Polling Average
40%30%20%10%0%
7.3%
29%
19.5%
Wisconsin Republican Governor nominee?
$23.0K
AUG 12, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleCounty Executive
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
GenderMale
LocationWisconsin
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BackgroundCounty executive
EducationMaster of Public Administration (MPA)
Notable personal detailsJosh Schoemann is the Washington County, Wisconsin county executive, first elected in April 2020 after serving in county administration roles. A Republican, he filed to run for governor of Wisconsin in 2026. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and previously served in the Army National Guard, and he has said he earned a Master of Public Administration using the G.I. Bill.
SourcesShowHide
joshschoemann.comapnews.comwispolitics.comen.wikipedia.orglinkedin.comwashcowisco.govecode360.comurbanmilwaukee.comcdnsm5-hosted.civiclive.comusvotefoundation.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgtransparencyusa.orgspectrumnews1.comwisconsinexaminer.comtmj4.comwicounties.orgwashingtoncountyinsider.comreddit.comjsonline.compolitifact.comaol.comdiscoverhometown.compbswisconsin.orgkwhi.comarchive.vnyahoo.comsweetstudy.compro.stateaffairs.comwpr.orgwisconsinwatch.orgfox11online.comfox6now.compbs.orgdrydenwire.comyoutube.comfacebook.comgmtoday.comballotpedia.orgballotready.orggovinfo.govwikidata.orgdocquery.fec.govjustfacts.votesmart.orgfitzgerald.house.govronjohnson.senate.govvotesmart.orglegislation.ballotpedia.orgdata.ballotpedia.orgvoterguide.ballotpedia.orgcdn.ballotpedia.orgstatic.votesmart.org
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Advocates significant tax reductions and smaller government, with a particular focus on cutting property taxes (targeting a 50% cut and eventual elimination replaced by a local consumption tax) and promoting lower overall tax burdens. Emphasizes government spending restraint, administrative downsizing, and policies to keep residents from leaving for lower-tax states.
Healthcare
Josh Schoemann emphasizes limited government and local control on public health matters while supporting targeted mental-health and veteran wellness initiatives; as county executive he opposed expanding local public-health enforcement powers and has pursued private-sector solutions for county healthcare facilities.
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Immigration & Border
The candidate supports partnering with federal law enforcement on immigration enforcement and providing resources for federal agents to do their jobs; his platform also calls for removing noncitizens from state voter rolls. His public materials emphasize enforcement and administrative measures rather than expanded legal pathways or asylum protections.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports a pro-life approach focused on creating a "culture of life," treats the 20-week limit as a settled standard in Wisconsin, and emphasizes policies to promote adoption, expand support for mothers through the postpartum period, and enact child-support measures beginning at conception. He frames the response as conservative reforms to reduce abortions rather than expanding abortion access.
Climate & Energy
Supports expanding Wisconsin’s energy supply with an emphasis on restarting and prioritizing nuclear power as part of a diverse portfolio to support growth (including data centers) and to protect property rights and economic development. Emphasizes strategic, people-focused energy development rather than large new regulatory mandates.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports strengthening and fully funding public safety and emergency services and has overseen county actions that equip law enforcement; emphasizes investment in public safety rather than new gun restrictions. Focuses on backing law enforcement resources and preparedness.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 15, 2026
Josh Schoemann is in the Wisconsin governor race, and the ballot list is expected to be certified before the Aug. 11 primary after candidates’ filings were reviewed. The race is drawing attention because the 2026 election could shape control of Wisconsin government and, in turn, whether congressional maps are redrawn. Recent reporting also notes ongoing lawsuits over Wisconsin’s current congressional map and broader fights over redistricting in the state.
joshschoemann.com+50
Articles
GBGreen Bay Press-Gazette2 months ago
These candidates are still running in Wisconsin's governor race
Neutral
WWEAU5 months ago
How Wisconsin’s legislative maps could impact the general election
Neutral
TMThe Mercury News1 month ago
How a congressional redistricting battle could gain new life for the 2028 elections
Neutral
Polls
Wisconsin Republican Governor nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
Wisconsin Republican Governor nominee?
Endorsers of Josh Schoemann for Wisconsin Republican Governor nominee?
55 local elected officials
Elected official
55 local elected officials endorsed Josh Schoemann for governor.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Fundraising