Wisconsin Gubernatorial Primary Election — Candidate Comparison

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

His dad worked third shift at the GM factory and his mom was a Milwaukee public school teacher for 30 years. They taught him the values of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of a good education. Growing up, these union jobs meant a stable middle class life with quality health care, a secure retirement, and even money left over for a vacation every year. We all know that promise has faded for far too many. Family farmers are being squeezed by tariffs. Healthcare costs keep rising. Too many families are just one emergency away from a financial disaster. While the constant stream of chaos continues to divide and distract us, Wisconsinites are paying the costs of the devastation from Washington under Trump. Mandela will meet this moment and build a better future by rejecting...

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

Putting People First. Fighting for Wisconsin. Sara Rodriguez is a lifelong problem-solver and a trusted statewide leader who’s never been afraid to step up when it matters most. As Lieutenant Governor, she’s traveled to all 72 counties, working shoulder-to-shoulder with Governor Evers to deliver results and stand up for the people of Wisconsin. Now, she’s running for Governor to build a Wisconsin where every family has a fair shot, no matter their ZIP code, background, or bank account. Sara isn’t a career politician. She’s a nurse, a small business owner, a working mom, and someone who came to public service the hard way: by living the challenges so many Wisconsinites face and deciding to do something about it. From emergency rooms to boardrooms to the state Capitol, she’s shown...

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

Francesca Hong is a mom, service worker, chef, and community organizer. The daughter of immigrants and a proud Madisonian, a Democratic state representative and democratic socialist. She built her life from the dish pit to the State Legislature—always fighting for working families like hers. Now she’s running for governor to build a Wisconsin where everyone has a seat at the table.

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

David Crowley’s story is Wisconsin’s story — rooted in struggle, powered by community, and defined by results. From overcoming evictions to making history as Milwaukee County Executive, David has delivered real change in the places politics too often forgets. Now, David Crowley is ready to bring his proven leadership to every corner of Wisconsin — as the fighter this moment demands. He’s not running to wait out Republican obstruction. He’s running to confront it, beat it, and deliver for the people who’ve been ignored for too long. Because Republicans aren’t just attacking the programs we all rely on — they’re trying to make us give up on the values that unite Wisconsin: community, fairness, and looking out for one another. David Crowley knows better. He''s seen the power of...

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

Mandela’s no stranger to tough fights. After college, he became a community organizer in his hometown, working to bring good jobs to his neighbors. Frustrated by a lack of action from lawmakers on the issues affecting working people, Mandela ran for office and became a State Representative at 27. In 2018, Mandela helped Tony Evers kick Scott Walker out of office and, at 31, became Wisconsin’s first Black Lt. Governor — and only the second Black elected official statewide. As Lt. Governor Mandela spent time in all 72 counties to help Wisconsin recover from the pandemic. He chaired the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change, where he developed a plan to bring down energy costs by investing in clean energy. When Republicans blocked Governor Evers’ efforts to expand Badgercare,...

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

As Lieutenant Governor, Sara has been at the forefront of efforts to lower healthcare costs, defend reproductive rights, strengthen public education, support small businesses, and invest in rural communities. Whether in a hospital, a boardroom, or the state Capitol, Sara brings a no-nonsense, people-first approach that turns real-world problems into common-sense solutions...

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

David''s Record: Two decades of serving his community 2005 David starts organizing with Urban Underground. 2010 David joins Russ Feingold''s campaign for Senate. 2016 David is elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly. 2017 David co-sponsors Assembly Joint Resolution 10, which declares that abortion is health care. 2020 David makes history, becoming the youngest and first Black County Executive elected in Milwaukee County history. 2023 David leads the passage of Wisconsin Act 12, a landmark bipartisan bill to increase shared revenue for municipalities and counties across Wisconsin. 2023 David signs into law the largest property tax cut in Milwaukee County history. 2025 David launches his campaign for Governor of Wisconsin.

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

Close tax loopholes for the ultra-rich so we can cut taxes for middle class families.

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

Schools: Free school meals, Universal childcare, Fully funding public schools, Rolling back unfair voucher laws, Special education, High education

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

Jobs and Wages That Build Futures: Crowley will grow an economy rooted in local ownership and union labor. He’ll take his Building Bridges Program statewide—revitalizing storefronts, activating commercial corridors, and creating jobs block by block. Every infrastructure dollar will support good-paying, local jobs and lift the trades with strong labor standards.

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

Stop playing political games with our health care, and use Federal money to expand Badgercare, expanding access to care and reducing health care costs for all of us.

