Polling Average
25%20%15%10%5%0%
21.1%
18.5%
9.5%
8.7%
Democrat
Joel Brennan
Democratic candidate for Governor in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Democratic Governor nominee?
$16.2M
AUG 18, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — Wisconsin Democratic Governor nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
0%chance to win
$16.2MAUG 18, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleExecutive
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
GenderMale
LocationWisconsin
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BackgroundExecutive
EducationMarquette University (B.A., English)
Notable personal detailsJoel Brennan is a Wisconsin executive and Democratic candidate for governor of Wisconsin in 2026. He served as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration from 2019 to 2022 under Gov. Tony Evers and later became president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee. He previously led Discovery World in Milwaukee and has worked in public, nonprofit, and business civic roles.
SourcesShowHide
en.wikipedia.orgpbswisconsin.orgbrennanforwi.comapnews.comgpelections.orgpolitics1.comwispolitics.comlinkedin.comwisconsinwatch.orgmadison.comkenoshacountywi.govco.pepin.wi.uswaupacademocrats.comdoa.wi.govwicourts.govreddit.comyahoo.comwisconsinexaminer.comwtmj.comwpr.orgweau.comblackchronicle.comyournews.comjayselthofner.comgmconline.orgarchive.phnews4jax.comurbanmilwaukee.compro.stateaffairs.comwausaupilotandreview.comjsonline.comwxow.comwnanews.comcaptimes.comfox11online.comabcnews4.commilwaukeemag.compbs.orgdailycardinal.compolitico.comfacebook.comballotready.orgjudiciary.senate.govgovinfo.govnga.orgcongress.govsenate.govncsl.orgfec.govdemocrats.senate.govbaldwin.senate.govcollins.senate.gov
Political Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports lowering the tax burden for middle-class families while also endorsing finding “rational, reasonable ways to raise revenue” and directing revenue toward state priorities. Emphasizes continuing tax policies from the Evers administration and investing in government programs consistent with those priorities.
Healthcare
The candidate has said health care affordability and uncertainty are priorities and highlights involvement in Wisconsin’s COVID response, but has not published a detailed policy plan on health care, Medicaid expansion, or a public option. Available public statements emphasize improving access and addressing costs without clear prescriptions for specific reforms. The public record therefore shows general commitments on health care but not specific policy positions.
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Immigration & Border
Supports measures to limit and investigate alleged abuses by federal immigration enforcement and to increase state oversight and transparency of ICE activity; proposes a state commission to collect and review evidence of ICE operations and refer potential violations to authorities. Emphasizes protecting families and holding federal immigration authorities accountable while framing actions in terms of rule-of-law and public safety.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate says abortion is health care and that decisions about abortion should be made between a woman and her health care provider, and expresses a desire to remove politics from those decisions. He supports ensuring that women and their doctors can make informed decisions without political interference.
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedAug 11, 2026
Joel Brennan is in the news as one of the remaining Democratic candidates in Wisconsin’s crowded governor primary, with voters set to choose the party’s nominee in the August 11 election. He has said he will stay in the race and recently resumed campaigning, including plans to restart advertising. Brennan has also been making policy pitches, including a budget transparency plan, and he drew attention earlier for clarifying remarks about whether Wisconsin is ready to elect a non-white governor.
en.wikipedia.org+51
Articles
WWEAU1 month ago
4 Democrats Make Final Push
Neutral
GBGreen Bay Press-Gazette4 months ago
Brennan clarifies comments about prospects for non-white candidates
Negative
GBGreen Bay Press-Gazette5 months ago
Brennan proposal strikes contrast with Democratic rival for governor
Positive
BNBaltimore News30 days ago
Open governor race sparked by Evers retirement as Democrats, GOP pick nominees Tuesday
Neutral
Latest Polls
Wisconsin Democratic Governor nominee?
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
Joel Brennan currently averages 2.5%, ranking 6th in this race, 0.7 points behind the next candidate.
Polling average: 2.5%Position: 6thMargin: -0.7 ptsLatest poll: 4.0% (Jul 23 - 26)Polls included: 9
Average recalculated from polls through Jul 23 - 26.
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements
- Fundraising