In bid for governor, Missy Hughes hypes background in dairy business and as part of Evers' cabinet

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The line of Democrats seeking to succeed Gov. Tony Evers keeps getting longer. This week, Missy Hughes joined the field, touting a background that includes time in both the dairy industry and, most recently, as a member of Evers' cabinet.

In an interview with CBS 58, Hughes said she had the right mix of private and public sector experience to lead the state. Maintaining she's never been a politician, the Viroqua resident pointed to her time as the general counsel and chief mission officer for the Organic Valley dairy co-op. 

More recently, Hughes served as secretary of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) from October of 2019 until last month, when she resigned to launch her bid for governor.

"I think my experience is really what stands me apart," Hughes said. "Being both in the private sector, working for Wisconsin's biggest industry, the dairy industry, and then working in economic development around the state, I've seen what it takes to actually solve problems."

When asked for her specific policy priorities, Hughes said she would emphasize delivering more state resources to small businesses. She noted WEDC had enough support to make compelling pitches for large corporations, like Microsoft and Eli Lilly, which have recently committed to expanding existing projects in Racine and Kenosha counties, respectively.

"It's really about bringing resources to bear. We have a $4 billion surplus sitting in Madison," Hughes said. "Wisconsin taxpayers expect us to be investing those dollars in our businesses, in our small businesses, in our communities in our roads, in our schools, and we need to put those dollars to work."

On a follow-up question seeking specifics for what resources the state could give small businesses, Hughes mentioned both financial support and also technical assistance, which at WEDC, helping small businesses get a better grasp on subjects like financial planning and marketing.

Given her background in southwest Wisconsin and working for a government agency based in Madison, one might have questions about Hughes' grasp of urban problems largely specific to Milwaukee.

Hughes said she'd spent enough time in Milwaukee during her time at WEDC to better understand how state government can support its biggest city.

"There's challenges around transportation, around access to healthcare and good education," Hughes said. "And those are the things that I think we're ready to really roll up our sleeves and work on."

When asked if there was ever a decision the Evers administration made with which she disagreed, Hughes instead noted a contrast between her background and that of Evers, who was a lifelong educator before becoming the state superintendent, and then becoming governor in 2018.

She said that contrast is what made her appealing to Evers when he chose her to lead WEDC in 2019.

"I think he said, 'You know what? This person has really different experiences than me," Hughes said. "'She knows the business sector. She knows the private sector, and I want her to go do that work.' So, where I would say the difference is we're very different people, and I'm bringing my experience forward."

The Democratic gubernatorial field now includes Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, State Rep. Francesca Hong, Hughes, American Family Field beer vendor Ryan Strnad, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez and State Sen. Kelda Roys.

The Republican primary is currently down to two candidates, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and Congressman Tom Tiffany. New Berlin businessman Bill Berrien dropped out of the race last week.

Hughes did not directly answer a question of Democrats' sliding approval numbers in the eyes of voters. Instead, she said she believed her role was to present a more positive vision that brings people together.

"If Wisconsin voters are excited about the future, which I know they are - Wisconsin's motto is forward - then I believe that we will start to find a path forward with that," she said. "And I'm very positive about what we can do together and how we can grow the state together."