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

Workers: Guaranteed paid leave, nobody should have to decide between paying the bills and taking care of themselves or a sick family member. Fran’s universal paid leave bill would provide fully insured paid leave for all workers — including the self-employed; Fair wages and working conditions, one job should be enough. Fran supports a living wage — a $20 minimum wage indexed to the cost of living in Wisconsin.

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

Expanding the Middle Class: As Governor, Crowley will modernize and expand apprenticeship programs—connecting young people and career-changers to opportunities in the trades, health care, green energy, and beyond. These aren’t just training programs; they’re pipelines to economic stability and lifelong opportunity.

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

Make Roe v. Wade the law of the land, ending our 1849 abortion ban.

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

Healthcare: Expanded BadgerCare for all, Pulling down high healthcare costs, Insurance coverage and claim denial, Making large hospitals pay their fair share, Lowering prescription drug costs, LGBTQ healthcare access

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

Entrepreneurship That Works Everywhere: Crowley will make Wisconsin the best place in the Midwest to start and grow a small business — whether you''re opening a bakery in Beloit, running a barbershop in Wausau, or launching a biotech startup in Eau Claire. He’ll streamline permitting across state agencies, cut red tape for local entrepreneurs, and expand access to affordable capital so more Wisconsinites can turn ideas into income. Crowley will double down on technical assistance ...

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

Ensure law enforcement has the resources they need to keep our communities safe.

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

Housing: Financing affordable construction, Zoning reform, Home ownership, Protecting renters, Right to counsel

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

Public Investments That Deliver: Government should help create jobs—not just be a check cutter. Under Crowley’s leadership, public dollars will multiply opportunity. Investments in housing, health care, and climate resilience pay dividends across Wisconsin, with accountability and outcomes that families can feel. That means homes people can afford, care that’s easy to access, and family supporting jobs.

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

Stand up for our farmers, and fight back against Trump’s tariff disaster.

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

The Care Economy: Medicaid payments, Hospital and nursing home staffing, Supporting childcare providers

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

Health Care That Reaches People: Crowley will expand mobile outreach, addiction treatment access, and EMS innovations across the state—because everyone deserves care that shows up when and where it’s needed. His plan puts people first, removing barriers and delivering results.

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

Bring more good paying jobs back to our state.

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

Small Businesses: Affordable loans, Monopoly

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

Affordable, Safe Housing Across Wisconsin: Crowley will build and preserve affordable and attainable housing in rural, urban, and suburban communities alike. He’ll make it easier to get projects approved and ensure new housing is energy-efficient, resilient, and affordable to working families.

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

Increase funding for public schools so that every child, no matter their zip code, has a chance for a world-class education.

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

Cities And Towns: Revenue sharing, Fran will right-size a grossly unfair revenue sharing model that leaves cities and towns across the state scrambling to access the tax revenue they generate. State and local governments are partners, not rivals. Fran can uphold the state’s end of the deal by: Lifting restrictions on how much a local government can levy to fund essential services, indexed to local costs, Giving counties and municipalities access to means of financing beyond property taxes.

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

Strong Schools and Early Learning: Crowley’s plan includes universal early childhood education, new investments in public schools, and closing the special education reimbursement gap. He’ll ensure that every child has a launchpad to success—whether through college, technical school, apprenticeships, or direct-to-career pathways.

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

Expand apprenticeship programs and trade schools to ensure that when companies invest in Wisconsin, they''re employing Wisconsinites.

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

Disability: Home healthcare access, Disability income limits, Supporting home health workers

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

Climate Action That Creates Jobs: Climate action is economic investment. Crowley will invest in solar, energy retrofits, and clean infrastructure that creates thousands of union jobs across Wisconsin. He’s already cut emissions nearly 50% in Milwaukee County—now he’s ready to take that impact statewide.

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

Go after out of state hedge funds that are buying up private homes and making it harder to afford a home.

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

Labor: Putting a stake in Act10, Working with workers, Union labor for state infrastructure, Union dues tax rights

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

Connected Communities: Crowley will finally close Wisconsin’s broadband gap, repair roads, and expand transit where it’s needed — so that every community can connect to jobs, school, health care, and each other. That means investing in regional transit that links rural towns to economic centers, restoring service cuts that have left communities stranded, and building a modern transportation system that works for seniors, workers, and families alike. As County Executive, ...

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

Make childcare more affordable and accessible.

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

Bodily Autonomy: Constitutional protection of abortion, Expanding the definition of reproductive health, Gender-affirming care

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

Empowered Local Leadership: Through smart revenue reform, Crowley will ensure local governments have the tools and funding to serve their residents — while lowering property taxes and re-empowering local decision-making. That means giving communities the resources to invest in what matters most: well-trained police and fire departments, reliable public works, responsive local services, and the ability to shape their own future without interference from Madison. As County Executive, ...

