senate in the 2012 recall elections, but they last seated a majority of seats in a session after the 2008 elections.

Campaign

Primary elections

As part of their effort to gain control of the Senate, the Senate Democratic caucus has endorsed several candidates in competitive districts in an attempt to clear the field for their preferred candidates.[10] In the 5th district the State Senate Democratic Campaign Committee has supported representative Robyn Vining over businesswoman Sarah Harrison, who withdrew from the race in early January citing a lack of funding.[11][12] In the 17th district, one candidate, business owner Matt Roboin, declined to run, citing the Committee's endorsement of representative Jenna Jacobson for the nomination.[13] In the 21st district, city official Trevor Yung is running unopposed for the nomination after being endorsed by the Committee.[10] This strategy received criticism from candidates running in the various districts, who argued that it was undemocratic for the party campaign arm to intervene in primary elections and give support to certain candidates over others.[11][13]

Predictions

Senators are running for the first time under new districts implemented as a result of Clarke v. Wisconsin Elections Commission giving Democrats an opportunity to win control of the chamber for the first time in over a decade.[14] Some Wisconsin Democrats consider the Senate to be "the most flippable chamber in the country" due to the new districts as well as key Republican retirements from competitive seats.[15]

Source Ranking As of
Sabato's Crystal Ball[14] Tossup January 22, 2026
State Navigate[16] Lean D (flip) February 4, 2026

Summary

Party
(majority caucus shading)
 Total
Democratic Republican
Last election (2024) 10 6 16
Total after last election (2024) 15 18 33
Total before this election 15 18 33
Up for election 5 12 17
of which: Incumbent retiring 0 6 6
Vacated 0 0 0
Open 0 7 7
Unopposed 2 0 2

Outgoing incumbents

Retiring

Incumbents and candidates

Dist. 2024
Pres.[23]		 Incumbent This election[24]
Member Party First elected Status Declared candidate(s)
01 R+20.3 André Jacque Rep. 2018 Incumbent retiring[18]
  • ▌Katie Baney (Rep.)[25]
  • ▌Mark Becker (Ind.)[26]
  • ▌Barbara Bittner (Rep.)[24]
  • ▌Nic Cravillion (Rep.)[27]
  • ▌Jacob VandenPlas (Rep.)[28]
03 D+27.7 Tim Carpenter Dem. 2002 Incumbent running
05 D+5.9 Rob Hutton Rep. 2022 Incumbent retiring[17]
07 D+28.5 Chris Larson Dem. 2010 Incumbent running
09 R+15.7 Devin LeMahieu Rep. 2014 Incumbent retiring[22]
11 R+28.0 Stephen Nass Rep. 2014 Incumbent retiring[20]
13 R+30.9 John Jagler Rep. 2021 (special) Incumbent running
15 D+7.7 Mark Spreitzer Dem. 2022 Incumbent running
17 D+1.0 Howard Marklein Rep. 2014 Incumbent running
19 R+25.8 Rachael Cabral-Guevara Rep. 2022 Incumbent running
21 D+1.2 Van H. Wanggaard Rep. 2010[a]
2014		 Incumbent retiring[21]
  • ▌Jim Croft (Rep.)[44]
  • ▌Trevor Jung (Dem.)[45]
23 R+35.9 None (open seat) No incumbent
25 R+13.6 Romaine Quinn Rep. 2022 Running for 23rd district
27 D+52.7 Dianne Hesselbein Dem. 2022 Incumbent running
29 R+19.3 Cory Tomczyk Rep. 2022 Incumbent running
31 D+2.2 Jeff Smith Dem. 2018 Incumbent running
Jesse James[b] Rep. 2022 Incumbent retiring[19]
33 R+33.7 Chris Kapenga Rep. 2015 (special) Incumbent running

Race details

District 1

Incumbent Republican Andre Jacque has declined to seek re-election. Four Republicans have filed to succeed him, as well as one Independent, Luxemburg small business owner Mark Becker.[26]

Previously, Democrat Sean Grorich ran for the district, but withdrew and endorsed Becker.[56][26]

District 1 Republican primary
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Katie Baney
Republican Barbara Bittner
Republican Nic Cravillion
Republican Jacob VandenPlas
Write-in
Total votes 100.0
District 9 general election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican TBD
Independent Mark Becker
Write-in
Total votes 100.0

District 3

Incumbent Democrat Tim Carpenter is running for re-election unopposed.

District 3 general election results
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Tim Carpenter (incumbent)
Write-in
Total votes 100.0

District 5

Incumbent Republican Rob Hutton has declined to seek re-election. State representative Robyn Vining (D–Wauwatosa) and Republican—Pewaukee small business owner Mike Roberts—have announced to run for the seat.[17][29][31]

Under Wisconsin's 2024 maps, the 5th Senate district comprises parts of western Milwaukee County, and eastern Waukesha County. It includes the cities of Brookfield and Pewaukee, and the villages of Elm Grove and Pewaukee, as well as most of the cities of Wauwatosa and West Allis, and parts of the cities of Milwaukee and Waukesha.[57] These western Milwaukee suburbs and Waukesha-area exurbs were a Republican stronghold as recently as 2014, but have moved steadily away from the Republicans since the election of Donald Trump. The 5th Senate district is a top pickup target for Wisconsin Democrats in 2026.[17]

District 5 general election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Mike Roberts
Democratic Robyn Vining
Write-in
Total votes 105,459 100.0

District 7

Incumbent Democrat Chris Larson is running for re-election. He will face Republican Mike Moeller.

District 7 general election
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Chris Larson (incumbent)
Republican Mike Moeller
Write-in
Total votes 100.0

District 9

Incumbent Republican and majority leader Devin LeMahieu has declined to seek re-election.

Incumbent Republican and majority leader Devin LeMahieu has declined to seek re-election.[22] Republican former state representative Amy Binsfeld has announced she will run to succeed LeMahieu. She will face Independent Christian Ellis.

District 9 general election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Amy Binsfeld
Independent Christian Ellis
Write-in
Total votes 100.0

District 11

Incumbent Republican Stephen Nass has announced he will not seek re-election.[20] Three Republican candidates have announced a campaign to succeed Nass—former state representative Ellen Schutt[34], Army veteran Nick Polce[33], and former Kenosha County Republican chair Sandy Weidmeyer[35]; Two Democratic candidates, Steven Doelder and Adam Duda, have announced campaigns for this seat.

District 11 Republican primary
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Nick Polce
Republican Ellen Schutt
Republican Sandy Wiedmeyer
Write-in
Total votes 100.0
District 11 Democratic primary
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Steven J. Doelder
Democratic Adam Duda
Write-in
Total votes 100.0

District 13

Incumbent Republican John Jagler is running for re-election. He will face Democrat Sasha Ripley.[36] Initially, one independent candidate, Beaver Dam city council member Jeff Bierman,[58] announced a campaign but did not submit paperwork to get on the ballot.

District 13 general election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican John Jagler
Democratic Sasha Ripley
Write-in
Total votes 100.0

District 15

Incumbent Democrat Mark Spreitzer is running for re-election. He will face Republican Scott Fleming and independent Christopher Dean.

District 15 general election
Party Candidate Votes %
Independent Christopher Dean
Republican Scott Fleming
Democratic Mark Spreitzer (incumbent)
Write-in
Total votes 100.0

District 17

Incumbent Republican Howard Marklein is running for re-election. Three Democratic candidates have announced to run for the seat: state representative Jenna Jacobson (D–Oregon), New Glarus child care advocate Corrine Hendrickson, and Potosi small business owner Lisa White.[39][40][42]

District 17 Democratic primary
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Corrine Hendrickson
Democratic Jenna Jacobson
Democratic Lisa Rose White
Write-in
Total votes 100.0
District 17 general election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Howard Marklein (incumbent)
Democratic TBD
Write-in
Total votes 100.0

District 19

Incumbent Republican Rachael Cabral-Guevara is running for re-election. She will face Democrat and rural organizer Emily Tseffos.[43]

District 19 general election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Rachael Cabral-Guevara (incumbent)
Democratic Emily Tseffos
Write-in
Total votes 100.0

District 21

Incumbent Republican Van H. Wanggaard has announced he will not seek reelection.[21] One Democratic candidate—Racine transit director Trevor Jung[45]—and one Republican candidate—Franklin businessman Jim Croft[44]—have announced to run for this seat.

