The upcoming Wisconsin primaries on August 11 feature seven high-stakes races across the Senate and Assembly, including open seats in Northeast Senate District 1, Senate District 17, Assembly Districts 21, 61, 76, and 26, plus open Senate District 25 in Superior with a competitive Republican primary between Angie Sapik and Erik Severson and a Democratic candidate, Charly Ray, in the general.

Notable candidates are shaping up fundraising and endorsements: Nic Cravillion is leading fundraising in District 1; Barbara Bittner and Katie Baney are among Republican contenders; Marklein remains a strong incumbent with solid fundraising; Jenna Jacobson in Senate District 17 is backed by the SSDC; Corrine Hendrickson and Lisa White highlight Democratic entrants in other districts.

Races beyond District 1 and Senate District 17 include Republicans challenging Democrats in Sheboygan’s Assembly District 26 and the open-seat contests that could shift legislative balance, with fundraising details underscoring the competitiveness across districts.

The general election is November 3, with primary battles on August 11 expected to influence the governor’s ability to pursue policy priorities.

A July poll from Marquette Law School shows a relatively balanced voter mood, with 46% favoring Democrats and 42% Republicans in legislative races, though district-level detail is not provided.

The same poll notes district-level data is not available, offering a broad snapshot of statewide sentiment ahead of the August primary.

Wisconsin Examiner is tracking seven primary races as leading indicators for the August 11 primary and November 3 general election.

Wisconsin’s August 2026 primaries could determine control of both chambers, shaping whether a future governor can advance priorities like Medicaid expansion, tax cuts, and education funding.

In Madison’s Assembly District 76, a five-way Democratic primary to replace Francesca Hong (who is running for governor) draws notable endorsements and fundraising activity.

Overall, Republicans aim to defend majorities in both chambers, while Democrats seek to flip seats to gain control, with campaign finance heavily skewed toward Republican committees and large-donor funding from figures like Diane Hendricks and Elizabeth Uihlein.

Campaign finance dynamics show Republican committees amassing significant cash—around $11.5 million for the Assembly and $5.3 million for the Senate—outpacing Democratic counterparts, underscoring the uphill battle for Democrats in this cycle.

The overarching goal for both sides is to determine control of the Legislature, setting the stage for the governor’s agenda on key issues through the coming session.