Wisconsin - What to watch in 2026

As of September, Wisconsin remains one of the country's most closely divided states, and where the state goes next will depend largely on the outcome of the 2026 election. Abortion remains legal following recent court rulings, but state leaders continue to disagree over reproductive rights, voting rules, education, and other issues affecting women.

The race to replace Gov. Tony Evers is now set between Democrat David Crowley and Republican Tom Tiffany. Voters will also decide control of the closely divided Legislature, with all Assembly seats and half of the State Senate on the ballot. New legislative maps have made more districts competitive, which increases the potential for change in either direction.

The candidates differ on many of the policies highlighted below. Explore their positions in our Wisconsin 2026 Candidate Comparison Guide.

Voters will also decide whether to add a constitutional amendment prohibiting government discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.

Want to understand where women’s rights stand today?
See our Wisconsin State Summary for the state’s current protections, restrictions, and policy trends.

What’s at stake

Several areas of women’s rights in Wisconsin could shift depending on the November outcomes:

• Abortion access.
  Abortion is legal, but Wisconsin lawmakers remain divided over proposals to expand protections or impose additional restrictions.
• Education and gender-related policies.
  Ongoing debates include transgender participation in girls' and women's sports, DEI programs, parental authority, and sex-based protections in schools and universities.
• Constitutional protections involving sex and race.
  Voters will decide whether to restrict how state and local governments may consider sex, race, and other characteristics in public employment, education, contracting, and government programs.
• Voting rules and political representation.
  Wisconsin requires photo identification while allowing absentee voting and ballot drop boxes. A legal challenge to the state's congressional districts remains unresolved and could affect future representation.

Proposed constitutional amendment

Prohibit Government Discrimination or Preferential Treatment Amendment

On November 3, Wisconsin voters will decide on whether to add a new section to the state constitution that would prohibit government entities from discriminating against or granting preferential treatment to individuals or groups based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.

The amendment would apply to areas such as public employment, public education, public contracting, and other government programs.

• A YES vote would add this restriction to the Wisconsin Constitution.
• A NO vote would leave the constitution unchanged.

Because this proposal would amend the state constitution, it would be more difficult to change or reverse in the future compared to standard legislation.

Supporters say the measure would prevent government favoritism, while critics argue it could limit how public institutions address existing disparities.

Upcoming Elections

General election (November 3, 2026)

• Governor
• Attorney General
• Wisconsin State Legislature
  • All State Assembly seats
  • Half of the State Senate seats
• U.S. House of Representatives (8 seats)
• Amendment - Prohibit Government Discrimination or Preferential Treatment Amendment

These offices influence whether new laws advance or stall, how existing laws are enforced or defended, and whether unresolved legal questions gain clarity or remain contested.

Election Resources

The following links provide official information about the ballot, voter registration, and elected representatives:

My Vote Wisconsin: check your registration status, find your polling place, and see which specific races will be on your ballot.
Ballotpedia - Prohibit Government Discrimination or Preferential Treatment Amendment

Locate your district's representatives

• Who Represents Me - An interactive map and locator tool
• State Assembly - The official Assembly member directory
• State Senate - The official Senate directory

WRDI provides election context to support an informed understanding of how laws and policies change. The organization does not endorse candidates or parties.