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2024 Wisconsin elections

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2024 Wisconsin elections

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The 2024 Wisconsin fall general election was held in the U.S. state of Wisconsin on November 5, 2024. In the presidential election, voters will be choosing ten presidential electors. Wisconsin's junior United States senator, Tammy Baldwin, will be running for re-election, and all of Wisconsin's eight seats in the United States House of Representatives will be up for election. The fall election will also fill sixteen seats in the Wisconsin Senate and all 99 seats in the Wisconsin State Assembly for the 107th Wisconsin Legislature. The 2024 fall partisan primary was held on August 13, 2024.[1] The filing deadline for the Fall election was June 3, 2024.[2] Concurrent with the Fall general election, there will also be a special election in Wisconsin's 8th congressional district to serve the remaining months of the 118th United States Congress.

The 2024 Wisconsin spring election was held April 2, 2024. This election featured the Democratic and Republican presidential nominating contests, though both party nominations were already clinched before Wisconsin voted. Two seats of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals were also up for election, but neither was contested. There were also various nonpartisan local and judicial offices on the ballot, including a county executive and mayoral election in Wisconsin's most populous city and county, Milwaukee. The 2024 Wisconsin spring primary was held on February 20, 2024. The filing deadline for the Spring election was January 2, 2024.

There are also five constitutional amendments on the ballot in 2024—the largest number of amendments in a single year in Wisconsin since 1986. Two of the amendments were voted on at the Spring general election, two others appeared on the Fall primary ballot, and one question will be answered in the Fall general election ballot. The Fall primary ballot questions represented the first time in Wisconsin history that a constitutional amendment appeared on a primary ballot. Republicans supported all five amendments, with Democrats opposing them. Both Spring ballot amendments passed, while both Fall primary ballot amendments failed.

Federal offices

[edit]

President

[edit]

Wisconsin's vote for presidential electors in the race for President of the United States will be part of the Fall general election, to be held on November 5, 2024. The incumbent president, Joe Biden, initially planned to seek a second four-year term and won a sufficient number of Democratic National Convention delegates to secure his renomination. However, Biden announced on July 21, 2024, that he would drop out of the race and endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris. Harris subsequently secured the support of Democratic convention delegates and was nominated at the Democratic National Convention. Vice President Kamala Harris will face former president Donald Trump in the general election.

Third party candidates appearing on the ballot in Wisconsin include Green Party nominee Jill Stein, Libertarian Party nominee Chase Oliver, Constitution Party nominee Randall Terry, Party for Socialism and Liberation nominee Claudia De la Cruz, and independent candidates Cornel West and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.[3] Kennedy has endorsed Donald Trump but was unable to remove his name from the ballot.[4]

Democratic primary

[edit]

Wisconsin's Democratic presidential preference primary was on the ballot for Wisconsin's Spring general election, Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Incumbent president Joe Biden secured enough delegates to be renominated before the Wisconsin primary took place. U.S. representative Dean Phillips (MN-03) and Author Marianne Williamson also sought the nomination. Williamson suspended her campaign following the Nevada Primary on February 7, 2024, but re-entered the campaign following the Michigan primary on February 27, 2024. In spite of this, Williamson never gained ballot access in the state. Phillips suspended his campaign on March 6, after the Super Tuesday primaries and endorsed Biden. Despite his suspension, Phillips name still appeared on the ballot. Lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was briefly a declared candidate for the Democratic nomination but withdrew to pursue an independent bid.

Due to backlash against the government's policies toward the Israel–Hamas war, a movement was started to vote for uninstructed delegates in the presidential primary. Biden ultimately won 88% of the primary vote, 8% of the vote was for uninstructed delegates.

After Biden withdrew from the presidential election, on July 21, 2024, Wisconsin's Biden delegates switched their support to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Republican primary

[edit]

Wisconsin's Republican presidential preference primary was on the ballot for Wisconsin's Spring general election, Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Former president Donald Trump secured enough delegates to be renominated before the Wisconsin primary took place. Former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley, incumbent Florida governor Ron DeSantis, former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy were all candidates, but withdrew during the primaries. Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, U.S. senator Tim Scott (SC), U.S. representative Will Hurd (TX-23), North Dakota governor Doug Burgum, Miami mayor Francis Suarez, radio host Larry Elder, and businessman Perry Johnson were also candidates, but withdrew from the race before voting began. Despite these withdrawals Christie, Ramaswamy, DeSantis, and Haley all appeared on the primary ballot, alongside an option for an uninstructed delegation.

Trump received 79% of the primary vote, with Haley receiving 13%, DeSantis with 3%, and 2% for uninstructed delegates.

U.S. Senate

[edit]

Wisconsin's Class 1 United States Senate seat will be on the ballot in the Fall general election, to be held on November 5, 2024. Incumbent Democratic senator Tammy Baldwin is seeking a third six-year term.

