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Wisconsin Democrats Eye 'Trifecta' Wins in 2026 Elections

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Wisconsin Democrats aim to achieve a trifecta in state government in 2026, holding the governor's seat and majorities in the state Assembly and Senate. To achieve this, the party must build on its November victories, where Democrats flipped 14 seats in the state Assembly. A key step will be choosing a successor to outgoing state party chair Ben Wikler, who has raised $63 million in 2024, more than any state party in the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Wisconsin Democratic Party aims to win a trifecta in state government in 2026, holding the governor's seat and majorities in the state Assembly and Senate.
  • The party will choose a new chair to succeed Ben Wikler, who is stepping down after six years.
  • The three candidates vying for the chair position are Devin Remiker, Joe Zepecki, and William Garcia.
  • Remiker has endorsements from former state Democratic Party chairs Martha Laning, Martha Love, and Jeff Neubauer, as well as state Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein and state Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer.
  • Zepecki has endorsements from former state party chair Linda Honold, among others.
  • Garcia is a dark horse candidate, but has been party chair for the 3rd Congressional District in western Wisconsin.
  • The party will use ranked-choice voting for the first time to choose a chair.
  • Candidates prioritize rebuilding rural infrastructure and shoring up the party's reputation.
  • The new chair will focus on fundraising, rural engagement, and repairing the party's image.

Statistics:

  • The Democratic Party in Wisconsin raised $63 million in 2024.
  • The party flipped 14 seats in the state Assembly in November.
  • The state Assembly and Senate have been controlled by Republicans since 2011.
  • Ranked-choice voting will be used for the first time to choose a chair for the Democratic Party.

Sources:

  • [Wisconsin Watch](https://wisconsinwatch.org/2025/06/wisconsin-democratic-party-convention-candidate-wikler-remiker-zepecki-garcia/)
  • [Wisconsin Watch news roundup](https://wisconsinwatch.org/subscribe)

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