Capitol Notes

A look at developments in the weeks ahead of the Nov. 3 election in Wisconsin: mail-in voting, endorsements and debates.

Republican Tom Tiffany has more money in the bank than Democrat David Crowley for ad buys in the Wisconsin governor's race. JR Ross explains why and what that means.

On this special edition of Capitol Notes, learn about Season 3 of WUWM's Swing State of the Union podcast. This season is all about power — more specifically, who has it to make decisions in the state of Wisconsin. Here's the trailer.

Incumbent Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul is running to keep the seat, with a challenge from Fond du Lac District Attorney and Republican, Eric Toney.

How will the gubernatorial election in Wisconsin between Tom Tiffany and David Crowley impact school funding, voucher program and the legacy of education in Wisconsin politics?

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Congressman Tom Tiffany won their respective primaries. As we head into the general election, now what?

Wisconsin's partisan primary is Tuesday August 11. JR Ross shares his insights as candidates try to muscle their way into the lead Democratic gubernatorial spot.

It's been a tumultuous past few weeks for Democrats in Wisconsin's governor's race. First, as we discussed on the last Capitol Notes, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley dropped out of the race and endorsed Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez. Then, Rodriguez discovered that her campaign manager was mismanaging campaign finances and Rodriguez dropped out the race. Then Crowley got back in and Gov. Tony Evers endorsed him. WUWM's Maayan Silver sat down with JR Ross, editor of WisPolitics.com, to talk it through.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley dropped out of the race for Wisconsin governor. There's still a crowded Democratic primary, what's next?

Wisconsin voters are concerned about AI. The state's politicians are jockeying to be the go-to leaders to assuage those fears.

Right here, folks: Everything you need to know about the $2 billion spending plan that would have increased school spending, lowered property taxes and resulted in $300 rebates went bust last week in the Wisconsin Senate. Why was it signed off on by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republican legislative leaders? Why were there supporters and critics on both sides? And will it rise again? These questions and more are answered on this week’s Capitol Notes.

There were small numbers of ballots that didn't get counted after the spring election in Wisconsin. Several voters even sued. What's the message for clerks and voters alike?

What the national Marquette Law School Poll shows about a potential blue wave and how it could affect state legislative and governor’s races.

Conservative-backed appellate judge Maria Lazar is running against Chris Taylor, an appellate judge who has support from liberals.

Some legislators, including GOP Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, announced they won't be running again. How does that change the outlook for Democrats ahead of the fall election?

Find out why the Iran war may pose a problem for Republicans this midterm year, and the latest on the state Supreme Court race.

A look at the legacies and impacts of Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and longtime GOP Assembly Speaker Robin Vos who both aren't seeking reelection.

This week's Capitol Notes asks politics whiz JR Ross to lay out what's happening in Congress and how Wisconsin's representatives are approaching it.

The Wisconsin GOP-led Legislature wants to put a constitutional amendment before voters that would change the state government's approach to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Midterms. Governor's race. Control of the Legislature. Legislative action on big issues. All that's ahead in 2026. Find out about it on Capitol Notes.

Democrats are bringing a new argument in their challenges to congressional lines in Wisconsin. Will it change anything before the 2026 midterms?

How is Gov. Tony Evers' executive order on vaccines affecting access to COVID shots? What to watch for as the race to replace him in 2026 shapes up.

Tech companies are trying to build data centers all over Wisconsin. Here's what to know.

Some states have declared a state of emergency as FoodShare benefits pause because of the federal government shutdown. Wisconsin has not taken action. Why is that?

The federal government has been shut down for about two weeks. This week’s Capitol Notes digs into the politics behind it and the potential effects in Wisconsin.

As the federal government sliced health care coverage over the next decade, Wisconsin, too, passed its budget. How will it impact people with Medicaid coverage, SNAP benefits or child care needs?

Over the weekend, former President Donald Trump threatened to find people to run against Wisconsin Republican legislative leaders Robin Vos, Devin LeMahieu and Chris Kapenga in Republican primaries next year.

Legislators in the GOP-led Joint Finance Committee are working to get a budget finalized. It then needs to go before the Assembly and Senate, and then the Democratic governor.

The GOP-controlled Joint Finance Committee is putting its stamp on the state budget. Last week, it took up K-12 funding and tax cuts. Will the plans survive Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' veto pen?

The U.S. House passed a reconciliation bill in May. The U.S. Senate is taking it up. There's a lot that's unknown about what will actually pass, but this week's Capitol Notes lays out how it could impact the Dairy State.

Have you been thinking about how Wisconsin's going to pay for stuff, like Medicaid, given that the federal government is working to slice its budget? JR Ross of WisPolitics.com unpacks that and more on this week's Capitol Notes.