Three Republicans made the ballot for the primary: UW–Stevens Point College Republicans chair Rejani Raveendran, hedge fund manager Eric Hovde, who unsuccessfully ran for the Republican nomination for this Senate seat in 2012, and farmer and perennial candidate Charles Barman. Two other Republicans initially announced their candidacy but subsequently withdrew from the race: Trempealeau County supervisor Stacey Klein and retired U.S. Army Reserve sergeant major Patrick Schaefer-Wicke.

Two other independent candidates will also appear on the ballot: Phil Anderson (Disrupt The Corruption) and Thomas Leager (America First).

U.S. House of Representatives

[edit]

Wisconsin's eight seats in the United States House of Representatives will be on the ballot in the Fall general election, to be held on November 5, 2024. Concurrent with the Fall general election, a special election will be held in Wisconsin's 8th congressional district to serve the remaining months of the 118th United States Congress, following the resignation of Mike Gallagher.

8th district special election

[edit]
District Previous Incumbent This Election
Location 2023
CPVI
Representative First
elected
Status Candidates Results
Wisconsin 8 R+10 Mike Gallagher 2016 Incumbent resigned April 24, 2024.
New member to be elected November 5, 2024.
  • Kristin Lyerly (Democratic)[5]
  • Tony Wied (Republican)[5]

U.S. House general election

[edit]
District Incumbent Candidates[5]
Location 2022

PVI[6]

Member Party First

elected

Status
Wisconsin 1 R+3 Bryan Steil Republican 2018 Incumbent renominated
Wisconsin 2 D+19 Mark Pocan Democratic 2012 Incumbent renominated
Wisconsin 3 R+4 Derrick Van Orden Republican 2022 Incumbent renominated
Wisconsin 4 D+25 Gwen Moore Democratic 2004 Incumbent renominated
Wisconsin 5 R+14 Scott Fitzgerald Republican 2020 Incumbent renominated
Wisconsin 6 R+10 Glenn Grothman Republican 2014 Incumbent renominated
Wisconsin 7 R+12 Tom Tiffany Republican 2020 (special) Incumbent renominated
Wisconsin 8 R+10 Vacant Rep. Mike Gallagher (R) resigned April 24, 2024.
New member also to be elected to the unexpired term; see above.
  • Kristin Lyerly (Democratic)[5]
  • Tony Wied (Republican)[5]

State elections

[edit]

Legislative

[edit]

Following the Wisconsin Supreme Court's decision in Clarke v. Wisconsin Elections Commission, the state legislative maps were re-drawn by governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin state legislature to comply with the contiguity requirement of Article IV, Sections 4 and 5 of the Constitution of Wisconsin.[7]

State Senate 4th district special election

[edit]

A special election was held on July 30, 2024, to fill the 4th Senate district seat vacated by the resignation of Lena Taylor. A special primary was held July 2, 2024.[8][9]

Two candidates filed to run in this election, state representatives LaKeshia Myers and Dora Drake. Dora Drake won the special primary, July 2, 2024, and was unopposed at the special election on July 30.[8][10]

Dist. Previous Incumbent This Election
Senator Party First
elected
Result Candidate(s) Defeated in primary
04 Lena Taylor Dem. 2004 Incumbent resigned on January 26, 2024.
New member elected July 30, 2024.
Democratic hold.

State Senate

[edit]

The 16 even-numbered districts out of 33 in the Wisconsin Senate will be on the ballot for the Fall general election, November 5, 2024. Of those seats, 10 are held by Republicans and 6 are held by Democrats. Overall, Republicans hold 22 of the 33 seats in the Wisconsin Senate.

