Joel Brennan launched his 2026 Democratic gubernatorial bid in Wisconsin, joining a crowded primary race.

Joel Brennan, ex-Wisconsin administration secretary, announced his 2026 Democratic gubernatorial bid on December 11, 2025. He joins a crowded primary with Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Mandela Barnes, and David Crowley, presenting himself as an experienced, unifying candidate focused on fiscal responsibility and bipartisan cooperation. Brennan emphasized 25 years in public and private roles and criticized President Trump. The August 2026 primary precedes Wisconsin’s competitive November election.