Democrats hope a blue wave washes over Wisconsin and gives them total control of battleground state

Wisconsin Democrats Eye 2026 “Trifecta” as Political Landscape Shifts

Democrats in Wisconsin are increasingly optimistic about achieving what they call a “trifecta” in 2026 – control of both legislative chambers and the governor’s office – which would mark the first time in 16 years the party has held complete power in the state.

This potential shift in Wisconsin’s political landscape comes as new district boundaries, ordered by the liberal-controlled state Supreme Court, reshape the electoral map. With an open race for governor and what Democrats believe will be a favorable midterm election cycle, the party sees a genuine opportunity to reclaim control of state government.

“We’re hopeful about the future and have been working for many years to be in a position where a Democratic trifecta is possible in Wisconsin and our state is able to go in a new direction,” said Democratic Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer.

Such a power shift would represent a dramatic reversal for this crucial battleground state, which emerged as a focal point of the American conservative movement in the 2010s. Under Republican control during that period, Wisconsin implemented sweeping policy changes including tax cuts, restrictions on labor unions, and voter ID requirements.

Republicans, who have dominated state politics since 2010, acknowledge Democrats have a legitimate chance at complete control. If successful, Democrats would likely pursue expanding Medicaid, increasing education funding, and restoring collective bargaining rights for public workers – effectively rolling back many Republican initiatives.

The conservative ascendance began with what became known as the “Cheesehead Revolution,” when Scott Walker won the governorship and Republicans gained legislative majorities. Wisconsin natives Reince Priebus and Paul Ryan rose to national prominence, leading the Republican National Committee and the U.S. House, respectively. Favorable district maps helped cement Republican control during this period.

“If there’s a Democratic trifecta, Republicans in Wisconsin have to be ready for all kinds of things that they fought for for decades to be long gone,” warned Brian Reisinger, a former Walker campaign staffer.

Democratic candidates are already emphasizing the trifecta possibility in their messaging. Mandela Barnes, a leading Democratic gubernatorial candidate and former lieutenant governor, urged supporters in a December fundraising appeal: “Let’s finally get a blue trifecta in Wisconsin in 2026!” Current Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez echoed this sentiment, posting on social media: “Wisconsin has a real shot at a Democratic trifecta next year. Let’s go win it.”

Despite Donald Trump winning Wisconsin in both 2016 and 2024, Democrats believe they can build momentum in this perpetually divided state. The 2026 election also sets the stage for the 2028 presidential contest and Republican Senator Ron Johnson’s re-election bid that same year.

Democratic strategist Melissa Baldauff, who previously worked for current Democratic Governor Tony Evers, cautioned against overconfidence: “A lot of the ingredients for success are there, but there’s no guarantees. It takes a lot of hard work, it takes good candidates.”

Wisconsin liberals have already secured a majority on the state Supreme Court and are looking to strengthen their position in an April election. Fundraising numbers show the liberal judicial candidate outpacing her Republican-backed opponent by a 10-to-1 margin.

The gubernatorial race has attracted a crowded Democratic field following Evers’ decision not to seek a third term. Barnes and Rodriguez are joined by several current lawmakers, Milwaukee County’s top elected official, the former state economic development director, and Evers’ former chief of staff.

Barnes, who narrowly lost a 2022 U.S. Senate race, raised $555,000 in just 29 days as a candidate, while Rodriguez reported raising $650,000 for the year. On the Republican side, U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany, a Trump ally, has raised over $2 million since September, establishing himself as the frontrunner against Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann.

Democrats need to flip just two Senate seats and five Assembly seats to take control of the legislature under the newly drawn district maps. Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos expressed confidence despite potential headwinds, criticizing Democrats for focusing too heavily on “anti-Trumpism” rather than substantive policies.

Liberal activist Scot Ross urged Democrats to articulate a clear vision beyond simply winning power. “Trifecta isn’t a strategy and it’s not a message,” he said. “People have to believe you will use that power to actually make your lives better.”

As Wisconsin approaches this potential political inflection point, both parties are mobilizing resources and refining their messages for what promises to be a consequential election cycle that could reshape the state’s political trajectory for years to come.