Dist. 2020
Pres.
[11]
Incumbent This Election[12]
Senator Party First

elected

Status Candidate(s) Status
02 R +24.4 Robert Cowles Rep. 1987
(special)
Not running Eric Wimberger (Rep.)
Kelly Peterson (Dem.)
04 D +69.2 Dora Drake Dem. 2024
(special)
Running
  • Dora Drake (Dem.)
06 D +72.2 La Tonya Johnson Dem. 2016 Running La Tonya Johnson (Dem.)
08 R +2.2 Dan Knodl Rep. 2023
(special)
Not running
10 R +14.9 Rob Stafsholt Rep. 2020 Running
  • Paul W. Hambleton (Dem.)
  • Rob Stafsholt (Rep.)
12 R +24.5 Mary Felzkowski Rep. 2020 Running
  • Mary Felzkowski (Rep.)
  • Andi Rich (Dem.)
14 D +7.4 Joan Ballweg Rep. 2020 Running
  • Joan Ballweg (Rep.)
  • Sarah Keyeski (Dem.)
16 D +31.2 Melissa Agard Dem. 2020 Not running
18 D +10.0 Dan Feyen Rep. 2016 Running in 20th district
  • Kristin Alfheim (Dem.)
  • Anthony Phillips (Rep.)
20 R +34.9 Duey Stroebel Rep. 2015
(special)
Running in 8th district
22 D +13.2 Robert Wirch Dem. 1996 Running Robert Wirch (Dem.)
24 R +7.3 Patrick Testin Rep. 2016 Running
  • Patrick Testin (Rep.)
  • Collin McNamara (Dem.)
26 D +72.2 Kelda Roys Dem. 2020 Running Kelda Roys (Dem.)
28 R +23.7 Julian Bradley Rep. 2020 Running
  • Julian Bradley (Rep.)
  • Megan Lach (Dem.)
30 D +4.7 Eric Wimberger Rep. 2020 Running in 2nd district
  • Jim Rafter (Rep.)
  • Jamie Wall (Dem.)
32 D +9.2 Brad Pfaff Dem. 2020 Running
  • Brad Pfaff (Dem.)
  • Stacey Klein (Rep.)

State Assembly

[edit]

All of the 99 seats in the Wisconsin State Assembly are on the ballot for the Fall general election, November 5, 2024. As of now, 64 seats are occupied by Republicans, 35 by Democrats.

Party
(majority caucus shading)
Total
Democratic Republican
Last election (2022) 35 64 99
Total after last election (2022) 35 64 99
Total before this election 35 64 99
Up for election 35 64 99
of which: Incumbent retiring 14 9 23
Open 5 12 17
Moving districts 1 9 10
Vacated
Unopposed 11 2 13

Judicial

[edit]

State Court of Appeals

[edit]

Two seats on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals were on the ballot for the Spring general election, April 2, 2024.

  • In District I, incumbent judge Pedro Colón, appointed by Governor Tony Evers in 2023, was elected to a full six-year term, running unopposed. One other candidate, Milwaukee County circuit judge Gwen Connolly, filed to run for the seat but failed to make the ballot.[13]
  • In District IV, incumbent judge JoAnne Kloppenburg was elected to a third six-year term, running unopposed. She was first elected in 2012 and re-elected in 2018, both times also without opposition.

State Circuit Courts

[edit]

Fifty six of the state's 261 circuit court seats were on the ballot for the Spring general election, April 2, 2024. Only ten seats were contested, four incumbent judges faced a challenger, three were defeated.[14][13][15]