District 21 general election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jim Croft
Democratic Trevor Jung
Write-in
Total votes 100.0

District 23

Incumbent Republican Jesse James has declined to seek re-election after being drawn out of this district due to redistricting.[19] Twenty-fifth district incumbent, Republican Romaine Quinn, was drawn into this district and is running for re-election.[47] Two Democratic candidates, Jeff Foster and Richard Pulcher, have announced to run for the seat.

District 23 Democratic primary
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Jeff Foster
Democratic Richard Pulcher
Write-in
Total votes 100.0
District 23 general election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Romaine Quinn
Democratic TBD
Write-in
Total votes 100.0

District 25

Incumbent Republican Romaine Quinn was drawn out of this district due to redistricting and is running for re-election in the 23rd district instead.[47] There is no incumbent residing in the new 25th Senate district. Two Republican candidates—former state representatives Angie Sapik (R–Lake Nebagamon) and Erik Severson (R–Alden)—and one Democratic candidate—Bayfield County supervisor Charly Ray—have announced to run for the seat.[48][49][50]

District 25 Republican primary
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Angie Sapik
Republican Erik Severson
Write-in
Total votes 100.0
District 25 general election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican TBD
Democratic Charly Ray
Write-in
Total votes 100.0

District 27

Incumbent Democrat and minority leader Dianne Hesselbein is running for re-election unopposed.

District 27 general election[59]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Dianne Hesselbein (incumbent)
Write-in
Total votes 68,276 100.0

District 29

Incumbent Republican Cory Tomczyk is running for re-election. He will face Democrat and retired Wausau radiologist Gillian Battino.[51]

District 29 general election
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Gillian Battino
Republican Cory Tomczyk (incumbent)
Write-in
Total votes 100.0

District 31

Incumbent Democrat Jeff Smith has announced he will seek re-election.[54] Twenty-third district incumbent, Republican Jesse James, was drawn into this district but opted to retire rather than run in an incumbent-vs-incumbent matchup.[19] One Republican candidate—Eau Claire county supervisor Michele Magadance Skinner—has announced to run for this seat.[53]

District 31 general election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Michele Magadance Skinner
Democratic Jeff Smith (incumbent)
Write-in
Total votes 100.0

District 33

Incumbent Republican, and former Senate president, Chris Kapenga is running for re-election. He will face Democrat and Delafield attorney Mike Van Someren.[55]

District 33 general election
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Chris Kapenga (incumbent)
Democratic Mike Van Someran
Write-in
Total votes 100.0

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Removed from office by recall in 2012
  2. ↑ Redistricted from the 23rd district.