What does a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling upholding the governor's ability to set up a 400-year school funding increase with his veto pen mean for this year's state budget process?

Supporters of conservative-backed Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Brad Schimel included the possibility that liberal-backed Susan Crawford would sign on to new congressional district maps for Wisconsin. As JR Ross of WisPolitics.com details, that may not be so easy.

Susan Crawford won the state supreme court race by nine percentage points. JR Ross chimes in on what it all means and what to keep an eye on from Wisconsin's high court.

Hear about the donors, issues, ads and comments affecting Wisconsin's race that could, again, affect the ideological balance of the state's highest court.

A look at the latest in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, the race for superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction and what's fascinating JR Ross right now in the Wisconsin Legislature.

On April 1, 2025 voters will go to the polls for yet another election for Wisconsin Supreme Court justice. Whoever wins will, again, determine the ideological balance of the court.

On this special edition of "Capitol Notes," learn about Season 2 of WUWM's "Swing State of the Union" podcast.

This week, WUWM asks JR Ross how President Trump and Elon Musk's efforts to downsize the federal government could affect us in Wisconsin, including through the state budget or DEI efforts.

Republican President Donald Trump has signed a flurry of executive orders in his first week in office, including one seeking to end birthright citizenship. Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul has joined other states in suing to have the policy declared unconstitutional.

Republicans want the electorate to weigh in on whether voter ID should be added to the state constitution. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers says the public should be able to get their own questions on the ballot. Which issue is likely to become an April ballot question?

This episode of Capitol Notes examines the future of Wisconsin's Act 10 law following a recent court challenge and Ben Wikler's bid for DNC chair.

Some are thankful for what could be an interesting fight over reducing state taxes, and upcoming competitive elections in Wisconsin.

“The signs were there:” Post-results analysis from JR Ross of WisPolitics.com on why Tuesday’s election may signal new coalitions in Wisconsin and what it could mean for future elections.

We're in the thick of "worry season" — aka a big election — and while WisPolitics.com editor JR Ross can't make predictions, he can tell us about the trends and what to watch for as results come in.

It's "worry season" for both parties, says JR Ross, editor of WisPolitics.com. He explains how the campaigns are dealing with that in the dwindling weeks ahead of the November election.

JR Ross, brings us up to date, less than 30 days before the election.

A Team Trump bus is coming, Kamala Harris was just here, GOTV efforts are underway, legislative races are heating up, and there's a key House race debate this week.

RFK Jr. left the race and is asking to be taken off the ballot in Wisconsin; Biden, Vance, Harris, Walz, and their surrogates are all crisscrossing the state. What's it going to take to win here?

Before there can be a presidential election this November, there are disputes to be resolved over who can be on the Wisconsin ballot.

This week's Capitol Notes is all about Tuesday's partisan primary and the slightly bigger one in November that may be overshadowing it. Tune in to find out about candidates and constitutional amendments.

From now-official Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's speech to the VP pick of JD Vance, Capitol Notes

Delegates will officially nominate former President Donald Trump as the GOP's presidential candidate, take three. What else do you need to know about the RNC?

Tune in for a preview of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin's state convention this weekend in Milwaukee from elections to resolutions and everything in between.

It's the 34 convictions heard around the country. Or in some cases, muted. This Capitol Notes discusses what to look for in Wisconsin and national politics.

Wisconsin Republicans hope to drum up the base at their state convention in Appleton this weekend. Will it affect infrastructure this big election year? Fundraising? Give insights into GOP priorities ahead of November? JR Ross of WisPolitics.com explains what to look for.

What do protests on Wisconsin campuses mean for Wisconsin Democrats, and how will the state's Republicans deal with a fundraising shortfall? Find out on Capitol Notes.

On this special edition of Capitol Notes, learn about a new politics podcast from WUWM — Swing State of the Union.

Millions of dollars in state funding to clean up groundwater contamination are going unused in Wisconsin. Why? We also look into how Democrats and Republicans are trying to leverage their candidates in the state's competitive congressional districts.

Do you want to know about the candidates for U.S. Senate in Wisconsin, what U.S. Senators actually do for people on the ground here, and how the candidates are approaching their campaigns? Tune into Capitol Notes this week!

JR Ross, editor of WisPolitics.com gives the big picture on the upcoming presidential primary election in Wisconsin, the new lawsuit over drop boxes and the latest in the recall effort against GOP Assembly Speaker Robin Vos.

Lawyers for former President Donald Trump and ten Wisconsin Republicans who served as false electors had to affirm President Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election. Find out more about that settlement, important 2024 potential legislative races and this week's upcoming senate floor session.

Wisconsin's Ethics Commission referred former President Trump's joint fundraising committee, GOP legislator Janel Brandtjen and other Republicans to local district attorneys for potential felony charges involving fundraising during the 2022 midterm elections.