  • In Columbia County, attorney Roger L. Klopp defeated incumbent judge Troy D. Cross.[16]
  • In Door County, family court commissioner Jennifer Moeller defeated attorney Brett Reetz to succeed retiring judge D. Todd Ehlers.[17][18]
  • In Kenosha County, court commissioner Heather Iverson defeated incumbent judge Frank Gagliardi in the general election.[19] Another court commissioner, William Michel, was eliminated in the primary.[20]
  • In La Crosse County, incumbent judge Mark A. Huesmann defeated former judge Candice C. M. Tlustosch in the general election.[21][22]
  • In Milwaukee County, Branch 43, state representative Marisabel Cabrera defeated attorney Rochelle N. Johnson-Bent to succeed retiring judge Marshall B. Murray.[23][24]
  • In Oneida County, assistant district attorney Mary M. Sowinski defeated county corporation counsel Michael Fugle to succeed retiring judge Michael H. Bloom.
  • In Racine County, Branch 3, assistant district attorney Jessica Lynott defeated incumbent judge Toni L. Young in the general election.
  • In Sauk County, attorney Blake J. Duren defeated attorney Nancy Thome to succeed retiring judge Patricia A. Barrett.[25]
  • In Walworth County, deputy county corporation counsel Estee E. Scholtz defeated court commissioner Peter M. Navis to succeed retiring judge Laura Lau.[26]
  • In Winnebago County, court commissioner Michael D. Rust defeated former judge LaKeisha D. Haase to succeed retiring judge Teresa S. Basiliere.[27] Another court commissioner, Eric R. Heywood, was eliminated in the primary.
Circuit Branch Incumbent Elected Defeated Defeated in Primary
Name Entered
office
Name Votes % Name Votes % Name(s)[28]
Ashland Kelly J. McKnight 2018 Kelly J. McKnight 2,781 98.79% --Unopposed--
Barron 2 --Vacant-- Samuel L. Lawton 7,508 99.43%
Brown 2 Thomas J. Walsh 2012 Thomas J. Walsh 38,128 99.27%
6 John P. Zakowski 2012 John P. Zakowski 39,183 99.27%
Buffalo–Pepin Thomas W. Clark 2018 Thomas W. Clark 3,518 99.18%
Calumet 1 Jeffrey S. Froehlich 2012 Jeffrey S. Froehlich 7,953 99.35%
Chippewa 1 Steven H. Gibbs 2017 Steven H. Gibbs 11,549 99.17%
Clark 1 Lyndsey Boon Brunette 2018 Lyndsey Boon Brunette 4,991 99.11%
Columbia 3 Troy D. Cross 2018 Roger L. Klopp 5.883 51.61% Troy D. Cross 5,497 48.22%
Dane 1 Susan M. Crawford 2018 Susan M. Crawford 89,390 99.06% --Unopposed--
8 Frank D. Remington 2012 Frank D. Remington 88,548 98.97%
10 Ryan D. Nilsestuen 2022 Ryan D. Nilsestuen 87,481 99.06%
11 Ellen K. Berz 2012 Ellen K. Berz 87,679 98.97%
12 Ann Peacock 2023 Ann Peacock 86,664 99.10%
Door 1 D. Todd Ehlers 2000 Jennifer Moeller 6,309 63.10% Brett Reetz 3,684 36.85%
Eau Claire 3 Emily M. Long 2018 Emily M. Long 15,541 99.01% --Unopposed--
4 Jon M. Theisen 2011 Jon M. Theisen 16,049 98.96%
5 Sarah Harless 2018 Sarah Harless 15,273 99.07%
Fond du Lac 1 Anthony Nehls 2022 Anthony Nehls 11,556 99.91%
Jefferson 3 Robert F. Dehring Jr. 2016 Robert F. Dehring Jr. 12,156 98.85%
Juneau 1 Stacy A. Smith 2018 Stacy A. Smith 3,943 99.19%
Kenosha 2 Jason A. Rossell 2011 Jason A. Rossell 21,573 98.47%
3 Frank Gagliardi 2023 Heather Iverson 16,652 53.15% Frank Gagliardi 14,624 46.68% William Michel
La Crosse 3 Mark A. Huesmann 2023 Mark A. Huesmann 12,247 56.67% Candice C. M. Tlustosch 9,364 43.33%
Manitowoc 2 Jerilyn M. Dietz 2018 Jerilyn M. Dietz 13,339 99.37% --Unopposed--
Menominee–Shawano William F. Kussel Jr. 2011 William F. Kussel Jr. 6,630 99.95%
Milwaukee 8 William Sosnay 2000 William Sosnay 96,263 98.65%
14 Amber Raffeet August 2023 Amber Raffeet August 96,183 98.74%
17 Carolina Maria Stark 2012 Carolina Maria Stark 96,223 98.82%
18 Ronnie V. Murray II 2023 Ronnie V. Murray II 95,439 98.81%
20 Joseph R. Wall 2018 Joseph R. Wall 94,997 98.79%
23 Jorge Fragoso 2023 Jorge Fragoso 94,959 98.81%
24 Raphael Ramos 2023 Raphael Ramos 95,541 98.87%
28 Mark A. Sanders 2012 Mark A. Sanders 95,462 98.87%
38 Jeffrey A. Wagner 1988 Jeffrey A. Wagner 97,561 98.74%
39 Jane V. Carroll 2006 Jane V. Carroll 98,808 98.81%
43 Marshall B. Murray 1999 Marisabel Cabrera 61,625 50.99% Rochelle N. Johnson-Bent 58,366 48.30%
46 Anderson Gansner 2023 Anderson Gansner 95,985 98.77% --Unopposed--
Monroe 3 Rick Radcliffe 2017 Rick Radcliffe 5,737 99.15%
Oneida 2 Michael H. Bloom 2012 Mary M. Sowinski 6,834 66.78% Michael Fugle 3,386 33.09
Outagamie 5 Carrie Schneider 2017 Carrie Schneider 25,552 100.0% --Unopposed--
Price Kevin G. Klein 2017 Mark T. Fuhr 2,639 100.0%
Racine 1 Wynne P. Laufenberg 2016 Wynne P. Laufenberg 22,916 98.53%
3 Toni L. Young 2023 Jessica Lynott 20,667 60.85% Toni L. Young 13,216 38.91%
9 Robert S. Repischak 2017 Robert S. Repischak 22,673 98.48% --Unopposed--
10 Timothy D. Boyle 2012 Timothy D. Boyle 23,418 98.84%
Rock 3 Jeffrey S. Kuglitsch 2017 Jeffrey S. Kuglitsch 19,887 98.69%
7 Barbara W. McCrory 2012 Barbara W. McCrory 20,527 98.84%
Sauk 3 Patricia A. Barrett 2018 Blake J. Duren 6,558 51.30% Nancy Thome 6,226 48.70%
St. Croix 3 Scott R. Needham 1994 Scott R. Needham 15,042 99.07%
Walworth 1 Phillip A. Koss 2012 Estee E. Scholtz 14,215 69.07% Peter M. Navis 6,283 30.53% James B. Duquette
Waukesha 2 Jennifer Dorow 2011 Jennifer Dorow 79,029 98.83% --Unopposed--
12 Laura Lau 2018 Jack A. Pitzo 70,211 98.93%
Waupaca 3 Raymond S. Huber 2000 Raymond S. Huber 7,877 99.24%
Winnebago 1 Teresa S. Basiliere 2018 Michael D. Rust 15,670 52.99% LaKeisha D. Haase 13,876 46.92% Eric R. Heywood
Wood 2 Nicholas J. Brazeau Jr. 2011 Nicholas J. Brazeau Jr. 11,678 96.85% --Unopposed--

