AGP Executive Report

Governor’s Race: David Crowley campaigned in Eau Claire on raising the minimum wage, repealing right-to-work and Act 10, and expanding BadgerCare. Tom Tiffany says he would cut income taxes 10% for working families and return the state’s $3 billion surplus. Election Security: Wisconsin officials are preparing for the possibility of federal agents near polling places, while campaign ads made with AI raise concerns about election disinformation. Ballot Questions: Voters will decide three proposed constitutional amendments, including one targeting preferential treatment in public programs that critics say could affect scholarships, admissions and other services. Public Safety: Officials opened a $245 million Wauwatosa facility bringing the Milwaukee Crime Lab, county medical examiner and emergency management operations together. Rural Phone Service: Sen. Tammy Baldwin is pressing Verizon to guarantee reliable alternatives before ending copper-based landline service across 136 Wisconsin wire centers.

Governor’s Race: Democrat David Crowley campaigned in Eau Claire and Beloit, pitching investments in schools, health care and workers as Wisconsin’s Nov. 3 election nears. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore joined him in Beloit. Republican Tom Tiffany, campaigning in the northwoods, emphasized his ties to rural Wisconsin and promised to support families and local schools. Western Wisconsin: Rep. Derrick Van Orden highlighted agriculture, biofuels and energy security at a Fall Creek farm visit, where the Wisconsin Farm Bureau honored him. He faces Democrat Rebecca Cooke in a closely watched reelection race. Attorney General: Democrat Josh Kaul and Republican Eric Toney clashed in a debate over Trump administration lawsuits, crime, voter rolls and the state crime lab. 7th District: Republican Michael Alfonso backed Enbridge’s Line 5, arguing it could help lower energy costs; Democrat Fred Clark called for tougher oversight of the company and raised concerns about its environmental record.

Governor’s Race: David Crowley campaigned in Black River Falls on affordability, school funding, housing and data-center guardrails as Republican Tom Tiffany made festival stops. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore also campaigned for Crowley in Wisconsin. Federal Ads Lawsuit: Wisconsin Democrats sued the Trump administration, alleging taxpayer-funded pro-Trump ads violate restrictions on government propaganda and electioneering; they’re seeking repayment of public funds. County Corrections: Milwaukee County Executive Crowley suspended inmate tablet messaging after reports that inmates used the system to harass victims, renewing scrutiny of jail oversight and safety. Unemployment Funding: Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul is leading a multistate lawsuit over canceled federal grants to upgrade unemployment systems, arguing the cuts threaten fraud prevention and benefits administration.

Governor’s Race: Tom Tiffany held a law-enforcement roundtable while David Crowley campaigned with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, as both candidates face questions about how they would pay for their plans. Campaign Cash: Three Wisconsin-linked billionaires have donated more than $73 million to GOP campaigns and committees this year; the state party transferred $24.2 million to Tiffany’s campaign. Rural Priorities: Independent candidate Shena Chapman says Wisconsin’s 36th Assembly District needs more support for local governments and mental-health services. She also opposes data-center tax incentives. Federal Funding Fight: Wisconsin joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s cancellation of grants to modernize unemployment systems and prevent fraud. Campaign Ads: Wisconsin Democrats sued Trump and federal agencies, alleging taxpayer money was used for pro-Trump political ads.

Governor’s Race: Former President Barack Obama has endorsed Democrat David Crowley, who is challenging Republican Tom Tiffany. Affordability is a central issue: Tiffany proposes eliminating the state income tax, while Crowley has pitched renter protections and a cap on rent hikes. Congressional Campaign: Rebecca Cooke campaigned with former Montana Sen. Jon Tester, highlighting farm costs and calling for tariff reversals and an end to the Iran war. Incumbent Derrick Van Orden says the conflict is necessary, despite its potential political cost for Republicans. Milwaukee County: Crowley is suspending inmate tablet messaging at county facilities after inmates used the feature to harass victims and intimidate witnesses, a flashpoint in the governor’s race. Federal Funding Disputes: Wisconsin is suing the Trump administration over canceled grants to upgrade unemployment systems and prevent fraud. Democrats have also sued over taxpayer-funded federal ads they allege promote Trump and Republicans ahead of the midterms.

