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
A look at DSA momentum, late-deciding voters and the road to Tiffany in November.
Aug 12th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Comeback Crowley Narrowly Eclipses Hong, Will Face Tiffany
From drop out to winner in three weeks.
Aug 12th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Aug 10th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
From Canceling Thanksgiving To Calling It Her Favorite Holiday
Francesca Hong recalibrates her online persona as Republicans seize on years-old tweets.
Aug 7th, 2026 by Rich Kremer
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.
Aug 6th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
Crowley Gains Support as Hong Confronts Social Media Controversy
Hong defending her past statements as Crowley is gaining late momentum.
Aug 5th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
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.
Aug 5th, 2026 by Rich Kremer
Barnes Drops Out of Race for Governor
Former lieutenant governor drops out after disappointing Marquette Poll, calls for party unity.
Jul 30th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
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.
Jul 30th, 2026 by Anya van Wagtendonk
GOP Chair Schimming Says Hong Makes Job Easier
Wisconsin Republican leader says State Rep. Francesca Hong has "unique weaknesses."
Jul 29th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Crowley Was Weakest in Democratic Governor Debate
And Hong looked inexperienced at times. Which candidates were the strongest?
Jul 29th, 2026 by Bruce Murphy
Hong Leads Democratic Primary for Governor Once Again in New Marquette Poll
38% support Hong, 16% support Barnes, 7% support Crowley.
Jul 29th, 2026 by Rich Kremer
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.
Jul 29th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
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.
Jul 28th, 2026 by Avery Martinez
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?
Jul 27th, 2026 by Bruce Murphy
What Explains Evers Endorsement of David Crowley for Governor?
He had expressly avoided endorsing anyone for governor, including 3 Democrats who worked for him.
Jul 27th, 2026 by Steven Walters
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.
Jul 25th, 2026 by Danielle Kaeding
Marquette Poll Shows Hong Leading, Barnes Second
But results not so meaningful as Rodriguez was still in race and Crowley out when survey done.
Jul 22nd, 2026 by Bruce Murphy
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.
Jul 21st, 2026 by Baylor Spears
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?
Jul 21st, 2026 by Sarah Lehr
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.
Jul 17th, 2026 by Corrinne Hess
Crowley Will Reenter Race For Governor
A key endorsement could be in the offing.
Jul 17th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez Ends Campaign For Governor
From establishment front-runner to out of the race in a week.
Jul 17th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.
Jul 16th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
Rodriguez Campaign Kept Financial Trouble From Crowley
Rodriguez pursued Crowley endorsement even as campaign finance red flags mounted.
Jul 14th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Democrats Start Attack Ads Against Tiffany
Why did they wait so long? And Democratic primary becomes harder to predict.
Jul 13th, 2026 by Bruce Murphy
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.
Jul 13th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
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.'
Jul 11th, 2026 by Erik Gunn
David Crowley Drops Out of Race for Governor
'It has become clear I will not be the Democratic nominee for governor,' county exec says.
Jul 8th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
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.'
Jul 5th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
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.'
Jun 30th, 2026 by Tom Barrett
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.
Jun 26th, 2026 by Isiah Holmes
What Does Hughes Quitting Tell Us About Governor’s Race?
A top tier of liberal candidates emerging. Will there be more Democratic dropouts?
Jun 24th, 2026 by Bruce Murphy
Democratic Governor Candidates Address Criminal Justice, Inequality
WISDOM forum provides chance for in-depth answers by candidates.
Jun 24th, 2026 by Isiah Holmes
State Sen. Kelda Roys Hopes to Shake Up Democratic Governor Race
'I have by far the most experience in and around state government.'
Jun 23rd, 2026 by Baylor Spears
First Major Candidate Drops Out of Wisconsin Governor Race
Missy Hughes suspends campaign, makes endorsement.
Jun 22nd, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
All Candidates for WI Governor Vow to Revive Land Conservation Program
All Democrats and Tiffany say they will restore the Knowles-Nelson stewardship program.
Jun 22nd, 2026 by Rich Kremer
State Democratic Leader Lays Out Policy Plans If Party Wins Trifecta
Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein points to school funding, property taxes and more.
Jun 17th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
Mandela Barnes Tours Northside Community Hub
Democratic candidate for governor cites Milwaukee program as model for needed job training.
Jun 16th, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
The Elevator Speech for Democratic Governor Candidates
Boiling down their pitch to voters, why do they deserve your vote?
Jun 15th, 2026 by Steven Walters
Rodriguez Wins Democratic Straw Poll for Governor
Hong takes second. But conventiongoers also consider: who is most electable?
Jun 15th, 2026 by Brittany Carloni and Audrey Lopez-Stane
Democratic Candidates for Governor Pitch The State Party Convention
Plus: Evers farewell speech. And hopes to flip even more Republican Senate seats.