Ballot measures

[edit]

There were five amendments to the Constitution of Wisconsin voted on during 2024. The first two amendments were on the ballot for the Spring general election, April 2, 2024. Two other amendments were on the Fall primary ballot, on August 13, 2024. A final amendment is set to appear on the Fall general election ballot, on November 5, 2024. All five amendments were proposed by Republicans and passed through the legislature on roughly party-line votes. Both spring amendment votes succeeded. Both fall primary amendment votes failed.

Both spring amendments were part of ongoing Republican attempts to change the process of election administration, motivated by grievances and conspiracy theories about the conduct and outcome of the 2020 elections.[citation needed]

The fall primary amendments were part of the Republican legislature's campaign to restrict the powers of the Democratic governor, which began just after he won the 2018 election. These two amendments attempted to restrict the governor's authority over spending of state money. The manner of the fall amendment process was also noteworthy, with Republicans specifying that the ratification vote should occur on the fall primary ballot rather than the fall general election ballot. Historically, all prior Wisconsin constitutional amendment votes (both successful and unsuccessful) took place at a general election. According to some political figures, such as Ben Wikler, the fall amendments were placed in the August primary as Republicans hoped a lower turnout election would ensure their approval.[29]

The fall general election question is part of the ongoing efforts of the Republican Party to create new barriers to voting, they say this is to prevent voter fraud. This amendment would alter the voting rights section of the Wisconsin Constitution, replacing the word "every" with the word "only" in the sentence "Every United States citizen age 18 or older who is a resident of an election district in this state is a qualified elector of that district."[30]

Spring Question 1

[edit]
Question 1
April 2, 2024

Use of private funds in election administration. Shall section 7 (1) of article III of the constitution be created to provide that private donations and grants may not be applied for, accepted, expended, or used in connection with the conduct of any primary, election, or referendum?
Results
Choice
Votes %
Yes 638,018 54.43%
No 534,126 45.57%
Total votes 1,172,144 100.00%

Yes:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
No:      50–60%      60–70%

The first constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2024 dealt with the issue of external funding to support election administration. This amendment was proposed by Republican legislators in response to the Mark Zuckerberg-backed nonprofit Center for Tech and Civic Life making 10 million dollars worth of grants, spread across 100 Wisconsin municipalities and 38 Wisconsin counties to help those municipalities to pay election-related expenses for the 2020 elections.[31] The amendment was ratified with 54% of the votes.[32]

The question read:

Use of private funds in election administration. Shall section 7 (1) of article III of the constitution be created to provide that private donations and grants may not be applied for, accepted, expended, or used in connection with the conduct of any primary, election, or referendum?

Spring Question 2

[edit]
Question 2
April 2, 2024

Election officials. Shall section 7 (2) of article III of the constitution be created to provide that only election officials designated by law may perform tasks in the conduct of primaries, elections, and referendums?
Results
Choice
Votes %
Yes 684,487 58.58%
No 483,946 41.42%
Total votes 1,168,433 100.00%

Yes:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%
No:      50–60%      60–70%

The second constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2024 added language to restrict who is allowed to perform actions related to carrying out elections in Wisconsin. Wisconsin already had laws describing who is allowed to work as a poll worker or elections officers, but the ambiguous wording of the new amendment may have been intended to restrict any volunteer activities around election support that are not explicitly described by current law.[31] The amendment was ratified with 58% of the votes.[33]

The question read:

Election officials. Shall section 7 (2) of article III of the constitution be created to provide that only election officials designated by law may perform tasks in the conduct of primaries, elections, and referendums?

Fall Primary Question 1

[edit]
Question 1
August 13, 2024

Delegation of appropriation power. Shall section 35 (1) of article IV of the constitution be created to provide that the legislature may not delegate its sole power to determine how moneys shall be appropriated?
Results
Choice
Votes %
Yes 521,538 42.55%
No 704,260 57.45%
Total votes 1,225,798 100.00%

No:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Yes:      50–60%      60–70%

The third constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2024 was intended to restrict the ability of the legislature to delegate any spending authority to other entities. Existing law where the legislature had previously delegated authority could have been invalidated by this amendment.[34]

The question read:

Delegation of appropriation power. Shall section 35 (1) of article IV of the constitution be created to provide that the legislature may not delegate its sole power to determine how moneys shall be appropriated?