Governor’s Race: Tom Tiffany faced protests and pointed questions from UW–Madison students about his record as he campaigned; campaign finance reports show the state GOP gave his campaign more than $24 million, funded largely by three billionaires. Former President Barack Obama endorsed Democrat David Crowley, sharpening the high-profile contest. Election Lawsuits: Wisconsin Democrats sued the Trump administration, alleging taxpayer money was used for partisan campaign ads. Gov. Tony Evers also announced a lawsuit challenging the cancellation of federal unemployment-system grants intended to improve benefits and prevent fraud. Congressional Race: Green Party candidate Matthew Arndt was arrested after an alleged road-rage incident in Mequon that included profane, antisemitic remarks, police said. State Government: Attorney General Josh Kaul says more staff could help cut delays in public-records responses; his Republican challenger, Eric Toney, did not answer a transparency questionnaire. Milwaukee Finances: A Wisconsin Policy Forum review says the city’s 2027 budget avoids major cuts but would rely on its largest reserve withdrawals in at least a decade as costs rise.

Governor’s Race: Barack Obama endorsed Democrat David Crowley, adding a high-profile boost to the close contest against Republican Tom Tiffany, who has President Donald Trump’s backing. Disaster Aid: Trump’s pledge of $17.9 million for storm-hit Wisconsin came alongside support for Tiffany, renewing criticism that disaster relief is being tied to campaign politics. Taxes and Affordability: Tiffany says he wants to eliminate the state income tax, a move a conservative think tank says could require steep sales-tax increases or major spending cuts. Data-center electricity costs are also drawing scrutiny, with Wisconsin Republicans pushing to end a tax break for the facilities. Surveillance: A lawsuit challenging Waukesha County-area use of Flock license-plate cameras is moving to federal court; the plaintiffs argue warrantless searches of the data violate residents’ rights.

Governor’s Race: Barack Obama endorsed David Crowley, boosting the Milwaukee County executive’s bid against Tom Tiffany. Crowley has proposed limits on rent hikes and a constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights; Tiffany highlighted law enforcement at a campaign stop and is defending a tax credit critics say chiefly benefits high earners. Energy and Data Centers: Tammy Baldwin says Watertown residents need more transparency and a say in major energy projects, after Microsoft agreed to buy most of a proposed solar farm’s output. Meanwhile, Republicans are pushing to end a sales-tax break for data centers, as communities weigh their costs and benefits. Storm Aid: The Trump administration approved $17.9 million in disaster assistance for four Wisconsin counties after tornadoes and severe storms; Gov. Tony Evers said he had received no information about the aid. Courts and Ballot: Wisconsin’s Supreme Court is set to hear a major challenge to Act 10, the 2011 law restricting public-sector unions. Voters will also decide three constitutional amendments in November.

Storm Aid: President Donald Trump approved $17.9 million in federal assistance for storm damage in Forest, Outagamie, Vilas and Winnebago counties. Gov. Tony Evers says the state still lacks details and accused Trump and Rep. Tom Tiffany of politicizing the aid. Governor’s Race: Democrat David Crowley is proposing a constitutional amendment to protect abortion access; Republican Tiffany says he would uphold Wisconsin’s current law. Congressional Races: House Speaker Mike Johnson called Wisconsin’s 3rd District contest a top national priority while campaigning with Rep. Derrick Van Orden. In the 7th District’s only face-to-face debate, Democrat Fred Clark called for bipartisan work and local investment, while Republican Michael Alfonso emphasized trade schools and MAGA priorities. November Ballot: Voters will decide whether to amend the state constitution to bar government preferential treatment based on race, sex, ethnicity or national origin. Court Access: A new state portal lets people file domestic-abuse and harassment restraining-order petitions online; court leaders want funding to expand it to other cases.