References

  1. ↑ "Wisconsin Supreme Court consultants say Republican-drawn legislative maps are gerrymanders, don't deserve consideration". WPR. February 2, 2024. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
  2. ↑ "Dem wins in state Senate keep open shot at majority in '26". WisPolitics. November 6, 2024. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  3. ↑ Kremer, Rich (February 1, 2024). "Wisconsin Supreme Court consultants say Republican-drawn legislative maps are gerrymanders, don't deserve consideration". Wisconsin Public Radio. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  4. ↑ Kremer, Rich (February 19, 2024). "Evers signs new maps into law, effectively ending Wisconsin redistricting lawsuit". WPR. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
  5. ↑ Kremer, Rich (February 22, 2024). "What do Wisconsin's new maps mean for the Legislature's balance of power?". WPR. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  6. ↑ Karnopp, Hope (February 21, 2024). "You have questions about Wisconsin's new election maps and how they affect you? We have answers". Journal Sentinel. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  7. ↑ "Democrats commit $7 million to TV ads in 5 key state Senate races". AP News. May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  8. ↑ Richmond, Todd (November 6, 2024). "New maps help Wisconsin Democrats make legislative gains and set up a push for majorities in 2026". Associated Press. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  9. ↑ Kelly, Jack; Claflin, Hallie; DeFour, Matthew (November 7, 2024). "Democrats flip 14 legislative seats, affirming GOP gerrymander is dead". Wisconsin Watch.
  10. 1 2 Walters, Steven (September 30, 2025). "Parties target new Wisconsin Senate battleground districts". Isthmus. Retrieved January 26, 2026.
  11. 1 2 Spears, Baylor (September 11, 2025). "As Democrats seek to flip the Wisconsin State Senate, primaries shape up in two target districts". Wisconsin Examiner. Retrieved January 26, 2026.
  12. ↑ Spears, Baylor (February 3, 2026). "Wisconsin's 2026 state legislative races take shape". Wisconsin Examiner. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  13. 1 2 Raboin, Matt (July 31, 2025). "Opinion | Insiders shutting the door on fresh Democratic candidates". The Cap Times. Retrieved January 26, 2026.
  14. 1 2 Jacobson, Louis (January 22, 2026). "Handicapping The 2026 State Legislative Map: A First Look". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved January 22, 2026.
  15. ↑ Bauer, Scott (March 19, 2026). "Republican Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu to retire from office". PBS Wisconsin. Retrieved March 29, 2026.
  16. ↑ "2025 WI Forecasts". projects.statenavigate.com. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  17. 1 2 3 4 "Hutton won't seek reelection". WisPolitics. January 22, 2026. Retrieved January 22, 2026.
  18. 1 2 "Jacque won't seek reelection". WisPolitics. April 30, 2026. Retrieved April 30, 2026.
  19. 1 2 3 4 Kremer, Rich (April 14, 2026). "Republican Sen. Jesse James to retire from Wisconsin Legislature". Wisconsin Public Radio. Retrieved April 14, 2026.
  20. 1 2 3 "Nass won't seek reelection". WisPolitics. February 2, 2026. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  21. 1 2 3 "Sen. Wanggaard: Announces Retirement". WisPolitics. March 17, 2026. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
  22. 1 2 3 Rosen, Noa (March 19, 2026). "Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu says he will not seek re-election". TMJ4 News. Retrieved April 21, 2026.
  23. ↑ "Wisconsin - State Navigate". State Navigate. Retrieved November 26, 2025.
  24. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 "Wisconsin Elections Commission Candidates on Ballot By Election 2026 General Election Final". Wisconsin Elections Commission. Retrieved June 16, 2026.
  25. ↑ "BBaney Campaign: Katie Baney launches bid for Wisconsin State Senate District 1, pledges to put Wisconsin families first as the first conservative woman to represent the district". Katie Baney for State Senate (Press release). May 21, 2026. Retrieved May 21, 2026 – via Wispolitics.
  26. 1 2 3 "Kitchens faces challenge for Assembly, independent to run for Senate". Green Bay Press-Gazette. April 17, 2026. Retrieved April 22, 2026.
  27. ↑ "Cravillion campaign: New Franken's Nic Cravillion enters to win 1st Senate District GOP primary". Kell Bales for State Senate (Press release). May 4, 2026. Retrieved May 4, 2026 – via Wispolitics.
  28. ↑ "Jacob VandenPlas Announces Wisconsin Senate Bid". Door County Daily News. March 12, 2026. Retrieved March 23, 2026.
  29. 1 2 "Seventh-Generation Wisconsinite and Small Business Owner Mike Roberts Announces Candidacy for Wisconsin State Senate to Replace Senator Rob Hutton" (PDF). Mike Roberts for State Senate (Press release). January 23, 2026. Retrieved January 25, 2026 – via Wispolitics.com.
  30. ↑ "Robyn Vining for State Senate". Retrieved July 17, 2025.