Fall Primary Question 2

[edit]
Question 2
August 13, 2024

Allocation of federal moneys. Shall section 35 (2) of article IV of the constitution be created to prohibit the governor from allocating any federal moneys the governor accepts on behalf of the state without the approval of the legislature by joint resolution or as provided by legislative rule?
Results
Choice
Votes %
Yes 521,639 42.47%
No 706,637 57.53%
Total votes 1,228,276 100.00%

No:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%
Yes:      50–60%      60–70%

The fourth constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2024 was intended to prohibit the governor from spending money that the state received from the federal government without authorization from the state legislature. This was prompted by Republican discontent over the money Wisconsin received from President Biden's American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and CHIPS and Science Act, which enabled Governor Evers to fund a number of projects without legislative approval.[34]

The question read:

Allocation of federal moneys. Shall section 35 (2) of article IV of the constitution be created to prohibit the governor from allocating any federal moneys the governor accepts on behalf of the state without the approval of the legislature by joint resolution or as provided by legislative rule?

Fall General Question 1

[edit]
Question 1
November 5, 2024

Eligibility to vote. Shall section 1 of article III of the constitution, which deals with suffrage, be amended to provide that only a United States citizen age 18 or older who resides in an election district may vote in an election for national, state, or local office or at a statewide or local referendum?

The right to vote in Wisconsin is established in Section 1, Article III, of the state constitution, which says "Every United States citizen age 18 or older who is a resident of an election district in this state is a qualified elector of that district." The fifth constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2024 would alter the language of that section to delete the word "Every" and replace it with the words "Only a", then adding a list of election categories for which the restriction would apply.[35][36] Under current state and federal law, it is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in any federal elections, and noncitizens who vote illegally could face imprisonment or deportation.[37][38] According to nonpartisan experts, since non-citizen voting is already illegal, the amendment would have no immediate impact on Wisconsin elector qualifications.[36]

Critics of amendments such as these have expressed concerns that they only further misinformation surrounding the prevalence of noncitizen voting in the United States. According to the Brennan Center, noncitizen voting is neglible, with only 0.0001% of votes in 2016 across 42 local jurisdictions.[39] While measures are in place to ensure noncitizens are unable to register to vote.[40] According to the League of Women Voters, the amendment would flip the meaning of Section 1 from guaranteeing citizens the right to vote to instead establishing limitations on which citizens can be extended the right to vote. The language change therefore could be used to further erode the voting rights of American citizens in the future.[41]

The question reads:

Eligibility to vote. Shall section 1 of article III of the constitution, which deals with suffrage, be amended to provide that only a United States citizen age 18 or older who resides in an election district may vote in an election for national, state, or local office or at a statewide or local referendum?

Local offices

[edit]

County supervisor elections

[edit]

There were regularly-scheduled county board of supervisors elections in all of Wisconsin's 72 counties as part of the Spring general election, April 2, 2024. County supervisors are elected for two year terms, the number of seats per county varies.[1]

District attorney elections

[edit]

There are regularly-scheduled district attorney elections in all of Wisconsin's 72 counties as part of the Fall general election, November 5, 2024. Only two counties will see a contested race for district attorney in the general election (Kenosha and Wood). Two others will have a contested Republican primary but no general election opponent (Waukesha and Washington).

Dane County

[edit]

Dane County executive

[edit]

There will be a special election for Dane County executive in 2024, concurrent with the Fall general election, November 5, 2024, due to the early resignation of incumbent executive Joe Parisi. The winner of the special election will be entitled to serve the remainder of the term expiring April 2025. Former state senate minority leader Melissa Agard and county supervisor Dana Pellebon advanced to the general election. Two other candidates were eliminated in the nonpartisan primary: Madison city councilmember Regina Vidaver and Dane County director of equity and inclusion Wes Sparkman.[42][43][44]

Verona Mayor

[edit]

A regularly scheduled mayoral election was held in Verona, Wisconsin, at the Spring general election, April 2, 2024. Three-term incumbent, Luke Diaz, first elected in 2018, was re-elected unopposed with 98% of the vote, with the other 2% going to various write-in candidates.[45]

Kenosha County

[edit]

Kenosha mayor

[edit]