Jun 15th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
Is Democratic Race for Governor Finally Starting?
Recent ads for candidates add life – finally – to a very sleepy campaign.
Jun 9th, 2026 by Bruce Murphy
Democratic State Convention Could Narrow Field for Wisconsin Governor
Delegates will be looking for which of 7 candidates 'stand out' in their speeches.
Jun 8th, 2026 by Brittany Carloni
Barnes Touts Statewide Experience in Run for Governor
Politics is a challenging 'endurance sport,' says best known Democrat running for governor.
Jun 5th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
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.
Jun 2nd, 2026 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Democrats Split with Gov. Tony Evers Over School Funding Deal
'Three lame ducks' reached the agreement? But GOP legislators praise the deal.
May 13th, 2026 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Tony Evers Revived Commutations; What Will Wisconsin’s Next Governor Do?
Most Democratic candidates support it. Barnes excludes those convicted of murder.
May 5th, 2026 by Brittany Carloni
Democrats Running for Governor Agree Healthcare Costs a Problem
How to fix this is where there was disagreement at candidate forums.
May 4th, 2026 by Erik Gunn
The Inside Story of Democratic Race for Governor
Was a white centrist male candidate seen as the solution?
Apr 30th, 2026 by Bruce Murphy
Most Democratic Governor Candidates Support Evers’ Commutations Policy
But not Mandela Barnes. Republican Tom Tiffany also opposed.
Apr 27th, 2026 by Brittany Carloni
Democrats Vying for WI Governor Take on Data Centers, Climate Change
All 7 want more regulations on data center developments.
Apr 15th, 2026 by Rich Kremer
Wisconsin’s Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Struggle to Differentiate on Health Care
In a crowded field, candidates sought to differentiate themselves despite shared policy goals.
Apr 9th, 2026 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Democrats in Governor’s Race Call for Child Care Support
Rodriguez, Hughes have released plans. Every candidate supports the goal.
Apr 1st, 2026 by Erik Gunn
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.
Mar 24th, 2026 by Rich Kremer
Milwaukee Democrats Hold Gala
400-strong gathering of politicos at Italian Community Center, with high hopes for 2026.
Mar 23rd, 2026 by Michael Horne
The Surprising Campaign of Rep. Francesca Hong
Her dark horse campaign is biggest surprise in Democratic primary for governor.
Mar 9th, 2026 by Bruce Murphy
Hong, Barnes Lead Democratic Primary for Governor In New Poll
Marquette poll shows most voters undecided, with Taylor leading Lazar for high court.
Feb 25th, 2026 by Rich Kremer
Small Set of Counties Could Pick Democratic Candidate for Governor
Tony Evers won just 16 of 72 counties in November 2022 election.
Feb 16th, 2026 by Steven Walters
Will County Financial Screwup Affect Governor’s Race?
Opponents now attacking David Crowley for his handling of the situation.
Feb 3rd, 2026 by Bruce Murphy
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.
Jan 29th, 2026 by Shawn Johnson
Pretti Killing Becomes Issue in WI Governor’s Race
Republican Tom Tiffany says he hasn't seen video of ICE agents shooting Alex Pretti.
Jan 27th, 2026 by Baylor Spears
Barnes Proposes Grants To Fight Food Deserts
Proposal would fund new stores, support stores near closure and connect farmers with reliable buyers.
Jan 22nd, 2026 by Sophie Bolich
More Than Policy, Dem Candidates Differ on Style and Tone
The seven-leading gubernatorial candidates participated in a forum Wednesday night.
Jan 22nd, 2026 by Erik Gunn
10 Takeaways From Governor’s Race Donations
How much money was raised, and from who, tells us a lot about the candidates.
Jan 20th, 2026 by Bruce Murphy
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?
Jan 20th, 2026 by Jeramey Jannene
Early Fundraising Shows Competitive Democratic Primary for Governor
Crowley leads 7 Democrats who've raised 6-figure sums; Tiffany is GOP leader.
Jan 17th, 2026 by Shawn Johnson
Where Do 9 Candidates for Governor Stand on Data Centers?
Hong calls for moratorium, Hughes, Schoemann see 'opportunity.'
Jan 13th, 2026 by Henry Redman
Wisconsin’s State Building Footprint Has Shrunk by 10%
All since 2021. Should that continue? Candidates for governor weigh in.
Jan 13th, 2026 by Brittany Carloni
Evers Calls on Republicans to Offer Property Tax Relief
Discussing his final year in office, objects to immigration crackdown.
Jan 13th, 2026 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Priebus Doubts Tim Michels Will Enter Governor’s Race
It's 'a little late,' says Republican who advised Michels failed 2022 campaign.