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

"As your Governor, I will fight every day to bring down the cost of living so every Wisconsinite can afford to stay and thrive right here at home." @TheOtherMandela (December 8, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

“As governor, I work with local leaders to grow strong, affordable, thriving communities across Wisconsin.” — @saraforwi (December 9, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

"When I’m governor, we’re going to get it done. Working people deserve nothing less."@FrancescaHongWI (December 15, 2025)

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

"As Governor, I will keep working to ensure every Wisconsin family has a safe and stable place to call home." @DavidCCrowley (November 15, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

"When I''m Governor, we''ll cap skyrocketing property taxes and invest in affordable housing to make sure no family gets priced out of their neighborhood." @TheOtherMandela (November 22, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

“As Governor, I take on anyone who puts politics ahead of affordable health care, housing, and child care, because Wisconsin families deserve a fair shot and a future where they can finally breathe a little easier.” — @saraforwi (November 15, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

"That’s how I’ll lead the state of Wisconsin as governor."@FrancescaHongWI (December 17, 2025)

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

"As governor, I will call a special session to guarantee these protections remain permanent for Wisconsinites." @DavidCCrowley (November 10, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

"I will make sure every child in Wisconsin has access to high-quality public schools funded fairly, without the interference of out-of-state billionaires." @TheOtherMandela (October 15, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

“As Governor, I fight until the ACA subsidies are restored — because no Wisconsin family should lose their health care because someone in Washington lost their backbone.” — @saraforwi (November 10, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

"I’ve been working in the legislature to change that — and as Governor, I will."@FrancescaHongWI (December 5, 2025)

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

"As governor, I will fight to make Wisconsin more affordable, strengthen our safety nets, and build a state where working families can weather any challenge." @DavidCCrowley (November 2, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

"As Governor, I commit to expanding mental health services in every county, because no one should suffer in silence on my watch." @TheOtherMandela (September 28, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

“When I’m Governor, no family in Wisconsin will have to wonder where their next meal is coming from.” — @saraforwi (October 28, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

"We need universal childcare... we guarantee paid leave... and hate cheaper health care... we can do better."@FrancescaHongWI (September 17, 2025, from announcement video)

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

"If Republicans won’t act to protect LGBTQ+ families, then I will. As governor, I’ll call a special session to repeal this hateful ban." @DavidCCrowley (October 9, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

"We''ll pass comprehensive paid family leave as soon as I take office—because family comes first in Wisconsin." @TheOtherMandela (August 10, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

“When I’m Governor, every Wisconsin family will have a fair shot at a good life.” — @saraforwi (October 27, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

"Things are just way too f***ing unaffordable... People are tired. They''re stressed. It does not have to be this way... We have to reimburse special education at 90%...free school meals and universal childcare."@FrancescaHongWI (December 13, 2025)

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

"As governor, I''ll lead the fight and call a special session to repeal this hateful amendment from our constitution." @DavidCCrowley (October 7, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

"I pledge to protect reproductive rights and ensure access to safe, legal abortion care for every woman who needs it in our state." @TheOtherMandela (July 19, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

“I protect and expand Medicaid, lower costs, and defend science and evidence-based solutions — because Wisconsinites deserve leaders who will put facts and people first.” — @saraforwi (September 30, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

"As governor, I’ll defend reproductive freedom and protect Wisconsinites’ health care from federal overreach." @DavidCCrowley (September 25, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

"When I''m Governor, we''ll create 100,000 good-paying jobs in clean energy and manufacturing to lead the nation in the green economy." @TheOtherMandela (June 5, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

“I lower costs, invest in childcare & schools, and deliver real relief.” — @saraforwi (September 5, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

"As your next Governor, I will veto any bill that tries to ban books or silence our teachers—education must be free and open." @TheOtherMandela (May 14, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

“As Governor, I protect the right to organize, raise wages, and make sure every Wisconsinite who works hard can get ahead. Because when working people do well, Wisconsin does well.” — @saraforwi (September 1, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

"I will expand broadband access to every corner of Wisconsin so no rural community is left behind in the digital age." @TheOtherMandela (April 22, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

“As Governor, I fight to deliver better health care, benefits, and jobs for veterans.” — @saraforwi (August 16, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

Score:  / 22  David Crowley:

Score:  / 22  Mandela Barnes:

Score:  / 22  Sara Rodriguez:

“We expand Medicaid and make healthcare affordable for every Wisconsinite.” — @saraforwi (August 4, 2025)

Score:  / 22  Francesca Hong:

Score:  / 22  David Crowley: