Joel Brennan, president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee. Former Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration.

Former president and CEO of Discovery World.

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Content referencing Joel Brennan

11 Key Takeaways From Wisconsin’s Election

11 Key Takeaways From Wisconsin’s Election

A look at DSA momentum, late-deciding voters and the road to Tiffany in November.

Comeback Crowley Narrowly Eclipses Hong, Will Face Tiffany

Comeback Crowley Narrowly Eclipses Hong, Will Face Tiffany

From drop out to winner in three weeks.

Democrats For Governor Split Over Future Of Wisconsin School Vouchers, Funding

Democrats For Governor Split Over Future Of Wisconsin School Vouchers, Funding

Some candidates would phase out vouchers, others say ending them now is unrealistic for families and schools.

From Canceling Thanksgiving To Calling It Her Favorite Holiday

From Canceling Thanksgiving To Calling It Her Favorite Holiday

Francesca Hong recalibrates her online persona as Republicans seize on years-old tweets.

With Evers And Moore Behind Him, Crowley Tries To Flip The Script

With Evers And Moore Behind Him, Crowley Tries To Flip The Script

Backed by key Democrats, the Milwaukee County executive still trails Hong but says he has enough time.

Crowley Gains Support as Hong Confronts Social Media Controversy

Crowley Gains Support as Hong Confronts Social Media Controversy

Hong defending her past statements as Crowley is gaining late momentum.

Crowley Outraises Hong in July, Despite Briefly Leaving Race for Governor

Crowley Outraises Hong in July, Despite Briefly Leaving Race for Governor

Crowley raised $776,000, compared to $339,000 for Hong. Tiffany was far ahead of both.

Joel Brennan Closes Strong: New TV Ad Makes Final Case to Wisconsin Voters With One Week to Go
Brennan Challenges Remaining Candidates to Final Debate
Press Release

Brennan Challenges Remaining Candidates to Final Debate

Following another shakeup in the Democratic Gubernatorial field, Brennan says voters deserve another opportunity to hear directly from the candidates

Barnes Drops Out of Race for Governor

Barnes Drops Out of Race for Governor

Former lieutenant governor drops out after disappointing Marquette Poll, calls for party unity.

Joel Brennan’s Statement on the Governor’s Race
Mainstream Democrats Pin Hopes on David Crowley’s Reboot Campaign for Governor

Mainstream Democrats Pin Hopes on David Crowley’s Reboot Campaign for Governor

A revived campaign with Gov. Evers backing as mainstream alternative to frontrunner Francesca Hong.

GOP Chair Schimming Says Hong Makes Job Easier

GOP Chair Schimming Says Hong Makes Job Easier

Wisconsin Republican leader says State Rep. Francesca Hong has "unique weaknesses."

Murphy’s Law: Crowley Was Weakest in Democratic Governor Debate
Murphy’s Law

Crowley Was Weakest in Democratic Governor Debate

And Hong looked inexperienced at times. Which candidates were the strongest?

Hong Leads Democratic Primary for Governor Once Again in New Marquette Poll

Hong Leads Democratic Primary for Governor Once Again in New Marquette Poll

38% support Hong, 16% support Barnes, 7% support Crowley.

Democratic Candidates for WI Governor Mostly Agree, Avoid Attacks in Debate

Democratic Candidates for WI Governor Mostly Agree, Avoid Attacks in Debate

Most agree not to cut police funding, to reduce the voucher program and better regulate data centers.

Statement From Joel Brennan on Today’s Appeals Court Ruling on Act 10
New Poll Finds Francesca Hong Far Ahead in Democratic Primary for Governor

New Poll Finds Francesca Hong Far Ahead in Democratic Primary for Governor

State Navigate poll finds she is ahead by 29% over Crowley and 30% over Barnes.

