GOP candidate Josh Schoemann announces 2026 campaign for Governor of Wisconsin

WEST BEND, Wis. -- Veteran and Washington Co. Executive Josh Schoemann has announced he is running to serve as the next governor of the state of Wisconsin. 

In a rally near his home outside West Bend on Sun. May 4, the Republican encouraged a reinvestment for all Wisconsinites. 

Joe Schoemann rally in West Bend

“The next generation-our kids-can’t afford to build their lives here, let alone their homes. Business owners and entrepreneurs can’t afford to pursue or grow their dreams here,” Schoemann said. “Young families can’t afford to lay down roots here. Our parents and grandparents can’t afford to retire here. Let's reclaim Wisconsin…Forward. Together.”

Schoemann, 43, has a wife and 3 kids, is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater & Northern Illinois University, and is an Army National Guard veteran.

Schoemann currently serves as County Executive of Washington County, elected to his second term in April of 2024.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Governors Association is responding to Schoeman's bid. 

“Josh Schoemann’s entrance into Wisconsin’s race for governor guarantees that the GOP primary will be defined by extreme positions and unpopular proposals that will drag Wisconsin backwards," DGA Senior Communications Advisor Izzi Levy said. "While Gov. Tony Evers has worked across party lines to do the right thing for Wisconsin, Schoemann brings to this race a toxic record of attacking public schools, opposing reproductive freedom, and championing Elon Musk’s attacks on the programs and services Wisconsinites rely on."

Current Democratic Governor Tony Evers has not said yet if he will seek a third term in office. 

The next Wisconsin gubernatorial election is slated for Nov. 3, 2026.