A regularly scheduled mayoral election was held in Kenosha, Wisconsin, at the Spring general election, April 2, 2024. The six-term incumbent John Antaramian, did not run for a seventh four-year term. In the general election, longtime city councilmember David Bogdala was elected the 51st mayor of Kenosha, defeating city plan commissioner Lydia Spottswood.[46] Seven other candidates also ran, but were eliminated in the February primary: city councilmember Kelly MacKay, former county board member Tony Garcia, Peace in the Streets director Gregory Bennett Jr., Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission member Elizabeth Garcia, social media content creator Koerri Elijah, activist Andreas Meyer, and retiree Mary Morgan.[47][48]

Kenosha County district attorney

[edit]

There will be a regularly scheduled election for the district attorney's office during the Fall general election, November 5, 2024. The incumbent, Mike Graveley, is set to retire at the end of his term.[49] In the general election, deputy district attorney Carli McNeill, running as a Democrat,[50] will face attorney Xavier Solis, running as a Republican.[51]

Marathon County

[edit]

Wausau mayor

[edit]

A regularly scheduled mayoral election was held in Wausau, Wisconsin, at the Spring general election, April 2, 2024. City councilmember Doug Diny was elected mayor, defeating the incumbent mayor Katie Rosenberg.[52] Local agitator Christopher Wood also ran, but was eliminated in the February primary. Wood has been a controversial figure in Wausau, known for shouting anti-semitic rhetoric on the sidewalk outside of Wausau events.[53][54]

Milwaukee County

[edit]

Milwaukee mayor

[edit]

A regularly scheduled mayoral election was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the Spring general election, April 2, 2024. The incumbent Cavalier Johnson, first elected in a 2022 special election, was elected to a full four-year term, defeating Wisconsin God Squad founder David King.[55] Activist and perennial candidate Ieshuh Griffin also ran, but was eliminated in the February primary.[56][57][58]

Milwaukee County executive

[edit]

A regularly scheduled county executive election was held in Milwaukee County, at the Spring general election, April 2, 2024. The incumbent David Crowley, first elected in 2020, was elected to a second four-year term. He defeated perennial candidate Ieshuh Griffin, who was also a candidate for mayor in 2024.[59][60]

Milwaukee County district attorney

[edit]

There will be a regularly scheduled district attorney election in Milwaukee County, concurrent with the Fall general election, November 5, 2024. The 18-year incumbent, John T. Chisholm, will not run for re-election and will retire at the end of this term.[61] Only one candidate filed to appear on the ballot, Chisholm's deputy, Kent Lovern.[62]

Milwaukee city attorney

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A regularly scheduled city attorney election was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the Spring general election, April 2, 2024. State representative Evan Goyke defeated incumbent city attorney Tearman Spencer.[56][63]

Wauwatosa mayor

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A regularly scheduled mayoral election was held in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, at the Spring general election, April 2, 2024. The incumbent Dennis McBride, first elected in 2020, was elected to a second four-year term. He defeated city councilmember Andrew Meindl.[64]

West Allis mayor

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A regularly scheduled mayoral election was held in West Allis, Wisconsin, at the Spring general election, April 2, 2024. The incumbent Dan Devine, first elected in 2008, was elected to a fifth four-year term. He defeated former business owner Amy Rose Murphy.[64]

Milwaukee Public Schools referendum

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A referendum was held at the Spring general election, April 2, 2024, in which Milwaukee Public Schools sought $252 million increased funding by raising the property tax levy by $216 per $100,000 of property value. Milwaukee Public Schools stressed that the increased funding was needed to address a pending budget shortfall. The referendum faced significant opposition from Milwaukee's business community, but narrowly passed, with 51% voting in favor.[65]

Outagamie County

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Appleton mayor

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A regularly scheduled mayoral election was held in Appleton, Wisconsin, at the Spring general election, April 2, 2024. The incumbent Jake Woodford, first elected in 2020, won a second four-year term without opposition.[66]

Kaukauna mayor

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A regularly scheduled mayoral election was held in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, at the Spring general election, April 2, 2024. Three-term incumbent Tony Penterman won his fourth two-year term without opposition.[66]

Racine County

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Racine County executive

[edit]

There will be a special election for Racine County executive on December 19, 2024, due to the death of the previous officeholder, Jonathan Delagrave. The winner of the special election will be entitled to serve the remainder of the term expiring April 2027. Six candidates filed to run for the seat, county clerk Wendy Christensen, city of Racine transit commissioner Lorenzo Santos, former Racine Unified School Board member Melvin Hargove, Waterford village trustee Adam Jaskie, restaurateur Cory Sebastian, and businessman Ralph Malicki.[67][68] Since more than two candidates filed to run, there will be a nonpartisan special primary held on November 21, 2024.[69]

Burlington mayor

[edit]

A regularly scheduled mayoral election was held in Burlington, Wisconsin, at the Spring general election, April 2, 2024. Eight-term incumbent Jeannie Hefty did not run for a ninth two-year term. City councilmember Jon Schultz was elected mayor of Burlington, defeating fellow city councilmember Corina Kretschmer.[70][71]

