Kelda Roys
Press Release

Roys, Hong Lead Field in Fundraising, Cash on Hand

 

By - Jul 16th, 2026 09:03 am

MADISON – Jalen Knuteson, spokesperson for State Sen. Kelda Roys, released the following statement Thursday morning after the filing deadline:

“The numbers are in and it’s clear that this is a two-person primary: Roys and Hong have equivalent cash on hand (just over $400k), and overall fundraising totals for the cycle are similar (Roys at $1.2m and Hong at $1.086m).

“The difference is that Kelda has been up on TV statewide for 4 weeks (ROADS), and has just made a significant broadcast buy in Milwaukee (KILL US), while Hong has yet to launch any paid media. Although all 5 remaining candidates’ fundraising totals are similar, their fiscal discipline is not: Barnes has only $204k on hand before making any ad buys, and Rodriguez has only $24k in cash, which doesn’t account for the several hundred thousand dollars of incurred debt. Brennan has spent the vast majority of his funds on paid media already without moving the needle.

“Given the state of the race, Wisconsin’s next governor will be Roys, Hong, or Tiffany. A right-wing dark money PAC affiliated with the Republican Governor’s Association is spending over $2 million to boost Hong. They know Tiffany’s best shot of becoming governor is if Hong is the nominee.

“Kelda is the only candidate with a proven record of delivering progressive victories, and that’s why everyday Wisconsinites support her campaign. Our polling shows Kelda’s message and profile perform the best of all the candidates and if Democrats want to beat Tiffany, Kelda is the strongest choice – she’s experienced, progressive, and no baggage. Investments in her campaign are the most cost-effective way to win this primary and keep Wisconsin’s governorship blue.

“Kelda is now well positioned to consolidate support across the state, as Democrats face the very real threat of a Tiffany governorship and a GOP legislature. Given developments over the past week: it’s clear Kelda is the candidate Democrats can trust to win statewide, help flip the legislature blue, and deliver the transformational change we deserve. Kelda has built a donor base and endorsements list that reads like a blueprint for electoral success in the primary and the general.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

Mentioned in This Press Release

Recent Press Releases by Kelda Roys

Roys Raises $1.2 Million

 

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