Rep. Tom Tiffany has announced he will run for governor in 2026, making him one of the leading Republican contenders in what is expected to be a highly competitive race.

Tiffany, who has represented Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District since winning a special election in 2020, is well known in northern Wisconsin. Before serving in Congress, he spent time in both the State Assembly and State Senate, building a reputation on rural economic policy, environmental issues, and cutting regulations. A former dairy farmer’s son who studied agricultural economics at UW–River Falls, Tiffany also ran a small family business, experience he points to as shaping his understanding of everyday concerns.

The election marks the first open governor’s race since 2010 after Democratic Gov. Tony Evers announced he would not seek reelection. Tiffany joins a Republican field that includes Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and businessman Bill Berrien. Democrats already in the race include Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, State Sen. Kelda Roys, and Rep. Francesca Hong.

With Wisconsin again likely to be a national battleground, both parties see the governorship as a key prize. Tiffany is expected to emphasize his conservative record while trying to reach voters outside his northern Wisconsin base. (RELATED: Waukesha’s Rat Problem Persists as Mayor Reilly Leaves Office With Key Issues Unresolved)