Disaster Aid: President Trump says he will approve $17.9 million in Wisconsin storm relief after talking with gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany. Gov. Tony Evers accused Trump and Tiffany of politicizing aid he requested more than a month ago. Governor’s Race: David Crowley is calling for a state constitutional amendment to protect abortion access; Tiffany says he would uphold Wisconsin’s current law. A Marquette poll gives Crowley a narrow lead, while Tiffany and allies are outspending his side 2.5 to 1. Election Rules: A judge denied a League of Women Voters request to let voters cast a second ballot if they already mailed in an absentee ballot, leaving the current rule in place for November. Courts: The state court system is seeking eight new circuit court judgeships, another appeals court judge and funding for courthouse security, citing 129 reported threats to judges in 2025. Surveillance: Waukesha County and 12 municipalities are asking a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit challenging police use of Flock license-plate reader data. Data Centers: A Fredonia town meeting backed a $5,000 contribution to a residents’ group opposing new power-line routes proposed to serve a Port Washington data center.

Wisconsin Governor Race: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is pushing a constitutional amendment to protect abortion and reproductive healthcare, arguing the Supreme Court’s limits on an 1849 law still leave future restrictions on the table. Attorney General Rematch: Incumbent Josh Kaul faces Republican Eric Toney in Nov. 3, with Kaul touting public safety and a multi-state Meta settlement, while Toney attacks crime-lab forensic backlogs. Election Dynamics: A Marquette Law School poll finds 38% of independent voters still undecided, making them pivotal in a tight statewide race. Campaign Cash & National Influence: Crypto mega-donor group Fairshake is backing 32 House candidates with major spending, including Wisconsin Rep. Bryan Steil. Data Centers & Power Politics: A new report highlights how permitting and power delays are spreading globally, with Wisconsin’s AI/data-center slowdown tied to grid approval friction. Local Public Safety: La Crosse police arrested a 16-year-old in the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old. Milwaukee/Community: A garden honoring organ donors in Wisconsin Rapids was vandalized twice. Science Spotlight: UW–Madison IceCube leader Francis Halzen won the Nobel Prize in Physics.

Nobel Spotlight: UW–Madison physicist Francis Halzen won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for IceCube work detecting high-energy “ghost” neutrinos from space. Milwaukee Data Center Fight: Milwaukee’s Common Council committee advanced a one-year moratorium on new data centers while zoning rules are drafted, with possible site-by-site exceptions. Governor Race—Reproductive Rights: David Crowley announced a plan for a Wisconsin constitutional amendment to protect reproductive freedom, arguing Tom Tiffany is an anti-abortion extremist. Governor Race—Law Enforcement: The Wisconsin Fraternal Order of Police endorsed Tom Tiffany, pitching tougher crime and immigration enforcement. Campaign Clash on Taxes/Fees: Crowley’s 2027 budget proposal includes a 2.55% levy increase and expands parking fees at parks and near stadiums. Local Governance: Sheboygan alder Grazia Perrella stepped down; the council will fill the vacancy by appointment. Election Integrity/Residency: State Rep. Bob Donovan faced questions about whether he lives in his Assembly district after new maps. Water & Courts: Pierce County residents’ groundwater fight against Ridge Breeze Dairy heads to judicial review after a permit compliance ruling. Community Support: Milwaukee’s Bridge Project opened applications for expanded cash support for low-income pregnant mothers.

Milwaukee County & Elections: A new Milwaukee County executive budget fight is heating up as David Crowley proposes higher fees alongside a property tax levy increase, while Wisconsin voters also face decisions on governor partial veto power and three constitutional amendments. Law Enforcement & Surveillance: The Wisconsin debate over Flock-style automated license plate readers keeps spreading—Band of Lake Superior Chippewa leaders say Enbridge has “gone too far” after a Line 5 aquifer leak, and separate reporting highlights how Flock camera access is under legal scrutiny after alleged misuse by former officers. Midterms & Messaging: Republicans are doubling down on tough-on-crime and border themes for the midterms, while Democrats project a major milestone—100 women in the House—if they win enough competitive races. Crypto Politics: Fairshake is backing 32 House races and pushing crypto regulation through campaign spending and voter mobilization. Local Governance: In Winneconne, recall petitions against two school board members were rejected, and the board is moving toward finding an interim district administrator. State Services: Wisconsin is shifting more of the cost of FoodShare administration to the state, raising budget pressure as local pantries report record demand.

