The Elevator Speech for Democratic Governor Candidates

Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, third from left, speaks to the audience during a Democratic gubernatorial candidate forum Jan. 21, 2026, at The Cooperage in Milwaukee. The candidates are, from left, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez; Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley; Hong; Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison; former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Missy Hughes; former Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan; and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes. (Joe Timmerman / Wisconsin Watch)

The long weekend for the state Democratic convention included speeches by the seven Democrats running for governor which have been reported.

But what in a nutshell is their pitch to voters?

Maybe there’s another way for Wisconsin voters, who go to the polls in only eight weeks, to separate out the seven candidates. Gleaned from each of their campaign websites, what follows are possible “elevator” speeches for each of the candidates.

Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, of Milwaukee: “Donald Trump’s Washington has put Wisconsinites in a bind. Costs are skyrocketing, gas prices are through the roof, and tariffs are killing small businesses and family farms across the state. The deck is stacked in favor of billionaires while working families are left behind…

“Mandela Barnes will change that by getting things done the Wisconsin Way. The Wisconsin Way means bringing down costs, expanding BadgerCare and creating a public option, passing universal childcare, and freezing utility rates so working families across the state can actually make ends meet.”

Joel Brennan, former secretary of the state Department of Administration: “Wisconsin families deserve a governor who shows up, does the work and actually delivers. … Grew up one of 11 kids. Worked five jobs to pay for college.

“As Governor Evers’ top cabinet official, Joel cleaned up eight years of Scott Walker‘s mismanagement — and built a nearly $4 billion surplus for Wisconsin. He knows what it means when the numbers don’t add up. And he knows how to fix it.”

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley: “His father worked as an electrician and his mother worked in the service industry, while both battled addiction and mental health struggles. David never knew if he would come home from school to find his family’s belongings on the curb due to another eviction, food in the kitchen, or the heat and lights still on.

“He learned early that hard work alone isn’t always enough…. David Crowley’s campaign is built on one goal: improving life for working Wisconsinites. That means modern solutions that create jobs, support families and deliver opportunity in every ZIP code.”

State Rep. Francesca Hong, of Madison: “Single mom. Restaurant worker. Chef. Fighter for Wisconsin’s families. We deserve leaders who care more about people than profits … where everyone has a seat, a say and a fair shot at a better life. A better Wisconsin is possible, and we all have a role in building it.

“Policy goals include free school meals, universal child care, support for child care providers, “full funding” of public schools and “rolling back” unfair voucher laws.”
Missy Hughes, of Viroqua, former CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.: “Missy Hughes helped grow Organic Valley to $1 billion in sales and, as head of Wisconsin’s Economic Development Corporation, worked with major companies to create thousands of jobs, supported 9,500 small businesses, and secured billions in investments from major companies….

“Missy’s running for governor to build a Main Street Economy that thrives for every Wisconsin worker, family and business.”

State Sen. Kelda Roys, of Madison: “Kelda was born in Marshfield and spent her early years in rural Taylor County, where her family lived in a one-room schoolhouse they remodeled. Her dad, who spent his career in law enforcement, her mom, a social worker, and her stepdad, an environmental lawyer, taught her to find the good in people, take every chance to help others and follow her passion for public service.

“All Wisconsinites are worth fighting for — no matter who you are or where you’re from, you and your family deserve the freedom to thrive. That means lowering costs and raising wages, affordable health care, housing and child care and great public schools.”

Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, of Waukesha: “Sara has spent her life solving problems and getting things done. As an ER nurse, she worked night shifts to pay her way through college. As a CDC intelligence officer, she was on the first plane into New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. As a working mom of two, she juggled child care while taking care of her father with Alzheimer’s.

“Sara’s running for governor because Wisconsin families are doing everything right and still getting squeezed. Health care costs are crushing people. Property taxes keep going up. Child care is unaffordable and unavailable. Sara knows how to fix these problems.”

Steven Walters started covering the Capitol in 1988. Contact him at stevenscotwalters@gmail.com