Wisconsin’s August 11 partisan primary has come and gone, and the field for November is taking shape. For CARW members, this is the moment advocacy shifts from “who’s running” to “who will be making the decisions that affect commercial real estate” — and it’s an important window to make our industry’s voice heard before the November 3 general election. By investing in RPAC and the Commercial Conduit through CARW – you can make that difference both individually and for the Industry. You receive these updates every week – now it is time to take action and INVEST HERE
Where the Races Stand
Governor: In one of the closest primaries in recent memory, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley narrowly defeated State Rep. Francesca Hong for the Democratic nomination. On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany won his party’s nomination decisively. With Gov. Tony Evers not seeking re-election, Wisconsin will elect a new governor in November.
Lieutenant Governor: Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski secured the Democratic nomination after running unopposed. Lancaster Mayor David Varnam defeated Will Martin for the Republican nomination.
Attorney General: Incumbent Democrat Josh Kaul is seeking a third term and will face Republican Eric Toney in November.
Secretary of State: Milwaukee Common Council member and former state legislator JoCasta Zamarripa secured the Democratic nomination after running unopposed. Jay Schroeder won the four-way Republican primary.
State Treasurer: Incumbent Republican John Leiber is seeking re-election and will face Democratic nominee Yee Leng Xiong, who won Tuesday’s Democratic primary.
Add to that all 99 Assembly seats and 17 State Senate seats on the ballot this fall, along with significant turnover at the top of state government. Gov. Tony Evers, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos are all leaving their current posts, meaning Wisconsin will enter 2027 with new leadership in each of those roles. Every congressional district will also have races. There will be a lot of activity in the political space. We will be sharing updates on local candidates in the coming days as the candidates are confirmed and published.
Why This Matters for Commercial Real Estate
The Governor and Legislature elected this fall will have a direct hand in the issues that shape commercial real estate across Wisconsin — property tax policy, TIF, housing and development policy, local land-use authority, infrastructure investment, economic development tools and the broader regulatory environment.
The primary determined who is on the ballot. The general election determines who governs.
Between now and November, CARW has an opportunity to educate candidates on the issues affecting investment and development across Wisconsin — and members have an opportunity to get informed, get engaged and support candidates who understand the importance of a strong commercial real estate industry.
How to Get Involved
- RPAC (REALTORS® Political Action Committee): Contributions are pooled and used to support candidates who understand real estate, private property rights and economic development issues.
- Direct Giver Conduit: For members who want more control over where their political contributions go, the Direct Giver program allows members to direct their own contributions to candidates.
Members interested in investing through RPAC or the Direct Giver Conduit can find giving information HERE or contact Tracy Johnson at tracy@carw.com.
The primary is over. The candidates are set. Now the work begins — making sure the people elected in November understand what’s at stake for commercial real estate and economic development in Wisconsin.