Governor’s Race Attack Ads: Tom Tiffany’s campaign released a new ad using David Crowley’s “I’m an accomplice” comments on illegal immigration, tying Crowley to promises to block immigration enforcement and to taxpayer-funded benefits. Election Access & Rules: League of American Workers founder Steve Cortes urged Wisconsin Republicans to vote early to avoid “huge advantage” from Democrats’ ballot-chasing, as absentee voting is already underway. School Board Activism: A conservative school-board network is expanding in Wisconsin, with Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty linked to efforts that include auditing a Watertown district. Constitutional Amendments: Wisconsin voters will decide on three amendments Nov. 3; past history shows only one of 14 proposed changes in 30 years was rejected. Early Voting & Cybersecurity: Votebeat reports many small Wisconsin clerks still use consumer email accounts for election business, raising cybersecurity concerns. State Government & Infrastructure: Gov. Evers announced $152.1M in Oct. 5 local transportation aid payments for roads and policing. Immigration Court Ruling: An immigration judge ruled Salah Sarsour, head of Milwaukee’s largest mosque, can be deported. Economy & Industry: Evers and WEDC celebrated EMD Electronics’ $200M Sheboygan Falls semiconductor materials R&D facility opening, expected to add 44 jobs.

Wisconsin Governor Race & Cost of Living: A new Marquette Law School poll finds Democrat David Crowley and Republican Tom Tiffany essentially tied, with likely voters at 49%-46% and registered voters at 46%-45%, while Donald Trump’s approval sits at 38% with 60% disapproval—suggesting the contest is about the candidates, not just the president. Childcare as a Voting Issue: A separate affordability-focused report highlights childcare costs as a major driver of Wisconsin election stakes, with both campaigns backing more help but diverging on solutions—Crowley pushing universal childcare and paid family leave, Tiffany emphasizing regulatory streamlining to expand provider capacity. Milwaukee Education & School Closures: North Side parents and staff are challenging Milwaukee Public Schools’ closure scoring approach, saying it penalizes neighborhoods shaped by years of disinvestment; they argue the closure threshold can swing dramatically depending on how capacity cutoffs are set. Local Government Watch (Racine): Racine Mayor Cory Mason’s 2027 budget heads to the Common Council this week, with a budget address Monday and committee review Tuesday, alongside items including lawsuit settlements and election-worker resolution. Public Safety & Community: Madison held a “Ride and Walk for Your Life” event honoring Sasha Rosen, calling for safer streets after his February death. Environment & Infrastructure: Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute work reportedly breached an aquifer near Marengo, raising concerns about water impacts while the company says it’s monitoring and containing the flow. Tech/Power Grid: Oracle’s Wisconsin AI campus faces major delays as regulators restart review for transmission approvals, pushing customer delivery beyond 2027.

G20 Trade in Milwaukee: U.S. Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer wrapped up the G20 Trade Ministerial by arguing there’s “a cost” to offshoring and that tariffs are meant to push more production back in the U.S., pointing to Harley-Davidson as an example. Veterans & Community: Madison’s Badger Honor Flight flew 85 Wisconsin veterans to Washington, D.C., for memorial visits and a long-overdue welcome home. Wisconsin Elections & Money: A WisPolitics review found Wisconsin parties are driving fundraising for Gov. candidates David Crowley and Tom Tiffany, with major GOP transfers tied to top donors. Public Safety: Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Bradley Ritger died after a fall from an I-94 bridge during a traffic pursuit. Local Government: Racine’s Common Council will take up Mayor Cory Mason’s 2027 budget and election-worker resolution, plus sewer and transit items. Immigration & Courts: Coverage continues on the Trump administration’s push to deport legal residents, including Wisconsin’s Milwaukee mosque leader Salah Sarsour. Missing Person: Glendale police issued a Silver Alert for 64-year-old Anthony Gardner, last seen after leaving a Milwaukee hospital.