Wisconsin Gubernatorial Primary Could Shape Future Presidential Election Certification

Wisconsin’s upcoming gubernatorial primary is being framed by Democrats as a test of the state’s ability to certify future federal elections, especially the 2028 presidential contest. The likely Republican nominee, Tom Tiffany, has repeatedly endorsed falsehoods about the 2020 vote and signed onto a lawsuit seeking to bar swing states from the Electoral College, prompting worries that he might refuse to certify results he dislikes.

The governor’s role is also crucial for Senate election certification, adding another layer of risk. Across the country, election-denying Republicans are also on the ballot in Arizona and Pennsylvania, amplifying the stakes. The Democratic primary has been turbulent, with the withdrawal of Sara Rodriguez and Mandela Barnes amid scandals, and a surge in support for DSA-backed Francesca Hong, whose unconventional platform has drawn both criticism and a super-PAC’s financial backing. Party leaders are debating whether to fully embrace Hong or mount a last-minute push for a centrist candidate to preserve the chance of a Democratic trifecta and influence upcoming redistricting.