  31. 1 2 @AJBayatpour (July 17, 2025). "NOW: Democratic State Rep. Robyn Vining announces she's running for state Senate. She will challenge GOP Sen. Rob Hutton in a swing district that straddles Wauwatosa and Brookfield. Dems take the majority if the pick up two seats in 2026" (Tweet). Retrieved July 17, 2025 – via X (formerly Twitter).
  32. ↑ "Binsfeld enters race one day after LeMahieu says he won't seek reelection". WBAY. March 20, 2026. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  33. 1 2 "Polce campaign: US Army Green Beret veteran suspends lieutenant governor campaign, announces candidacy for Wisconsin State Senate District 11 to serve his home community". WisPolitics. April 25, 2026. Retrieved April 25, 2026.
  34. 1 2 "Schutt campaign: Conservative fighter Ellen Schutt announces run for state Senate following Sen. Steve Nass's retirement". WisPolitics. February 6, 2026. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
  35. 1 2 "Wiedmeyer campaign: Action-oriented leader announces bid for state Senate". WisPolitics. February 28, 2026. Retrieved March 6, 2026.
  36. 1 2 "State Senate Democratic Committee: Marquette County educator, Sasha Ripley, announces campaign for Wisconsin's 13th State Senate District". WisPolitics. October 13, 2025. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
  37. ↑ "Dean campaign: Christopher Dean announces run for 15th State Senate District seat". WisPolitics. March 3, 2026. Retrieved March 6, 2026.
  38. ↑ "Fleming campaign: Scott Fleming to run for State Senate". WisPolitics. April 28, 2026. Retrieved April 28, 2026.
  39. 1 2 Gunn, Erik (September 18, 2025). "Child care advocate Corrine Hendrickson officially enters Senate 17th District contest". Wisconsin Examiner. Retrieved December 4, 2025.
  40. 1 2 Kaska, Jimmie (July 7, 2025). "Jacobson announces state Senate run in southwestern Wisconsin". Civic Media. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  41. ↑ "Marklein campaign: Senator Howard Marklein announces bid for re-election to State Senate". WisPolitics. April 13, 2026. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
  42. 1 2 Spears, Baylor (July 8, 2025). "Democratic Rep. Jenna Jacobson launches challenge to one of GOP's top senators". Wisconsin Examiner. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
  43. 1 2 "Emily Tseffos announced run for Senate District 19". CivicMediaUS. November 9, 2025. Retrieved December 4, 2025.
  44. 1 2 "Croft campaign: Announces run for State Senate". Jim Croft for State Senate (Press release). April 22, 2026. Retrieved April 22, 2026 – via Wispolitics.com.
  45. 1 2 "Trevor Jung, fiancé of 'Farmer Wants a Wife' star, is running to flip a state Senate seat". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. September 16, 2025. Retrieved September 16, 2025.
  46. ↑ "Jeff Foster announces candidacy for State Senate District 23". WSAW-TV. April 30, 2026. Retrieved May 6, 2026.
  47. 1 2 3 "Senate shuffle: James moves to take on Smith in redrawn 31st; Quinn to run in 23rd". WisPolitics. October 17, 2025. Retrieved October 20, 2025.
  48. 1 2 "Bayfield County supervisor enters race for newly drawn 25th Senate District". Spooner Advocate. November 26, 2025. Retrieved December 4, 2025.
  49. 1 2 Ornat, Marisa (October 22, 2025). "Angie Sapik announced run for State Senate district 25 seat". Northern News Now. Retrieved October 27, 2025.
  50. 1 2 Gendron, Michael (October 17, 2025). "Former state representative announces Wisconsin 25th Senate District campaign". WDIO-DT. Retrieved October 27, 2025.
  51. 1 2 "State Senate Democratic Committee: Gillian Battino announces candidacy for the 29th state senate district". WisPolitics. November 11, 2025. Retrieved December 4, 2025.
  52. ↑ "Sen. Tomczyk: Announces run for reelection to state Senate". WisPolitics. April 16, 2026. Retrieved April 16, 2026.
  53. 1 2 "Skinner campaign: To run for Wisconsin state Senate". WisPolitics. April 14, 2026. Retrieved April 14, 2026.
  54. 1 2 "TUE AM Update: Smith 'absolutely running' for reelection to Senate as fundraising picks up". WisPolitics. July 15, 2025. Retrieved July 15, 2025.
  55. 1 2 "State Senate Democratic Committee: Mike Van Someren announces campaign for Wisconsin's 33rd Senate District". WisPolitics. August 13, 2025. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
  56. ↑ "State Senate Democratic Committee: Sturgeon Bay business owner Sean Grorich announces campaign for Wisconsin State Senate in the 1st District". WisPolitics. September 29, 2025. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  57. ↑ "Wisconsin Legislative Districts - Senate District 5 Boundaries". Wisconsin Legislature. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
  58. ↑ "Bierman Launches District 13 Senate Bid". Daily Dodge. January 25, 2026. Retrieved January 25, 2026.
  59. ↑ Cite error: The named reference generalresults was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Wisconsin_Senate_election