The 2022 midterm elections are shaping up to be crucial in defining the next era of American politics. Wisconsin is a key state in the Democrats’ battle to hold the Senate and is holding both senatorial and gubernatorial elections this November. Wisconsin is a toss-up state, although it was narrowly won by Joe Biden in 2020 by a margin of about 0.7%.

Incumbent Republican Senator Ron Johnson originally announced that he would be retiring at the end of his second term; however, he recently reversed his decision and announced his intention to run for office, squashing any potential Republican challenges for the GOP nomination. Senator Johnson recently came under fire for supporting Former President Donald Trump with regards to the events of January 6, 2021.

Senator Johnson faces four potential Democratic challengers, including Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, who has secured endorsements from prominent Democrats including Senator Cory Booker, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn. Alex Larsy, Senior Vice President of the Milwaukee Bucks, is also vying for the Democratic nomination, as well as Former Wisconsin State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski and Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson. 

Incumbent Democrat Tony Evers is running for a second term as Wisconsin’s Governor and is nearly certain to be the Democratic nominee. Evers will likely face Republican challenger Rebecca Kleefisch. Kleefisch served as Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin from 2011 to 2019 under Governor Scott Walker. Evers is a moderate Democrat, while Kleefisch is gaining traction as a fierce supporter of Former President Trump.