REALTOR® Party Endorses Candidates in Key Statewide Races

The WRA board of directors voted to endorse Republican  Tom Tiffany for governor and Democrat Josh Kaul for attorney general in the all-important November 3 general election. The board’s decision followed unanimous recommendations from the WRA Political Strategy Group, which analyzed the candidates’ records and positions on past and future issues.

Tom Tiffany for governor

The decision to endorse Tiffany for governor followed a thorough review of each candidate’s record of support on real estate-related issues as well as their responses to key issues impacting homeowners, property owners and REALTORS®. While REALTORS® have enjoyed a strong working relationship with both Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Congressman Tiffany, their records and candidate interviews clearly showed that Tiffany is the better choice  for REALTORS®.

Tiffany has represented Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District since 2020, earning the National Association of REALTORS®’ endorsement in every congressional cycle. Furthermore, the WRA endorsed Tiffany in every state election during his service in the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate between 2011 and 2020. During his legislative tenure, Tiffany placed major emphasis on protecting private property rights by sponsoring and authoring key legislation. To recognize his partnership and leadership, the WRA presented Tiffany with the WRA Chairman’s Citation Award in 2017. Today, Tiffany is campaigning on property tax relief, including freezing property taxes and repealing the 400-year veto.

Conversely, Crowley has served in his current role since 2020, following his service in the Wisconsin Assembly from 2017 to 2020. While the WRA endorsed Crowley during his legislative campaigns, he co-sponsored certain legislation that conflicted with WRA priorities during his tenure, including efforts to roll back key landlord-tenant reforms the WRA fought to enact.

The most discernible differences between the candidates emerged during the interview process, particularly regarding property tax freezes and limiting executive partial veto powers:

Repeal the 400-year veto and freeze property taxes

Tiffany supports repealing the 400-year veto and freezing property taxes. Crowley does not support repealing the 400-year veto without dedicated alternative school funding mechanisms.

Limit the governor’s partial veto power

Tiffany supports amending the Wisconsin Constitution to prohibit the governor from using the partial veto power to increase taxes or fees. Crowley does not support limiting the partial veto power in this manner. 

Josh Kaul for attorney general

As he runs for a third term, Attorney General Josh Kaul once again faces Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney in a rematch of their 2022 contest. In 2022, the WRA chose not to endorse a candidate in either the gubernatorial or attorney general races.

During his first two terms, Kaul maintained an open door with the real estate industry and avoided issuing formal attorney general opinions that undermine private property rights. While Toney brings a strong criminal justice and prosecutorial background well suited for leading state law enforcement, he does not have an established track record on real estate issues.

By contrast, Kaul has demonstrated a measured, practical approach to the real estate sector. While he has joined other state attorneys general in multistate litigation on various national topics, Kaul has avoided joining lawsuits that would harm the real estate market. His approach demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding state interests rather than pursuing political headlines.

Take action

The WRA endorsements of Tiffany and Kaul are based strictly on real estate issues. While non-real estate issues will certainly be important considerations for individual REALTORS®, our recommendations are guided by the economic priorities and property rights critical to Wisconsin homeowners, commercial owners, and the real estate industry as a whole.

All REALTORS® who share our commitment to these issues are encouraged to get involved in the critical weeks leading up to the November 3 election.

Visit the WRA Direct Giver webpage for more information about how you can help by disbursing your Direct Giver funds or investing in the Direct Giver program.

“Get out the vote” efforts

After the WRA identifies which candidates to support, the process moves to educating, informing and mobilizing members to get out and vote for those candidates. The WRA assembles a list of all candidates and produces the official WRA Voter Guide, which is mailed to all 17,500 members.

The voter guide is a convenient, one-stop resource of NAR- and WRA-supported candidates on the November ballot. Members are encouraged to support these candidates for state and federal office. In addition, the 2026 voter guide alerts the membership on voting for a constitutional amendment on the November ballot.

Endorsed candidates are selected to receive REALTOR® support based on real estate-related issues. The WRA’s recommendation is based on business and economic issues critical to homeowners, property owners and REALTORS® in Wisconsin.

Every REALTOR® is encouraged to go to the polls on Tuesday, November 3 and support these candidates who support our issues and our industry. Remember, your personal efforts and your vote will make a substantial difference in the real estate climate for many years to come. Please vote on November 3.