Last week brought developments in the redistricting lawsuit in the state supreme court over state legislative lines. With ongoing litigation in the court, Legislative Republicans weigh the idea of passing Democratic Governor Tony Evers' maps. This week's episode explores why.

Divided Republican lawmakers attempt a referendum on an abortion ban and don't exactly like legislative redistricting maps submitted by Gov. Tony Evers.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Racine County) is in the thick of state political news—again.

With the Supreme Court election over, JR Ross guides us through other big matters ahead in Madison.

What is staggering spending telling us about the Wisconsin Supreme Court race? Where's it coming from? Who's doing it better? How is it related to the outcome?

This week's Capitol Notes looks into Republican calls for a special election for secretary of state, a GOP rejection of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' capital budget proposal and the state of anti-LGBTQ laws in Wisconsin.

JR Ross, editor of WisPolitics.com explains why abortion law developments have been difficult for Republicans in the state.

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and GOP Legislative leaders are pitching alternate takes on what to do to keep the Brewers in Wisconsin. JR Ross, editor of WisPolitics.com explains the politics behind that and details how the budget process works.

Spending in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race is through the roof. JR Ross, editor of WisPolitics.com, breaks down what that means for the campaigns, ads and voters. Meanwhile, the state budget is chugging through the system, and we'll break down the latest on that.

Turnout, money and messaging, it's all at play in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. This week's Capitol Notes looks into the prevailing campaigns.

Ahead of Election Day Tuesday, JR Ross, editor of WisPolitics.com lays out what to know about the statewide state Supreme Court primary race as it stands as well as a special election for the state's 8th Senate district.

Gov. Evers will unveil his full two-year spending plan to the GOP-controlled legislature on Wednesday and has already revealed several priorities. For example, he's calling for 20% of the state's sales tax collection to go toward municipalities and counties. What are the chances these will push through the legislature?

The ads buys are getting bigger in some key races ahead of voters going to the polls on Feb. 21.

WisPolitics.com Editor JR Ross has his watchful eye on the Supreme Court race and state spending.

Mid-January doldrums? WisPolitics.com Editor JR Ross says not at the State Capitol.

Wisconsin voters may have some state constitutional amendments to consider this April.

WisPolitics.com Editor JR Ross analyzes Tuesday's speeches and gets out the crystal ball.

After Tuesday's swearing-in, comes the intrigue of speeches and future political roles.

JR Ross, of WisPolitics.com, recaps the 2022 elections and the 2022 probe of the 2020 election.

State agencies and some members of the public are making their wish list for the next two years.

Plus, there are major changes in Wisconsin GOP leadership and in the race for 8th state Senate district.

Four candidates are now running for Wisconsin Supreme Court. JR Ross takes a look on Capitol Notes.

River Hills GOP Sen. Alberta Darling leaves the legislature this week, prompting political intrigue.

State Rep. Janel Brandtjen (R-Menomonee Falls) and GOP Chairman Paul Farrow are in the news.

GOP proposals for abortion restrictions and school vouchers may be headed for difficulty in Madison.

In this bonus edition of Capitol Notes, JR Ross looks at Tuesday night's election results.

This final Capitol Notes before the midterm elections looks into what to monitor on Tuesday.

A former president visits Milwaukee, and current candidates fan out across the state, seeking votes.

JR Ross of Wispolitics.com sorts out in-person absentee voting and why so many candidates encourage it.

WisPolitics.com editor JR looks at recent developments in Wisconsin elections and what's ahead.

JR Ross, editor of WisPolitics.com, analyzes what's at stake for the candidates running for governor and U.S. Senate.

Five weeks ahead of Wisconsin's midterms, there are lawsuits over absentee ballots, get out the vote efforts and even a suit by a top Republican to quash a congressional subpoena.

We dive into how the candidates for Wisconsin governor are faring financially, a rebuked effort by Evers to get the Wisconsin legislature to create a new referendum process for voters by special session and the start of a review of Wisconsin's rules for election observers.

In negative attack ads, incumbent GOP U.S. Senator Ron Johnson attempts to paint Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes as "dangerous." What is that all about? JR Ross, editor of WisPolitics.com explains the rationale, the messaging in that race and the governor's race, voting rights litigation and what's at stake in the attorney general's race.

JR Ross, editor of WisPolitics.com, explains how the Wisconsin governor's race is similar, yet different to 2018, talks Barnes-Johnson and unpacks several Wisconsin voting law cases.

JR Ross, editor of WisPolitics.com, weighs in on President Joe Biden's order on student loan forgiveness, the big news on the campaign trails for Wisconsin governor and U.S. Senator, and the latest on the Republican election probe.