Jan 6th, 2026 by Rich Kremer
Mandela Barnes Is Democratic Front-Runner In Governor’s Race
The field is large. The key issue may be electability.
Dec 31st, 2025 by Christa Dutton / NOTUS and Jade Lozada / NOTUS, Wisconsin Watch
GOP Candidates for Governor Talk Trump, Money, Issues
Tiffany and Schoemann disagree on Trump's impact on August primary.
Dec 29th, 2025 by Rich Kremer
Top 10 Stories of The Year
In an amazingly newsworthy year, what were top state issues?
Dec 29th, 2025 by Steven Walters
Senate President Confident GOP Won’t Lose Majority
'We’re going to run on the same policies we’ve always run on,' Felzkowski says.
Dec 23rd, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Senate Minority Leader Hesselbein Hopeful for More Bipartisan 2026
Wants Legislature to cap prescription drugs cost and expand homestead tax credit.
Dec 17th, 2025 by Baylor Spears
Joel Brennan Launches Campaign for Governor
Democratic insider joins crowded primary. Interim GMC replacement named.
Dec 11th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Prominent Democrat ‘Very Seriously’ Considering Bid for Governor
Joel Brennan's entry could shake up already crowded field.
Nov 13th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Asks Again for Red Light Cameras To Nab Speeders
New legislative bill limits where cameras can be placed, how proceeds are spent.
Jun 9th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Business Group Creates $500,000 Fund for MPS
Greater Milwaukee Committee supports changes by Superintendent Cassellius.
May 12th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
The Decline of The Water Council
The MMAC has basically taken over its financial management. Why?
Apr 9th, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
Mayor Talks Education, Public Safety in 2025 State of the City
Upbeat speech also discusses Growing MKE plan, elections and safe streets.
Mar 3rd, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Tom Barrett Is Figuring Out What Comes Next
Rotary speech by ex-mayor and newly-returned ambassador is frank and funny.
Feb 18th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee’s New District Attorney Sworn In
Kent Lovern replaces John Chisholm as Milwaukee's top prosecutor.
Jan 17th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Cavalier Johnson Is All In On Growing Milwaukee
Annual State of the City speech places growth plan front and center.
Mar 4th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Leaders Want State To Allow Red Light Cameras
Mayor Johnson, County Executive Crowley say cameras are proven tool for addressing reckless driving.
Feb 16th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
New Third-Party Study Suggests How Milwaukee Could Save Millions
But will ideas like selling buildings or changing police overtime rules work?
Nov 17th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
The Connector Building Opens in Harambee
New community hub and cafe part of larger revitalization project, B-Line Park.
Sep 19th, 2023 by Sophie Bolich
How David Crowley Led on Sales Tax
The inside story of how the county exec and mayor helped pass state legislation to save Milwaukee.
Aug 23rd, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
County Public Hearing Debates Sales Tax
Most speakers favor sales tax hike, citing the specter of massive cuts to government services.
Jul 12th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Council Committee Endorses 2% Sales Tax
And blasts state policy restrictions while insisting tax is far from a 'Milwaukee bailout.'
Jun 26th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
UWM Gets Stiffed In Governor’s Budget
While UW-Madison got $347 for building projects. Will Milwaukee's leaders push for better deal from legislators?
Mar 27th, 2023 by John Torinus
Northwestern Mutual To Create Second Glassy Tower With $500 Million Investment
Company will completely overhaul existing building, create pedestrian street and relocate Franklin employees to Downtown.
Feb 2nd, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
City, GMC Kick Off Study of City Operations
Study will have price tag in the hundreds of thousands, but who is the mystery firm doing it?
Jan 18th, 2023 by Jeramey Jannene
More Renderings of Downtown ‘Iron District’ Released
11-acre development with new soccer stadium, concert venue lists big-name supporters.
May 23rd, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Meet Milwaukee’s New Mayor Cavalier Johnson
Johnson, first elected Black mayor in Milwaukee history, promises to focus on crime, jobs, neighborhoods and relationship with state.
Apr 5th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Elmer Moore Tapped To Lead WHEDA
GMC's Scale Up Milwaukee director will lead Wisconsin's largest affordable housing provider
Mar 25th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Philanthropist, Entrepreneur Michael Cudahy Dies At 97
He co-founded Marquette Medical Systems, built Pier Wisconsin, was generous donor.
Mar 14th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee Has a Singing Mayor Again
Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson tries singing at city's 176th Birthday Party, before a big turnout of politicians.
Jan 31st, 2022 by Michael Horne
Joel Brennan Leaving Evers’ Administration To Head GMC
Top-ranking state official will lead Greater Milwaukee Committee.
Dec 15th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
