Wisconsin's Historic 2026 Election
Democrats gain control of state government as Question 1 passes
WRA Advocacy Team
Wisconsin voters delivered a historic shift in state government on November 3, with Democrats winning the governor's race and flipping both chambers of the Wisconsin Legislature.
Key results
Governor: Democrat David Crowley defeated Republican Tom Tiffany, becoming Wisconsin's first Black governor and one of the youngest governors elected in state history.
State Senate: Democrats flipped three seats, securing an 18-15 majority.
State Assembly: Democrats flipped eight seats, securing a 53-46 majority.
Congress: Democrats flipped Wisconsin's 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts, resulting in a 4-4 split in Wisconsin's congressional delegation.
For the first time in 18 years, Democrats will control both chambers of the Wisconsin Legislature, giving the party trifecta control of the governor's office, Assembly and Senate.
Question 1: Voters approved limits on the partial veto
Wisconsin voters also approved Question 1, amending the Wisconsin Constitution to prohibit future governors from using the partial veto to create or increase taxes or fees.
The amendment follows the high-profile 2023 partial veto that extended a two-year school funding increase for more than 400 years. While Question 1 does not reverse that veto, it establishes a new constitutional restriction on future governors.
As Wisconsin prepares for a new legislative session, the REALTOR® Party remains focused on advancing policies that protect property rights, promote homeownership and support a strong real estate industry. We look forward to working with newly elected and returning lawmakers on issues that matter to your business, your clients and your communities.
