GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Governor Tony Evers’ July announcement that he is not running for re-election leaves the ballot open for the first time in 16 years.
And with candidates still declaring, experts say the next year is going to be competitive.
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One of those experts, Lawrence University History Professor Jerald Podair, compared the situation and politics as a whole to sports.
“People adhere and support their parties like a sports team …you root for them even if they are not necessarily involved,” Podair said.
Democrats have several names in the race, including Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez and one of the most recent names, Melissa ‘Missy’ Hughes.
Podair says all five candidates are similar.
“There are four or five serious candidates who I would note are almost indistinguishable, from policy they are almost the same,” Podair said.
Podair added that where the candidate is from makes a difference.
“Will they find a candidate that is not from Madison or Milwaukee?… It would give them a tremendous advantage with that very small number of undecided voters, who are going to decide this election next year,” Podair said.
And for the Republicans, with two people currently running, President Donald Trump’s endorsement will likely determine their frontrunner.
“In this state and nationally, of course, if you are a Republican, Trump’s endorsement or non-endorsement goes a very long way,” Podair said.
Podair also said that the outcome in a swing state like Wisconsin can help foreshadow the future of elections, especially the 2028 Presidential Election.
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“Winning this state next year is going to be viewed as a sign by the parties to tell potential donors for future elections, specifically 2028, that ‘we can win,’” Podair said.