New Poll: Francesca Hong Holds Commanding Lead in Wisconsin Democratic Governor Primary
Press Release

New Poll: Francesca Hong Holds Commanding Lead in Wisconsin Democratic Governor Primary

Survey shows Hong at 44 percent with two weeks to go after election shake-up

Murphy’s Law: Madison Police Killing Will Shake Up Democratic Race for Governor
Murphy’s Law

Madison Police Killing Will Shake Up Democratic Race for Governor

The issue will drive election turnout, help and hurt Hong. How will it impact other candidates?

The State of Politics: What Explains Evers Endorsement of David Crowley for Governor?
The State of Politics

What Explains Evers Endorsement of David Crowley for Governor?

He had expressly avoided endorsing anyone for governor, including 3 Democrats who worked for him.

How Wisconsin Governor Hopefuls Say They’d Handle Police Shootings

How Wisconsin Governor Hopefuls Say They’d Handle Police Shootings

From Hong to Tiffany, candidates use the Madison killing of Corey Ruiz to outline plans on oversight and public safety.

Statement From Joel Brennan on Today’s Officer-Involved Shooting in Madison
Marquette and Two Opponent Polls Show Francesca Hong With a Double-Digit Lead in the Democratic Primary
Poll Shows Wide Open Primary, Kelda Roys Surges and Forces a Tie After Voters Hear One Message
“The Race for Wisconsin Governor Is Wide Open”
Press Release

“The Race for Wisconsin Governor Is Wide Open”

Brennan for Wisconsin Campaign Statement on Latest Marquette Poll

Marquette Poll Shows Hong Leading, Barnes Second

Marquette Poll Shows Hong Leading, Barnes Second

But results not so meaningful as Rodriguez was still in race and Crowley out when survey done.

Joel Brennan Launches New Six-Figure, Statewide Ad Blitz: Ready on Day One to Stand Up to Trump, Lower Costs, and Always Fight for Wisconsin Workers and Families
Democratic Candidates For Governor Discuss Each Other

Democratic Candidates For Governor Discuss Each Other

At a forum in Madison, Barnes, Hong and Roys are asked what they've learned from each other.

Absentee Voters Could Pick Candidates Who Drop Out of Races

Absentee Voters Could Pick Candidates Who Drop Out of Races

Tens of thousands in Wisconsin have already voted in August primary. Can they vote again?

GOP Spends Big To Define Hong, But Is It Helping Her Instead?

GOP Spends Big To Define Hong, But Is It Helping Her Instead?

Republican Governors Association ads attack Hong on immigration and policing, as Democrats warn of primary meddling.

Crowley Will Reenter Race For Governor

Crowley Will Reenter Race For Governor

A key endorsement could be in the offing.

Joel Brennan’s Statement on the Governor’s Race
Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez Ends Campaign For Governor

Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez Ends Campaign For Governor

From establishment front-runner to out of the race in a week.

Megadonors Power Tiffany Bid As Democrats Jockey In Governor Fundraising Race

Megadonors Power Tiffany Bid As Democrats Jockey In Governor Fundraising Race

Uihleins and Hendricks pour more than $6 million into GOP, while Barnes leads crowded Dem field in cash raised.

Former Democratic State Senate Leader Janet Bewley Endorses Joel Brennan for Wisconsin Governor
Joel Brennan Reports $665,000 Raised in Primary Period, $1.2 Million Cycle-to-Date, Powered by Wisconsin Donors
Rodriguez Campaign Kept Financial Trouble From Crowley

Rodriguez Campaign Kept Financial Trouble From Crowley

Rodriguez pursued Crowley endorsement even as campaign finance red flags mounted.

Back in the News: Democrats Start Attack Ads Against Tiffany
Back in the News

Democrats Start Attack Ads Against Tiffany

Why did they wait so long? And Democratic primary becomes harder to predict.

Missed Ad Buy Exposes Big Money Problem For Sara Rodriguez

Missed Ad Buy Exposes Big Money Problem For Sara Rodriguez

How a planned $1 million TV blitz became a scramble to reconcile campaign books and fire a top aide.

Brennan Pitches Experience, People Skills in Race for Governor

Brennan Pitches Experience, People Skills in Race for Governor

Democrat says voters want governor to get things done. 'Joel doesn’t wake up looking for a fight.'

David Crowley Drops Out of Race for Governor

David Crowley Drops Out of Race for Governor

'It has become clear I will not be the Democratic nominee for governor,' county exec says.

Joel Brennan Releases His Own Self-Research File: Transparency Will Be a Hallmark of My Administration — and My Campaign
Press Release

Joel Brennan Releases His Own Self-Research File: Transparency Will Be a Hallmark of My Administration — and My Campaign

Along with the release of his research, Joel Brennan released the following statement:

Francesca Hong Bets Wisconsin Will Embrace Democratic Socialism

Francesca Hong Bets Wisconsin Will Embrace Democratic Socialism

'If it is radical to have free child care and public grocery stores, let’s be radical.'

Op Ed: Joel Brennan Will Be Ready on Day One To Be Governor
Op Ed

Joel Brennan Will Be Ready on Day One To Be Governor

'He's the hardest worker I know,' says Tom Barrett, 'and running for all the right reasons.'

Crowley Courts Wisconsin Voters With Milwaukee Lessons And Union Jobs Pitch

Crowley Courts Wisconsin Voters With Milwaukee Lessons And Union Jobs Pitch

After dozens of forums statewide, he says what works in Milwaukee can lift every town, village and city in Wisconsin alike.

Murphy’s Law: What Does Hughes Quitting Tell Us About Governor’s Race?
Murphy’s Law

What Does Hughes Quitting Tell Us About Governor’s Race?

A top tier of liberal candidates emerging. Will there be more Democratic dropouts?

Democratic Governor Candidates Address Criminal Justice, Inequality

Democratic Governor Candidates Address Criminal Justice, Inequality

WISDOM forum provides chance for in-depth answers by candidates.

State Sen. Kelda Roys Hopes to Shake Up Democratic Governor Race

State Sen. Kelda Roys Hopes to Shake Up Democratic Governor Race

'I have by far the most experience in and around state government.'

First Major Candidate Drops Out of Wisconsin Governor Race

First Major Candidate Drops Out of Wisconsin Governor Race

Missy Hughes suspends campaign, makes endorsement.

All Candidates for WI Governor Vow to Revive Land Conservation Program

All Candidates for WI Governor Vow to Revive Land Conservation Program

All Democrats and Tiffany say they will restore the Knowles-Nelson stewardship program.

State Democratic Leader Lays Out Policy Plans If Party Wins Trifecta

State Democratic Leader Lays Out Policy Plans If Party Wins Trifecta

Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein points to school funding, property taxes and more.

Mandela Barnes Tours Northside Community Hub

Mandela Barnes Tours Northside Community Hub

Democratic candidate for governor cites Milwaukee program as model for needed job training.

The State of Politics: The Elevator Speech for Democratic Governor Candidates
The State of Politics

The Elevator Speech for Democratic Governor Candidates

Boiling down their pitch to voters, why do they deserve your vote?

Rodriguez Wins Democratic Straw Poll for Governor

Rodriguez Wins Democratic Straw Poll for Governor

Hong takes second. But conventiongoers also consider: who is most electable?

Democratic Candidates for Governor Pitch The State Party Convention

Democratic Candidates for Governor Pitch The State Party Convention

Plus: Evers farewell speech. And hopes to flip even more Republican Senate seats.

Murphy’s Law: Is Democratic Race for Governor Finally Starting?
Murphy’s Law

Is Democratic Race for Governor Finally Starting?

Recent ads for candidates add life – finally – to a very sleepy campaign.

Democratic State Convention Could Narrow Field for Wisconsin Governor

Democratic State Convention Could Narrow Field for Wisconsin Governor

Delegates will be looking for which of 7 candidates 'stand out' in their speeches.

Indivisible South Shore Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Forum set for June 11
Press Release

Indivisible South Shore Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Forum set for June 11

Event at Bay View High School to focus on K-12 education

Barnes Touts Statewide Experience in Run for Governor

Barnes Touts Statewide Experience in Run for Governor

Politics is a challenging 'endurance sport,' says best known Democrat running for governor.

10 Candidates Make Wisconsin Governor’s Ballot As Filing Closes

10 Candidates Make Wisconsin Governor’s Ballot As Filing Closes

Democrats crowd the field with eight hopefuls, while Tom Tiffany is the lone Republican to qualify.

Democrats Split with Gov. Tony Evers Over School Funding Deal

Democrats Split with Gov. Tony Evers Over School Funding Deal

'Three lame ducks' reached the agreement? But GOP legislators praise the deal.

Tony Evers Revived Commutations; What Will Wisconsin’s Next Governor Do?

Tony Evers Revived Commutations; What Will Wisconsin’s Next Governor Do?

Most Democratic candidates support it. Barnes excludes those convicted of murder.

Democrats Running for Governor Agree Healthcare Costs a Problem

Democrats Running for Governor Agree Healthcare Costs a Problem

How to fix this is where there was disagreement at candidate forums.

Murphy’s Law: The Inside Story of Democratic Race for Governor
Murphy’s Law

The Inside Story of Democratic Race for Governor

Was a white centrist male candidate seen as the solution?

As Gas Prices Hit Four-Year High, Joel Brennan Calls for a 30-Day Gas Tax Holiday
Press Release

As Gas Prices Hit Four-Year High, Joel Brennan Calls for a 30-Day Gas Tax Holiday

Brennan proposes using funds from Wisconsin's budget surplus to offset the relief, so road funding projects can continue uninterrupted

Most Democratic Governor Candidates Support Evers’ Commutations Policy

Most Democratic Governor Candidates Support Evers’ Commutations Policy

But not Mandela Barnes. Republican Tom Tiffany also opposed.

Joel Brennan Releases the “Peoples Budget,” Outlining His Plan for an Open & Transparent Budget Process, Accountable to the People of Wisconsin
Democrats Vying for WI Governor Take on Data Centers, Climate Change

Democrats Vying for WI Governor Take on Data Centers, Climate Change

All 7 want more regulations on data center developments.

Wisconsin’s Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Struggle to Differentiate on Health Care

Wisconsin’s Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Struggle to Differentiate on Health Care

In a crowded field, candidates sought to differentiate themselves despite shared policy goals.

Joel Brennan Announces 3% Mortgages for First-Time Buyers as Part of Statewide Build Roots, Build Wisconsin Housing Plan
Democrats in Governor’s Race Call for Child Care Support

Democrats in Governor’s Race Call for Child Care Support

Rodriguez, Hughes have released plans. Every candidate supports the goal.

Joel Brennan Slams Trump’s Attempt to Take Over Elections: “Wisconsin Runs Wisconsin’s Elections. Period”
Poll Shows Taylor Leads Lazar in WI Supreme Court Race

Poll Shows Taylor Leads Lazar in WI Supreme Court Race

Democrats more excited about voting in April. But many voters haven't made a choice.

Joel Brennan Unveils Health Care Plan, Guarantees Health Coverage for Every Wisconsin Child
Plenty of Horne: Milwaukee Democrats Hold Gala
Plenty of Horne

Milwaukee Democrats Hold Gala

400-strong gathering of politicos at Italian Community Center, with high hopes for 2026.

Murphy’s Law: The Surprising Campaign of Rep. Francesca Hong
Murphy’s Law

The Surprising Campaign of Rep. Francesca Hong

Her dark horse campaign is biggest surprise in Democratic primary for governor.

Hong, Barnes Lead Democratic Primary for Governor In New Poll

Hong, Barnes Lead Democratic Primary for Governor In New Poll

Marquette poll shows most voters undecided, with Taylor leading Lazar for high court.

Brennan Campaign Names Former State Party Executive Director Sarah Abel as Campaign Manager
The State of Politics: Small Set of Counties Could Pick Democratic Candidate for Governor
The State of Politics

Small Set of Counties Could Pick Democratic Candidate for Governor

Tony Evers won just 16 of 72 counties in November 2022 election.

Joel Brennan Details Plan to Defend Our Democracy From Trumps Push for Federal Control
Murphy’s Law: Will County Financial Screwup Affect Governor’s Race?
Murphy’s Law

Will County Financial Screwup Affect Governor’s Race?

Opponents now attacking David Crowley for his handling of the situation.

Former Milwaukee Mayor and U.s. Ambassador Tom Barrett Endorses Joel Brennan for Governor
Joel Brennan Announces Wisconsin Accountability Commission to Document ICE Enforcement Abuses; Vows to Hold ICE Accountable as Governor
After Trump Weighs In, Josh Schoemann Drops Out of Governor’s Race

After Trump Weighs In, Josh Schoemann Drops Out of Governor’s Race

The Washington County executive announced his decision the day after President Trump endorsed his opponent.

Joel Brennan Statement on Tom Tiffany’s Refusal to Watch Minneapolis Video
Pretti Killing Becomes Issue in WI Governor’s Race

Pretti Killing Becomes Issue in WI Governor’s Race

Republican Tom Tiffany says he hasn't seen video of ICE agents shooting Alex Pretti.

Barnes Proposes Grants To Fight Food Deserts

Barnes Proposes Grants To Fight Food Deserts

Proposal would fund new stores, support stores near closure and connect farmers with reliable buyers.

More Than Policy, Dem Candidates Differ on Style and Tone

More Than Policy, Dem Candidates Differ on Style and Tone

The seven-leading gubernatorial candidates participated in a forum Wednesday night.

Murphy’s Law: 10 Takeaways From Governor’s Race Donations
Murphy’s Law

10 Takeaways From Governor’s Race Donations

How much money was raised, and from who, tells us a lot about the candidates.

Revealed —  All The Biggest Donors in Governor’s Race

Revealed — All The Biggest Donors in Governor’s Race

Half of all campaign cash came from donors giving at least $10,000. Who are they?

Early Fundraising Shows Competitive Democratic Primary for Governor

Early Fundraising Shows Competitive Democratic Primary for Governor

Crowley leads 7 Democrats who've raised 6-figure sums; Tiffany is GOP leader.

Where Do 9 Candidates for Governor Stand on Data Centers?

Where Do 9 Candidates for Governor Stand on Data Centers?

Hong calls for moratorium, Hughes, Schoemann see 'opportunity.'

Wisconsin’s State Building Footprint Has Shrunk by 10%

Wisconsin’s State Building Footprint Has Shrunk by 10%

All since 2021. Should that continue? Candidates for governor weigh in.

Evers Calls on Republicans to Offer Property Tax Relief

Evers Calls on Republicans to Offer Property Tax Relief

Discussing his final year in office, objects to immigration crackdown.

Joel Brennan Raises More Than Half Million Dollars in Just Three Weeks for Gubernatorial Campaign
Press Release

Joel Brennan Raises More Than Half Million Dollars in Just Three Weeks for Gubernatorial Campaign

Impressive Haul Establishes Brennan as a Standout Candidate Earning Quick Support from Wisconsin Donors

Priebus Doubts Tim Michels Will Enter Governor’s Race

Priebus Doubts Tim Michels Will Enter Governor’s Race

It's 'a little late,' says Republican who advised Michels failed 2022 campaign.

Mandela Barnes Is Democratic Front-Runner In Governor’s Race
GOP Candidates for Governor Talk Trump, Money, Issues

GOP Candidates for Governor Talk Trump, Money, Issues

Tiffany and Schoemann disagree on Trump's impact on August primary.

The State of Politics: Top 10 Stories of The Year
The State of Politics

Top 10 Stories of The Year

In an amazingly newsworthy year, what were top state issues?

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