Waukesha County

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Waukesha County district attorney

[edit]

There will be a regularly scheduled district attorney election in Waukesha County, concurrent with the Fall general election, November 5, 2024. The incumbent, Susan Opper, did not run for re-election and will retire at the end of this term. Deputy district attorney Lesli Boese defeated deputy district attorney Mike Thurston in the Republican primary and will be unopposed in the general election.[72][73]

Winnebago County

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Menasha mayor

[edit]

A regularly scheduled mayoral election was held in Menasha, Wisconsin, at the Spring general election, April 2, 2024. Four-term incumbent Don Merkes did not run for a fifth four-year term. City councilmember Austin Hammond was elected mayor of Menasha, narrowly defeating fellow city councilmember Rebecca Nichols.[74] Two other candidates also ran but were eliminated in the February primary: city council president Stan Sevenich and architectural intern Kyle Coenen.[66][75]

See also

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References

[edit]
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  2. ^ "Wis. Stat. § 8.15(1)".
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  4. ^ Schmidt, Mitchell (September 17, 2024). "Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s name will stay on Wisconsin presidential ballot, Dane County judge rules". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u "Wisconsin Elections". Wisconsin Election Commission. May 11, 2022. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  6. ^ "2022 Cook PVI: District Map and List". The Cook Political Report. July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
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  8. ^ a b Karnopp, Hope (February 4, 2024). "Rep. LaKeshia Myers is running for vacant Milwaukee Senate seat, has Lena Taylor's support". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  9. ^ "Gov. Evers: Calls Special Elections for the 4th Senate District and 8th Congressional District". WisPolitics.com. May 14, 2024. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  10. ^ Casey, Evan (July 3, 2024). "State Rep. Dora Drake wins special primary election". Wisconsin Public Radio. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  11. ^ "DRA 2020". Daves Redistricting. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
  12. ^ Candidate Tracking by Office - 2024 General Election - 11/5/2024 (Report). Wisconsin Elections Commission. May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  13. ^ a b Candidate Tracking by Office - 2024 Spring Election and Presidential Preference Vote - 4/2/2024 (Report). Wisconsin Elections Commission. January 12, 2024. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
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  16. ^ Election Summary - 2024 Presidential Preference and Spring Election - April 2, 2024 (PDF) (Report). Clerk of Columbia County, Wisconsin. April 3, 2024. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  17. ^ Kowols, Tim (April 2, 2024). "Door County Election Recap: Moeller wins, Boards experience shake up". DoorCountyDailyNews.com. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  18. ^ Clough, Christopher (December 1, 2023). "Door County attorney becomes the second candidate to announce their run for county judge". Green Bay Press-Gazette. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
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  21. ^ Rundio, Steve (April 2, 2024). "Huesmann wins La Crosse circuit court race". La Crosse Tribune. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  22. ^ Rundio, Steve (July 11, 2023). "Candice Tlustosch announces candidacy for La Crosse County judge". La Crosse Tribune. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
  23. ^ Jannene, Jeramey (April 2, 2024). "Marisabel Cabrera Wins Close Judicial Race". Urban Milwaukee. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  24. ^ Kilmer, Graham (November 7, 2023). "Rochelle Johnson-Bent Enters Race for Circuit Court Judge". Urban Milwaukee. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
  25. ^ Summary Results Report - Presidential Spring Election - April 2, 2024 (PDF) (Report). Clerk of Sauk County, Wisconsin. April 3, 2024. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  26. ^ Complete Unofficial Election Night Results - Presidential Preference and Spring Primary - April 2, 2024 (Report). Clerk of Walworth County, Wisconsin. April 2, 2024. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  27. ^ Willems, Devin (April 2, 2024). "Michael Rust wins Winnebago County Judge race". WFRV-TV. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
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  33. ^ "Election Results 2024 - Wisconsin Question 2". Washington Post. April 2, 2024. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
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  35. ^ Joint Resolution relating to: eligibility to vote in Wisconsin (Senate Joint Resolution 71). Wisconsin Legislature. 2023. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
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  67. ^ Asiyanbi, Heather (September 20, 2024). "Ralph Malicki announces his run for county executive after death of Jonathan Delagrave". Racine County Eye. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
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  70. ^ Williams, Scott (January 3, 2024). "Two file petitions to run for Burlington mayor, as longtime incumbent steps aside". Racine Journal Times. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
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  73. ^ Levens, Claudia (August 13, 2024). "Lesli Boese's victory clears way for her to be next Waukesha County District Attorney". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  74. ^ Behnke, Duke (April 2, 2024). "Austin Hammond narrowly defeats Rebecca Nichols to become Menasha's youngest mayor". The Post-Crescent. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
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