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United States Senate election in Wisconsin, 2022 (August 9 Democratic primary)
- Primary date: Aug. 9
- Mail-in registration deadline: July 20
- Online reg. deadline: July 20
- In-person reg. deadline: Aug. 5
- Early voting starts: July 26
- Early voting ends: Aug. 7
- Poll times: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Absentee/mail-in deadline: Aug. 9
2024 →
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| U.S. Senate, Wisconsin |
|---|
 |
| Democratic primary Republican primary General election |
| Election details |
| Filing deadline: June 1, 2022 |
| Primary: August 9, 2022 General: November 8, 2022 Pre-election incumbent: Ron Johnson (Republican) |
| How to vote |
| Poll times: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voting in Wisconsin |
| Race ratings |
Inside Elections: Tilt Republican Sabato's Crystal Ball: Lean Republican |
| Ballotpedia analysis |
| U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2022 |
| See also |
U.S. Senate • 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th • 7th • 8th Wisconsin elections, 2022 U.S. Congress elections, 2022 U.S. Senate elections, 2022 U.S. House elections, 2022 |
Mandela Barnes won the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate in Wisconsin on August 9, 2022, and faced incumbent Sen. Ron Johnson (R) in the general election.
Leading up to the primary, Barnes, along with state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry, and former state Rep. Tom Nelson, led in media attention. Between July 25 and July 29, 2022, Godlewski, Lasry, and Nelson withdrew from the race and endorsed Barnes.[1][2][3] Since ballots were already printed before the withdrawals, their names still appeared on Democratic primary ballots.[1][2]
Kou Lee, Steven Olikara, Peter Peckarsky, and Darrell Williams also ran.
Wisconsin was one of two states that held a U.S. Senate election in 2022 that President Joe Biden carried in 2020 in which the incumbent was a Republican.
Wisconsin was also one of six states with one Democratic and one Republican Senator as of the 2022 U.S. Senate elections.[4] Simone Pathe of CNN wrote that this "primary is the last truly unsettled Democratic contest in a competitive general election state."[5]
Barnes was elected lieutenant governor in 2018 and served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2013 to 2017. According to Isaac Yu of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Barnes entered the Senate race as the most well-known candidate" and "is running on issues that range from rebuilding the middle class to bringing manufacturing back to Wisconsin to supporting family farms."[6] He received endorsements from the Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.).[7][8][9]
Mandela Barnes (D), Sarah Godlewski (D), Alex Lasry (D), Kou Lee (D), Tom Nelson (D), and Steven Olikara (D) completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Click on a candidate's name to view that candidate's responses.
This page focuses on Wisconsin's United States Senate Democratic primary. For more in-depth information on the state's Republican primary and the general election, see the following pages:
- United States Senate election in Wisconsin, 2022 (August 9 Republican primary)
- United States Senate election in Wisconsin, 2022
Election news
Click below to view a timeline leading up to the election, including polling, debates, and other noteworthy events.
- August 9, 2022: Mandela Barnes won the Democratic primary.
- July 29, 2022: State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski announced she was suspending her campaign and endorsed Barnes.[10]
- July 27, 2022: Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry announced he was ending his campaign and endorsed Barnes.[2]
- July 25, 2022: Outagamie County Executive and former state Rep. Tom Nelson announced he was ending his campaign and endorsed Barnes.[11]
Candidates and election results
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Wisconsin
The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Wisconsin on August 9, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Mandela Barnes  | 77.8 | 390,279 |
 | Alex Lasry (Unofficially withdrew) | 8.9 | 44,609 | |
 | Sarah Godlewski (Unofficially withdrew) | 8.1 | 40,555 | |
 | Tom Nelson (Unofficially withdrew) | 2.2 | 10,995 | |
 | Steven Olikara | 1.1 | 5,619 | |
 | Darrell Williams | 0.7 | 3,646 | |
 | Kou Lee | 0.7 | 3,434 | |
 | Peter Peckarsky | 0.5 | 2,446 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.0 | 177 | ||
| Total votes: 501,760 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Gillian Battino (D)
- Chris Larson (D)
- Adam Murphy (D)
- Chantia Lewis (D)
- Jeff Rumbaugh (D)
Candidate comparison
Candidate profiles
This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office:
- Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin (Assumed office: 2019)
- Wisconsin State Assembly, District 11 (2013-2017)
Submitted Biography: "My path here is far different than most. I was born in Milwaukee, in one of the most impoverished and incarcerated zip codes in the country, 53206. But I was fortunate…my parents both had good union jobs. My dad worked 3rd shift at the General Motors factory. My mom was a public-school teacher. Those jobs were their ticket into the middle class and opened doors of opportunity for me to work hard and achieve success. It was their hard work and example that paved the way for me to become an organizer, a State Representative, and ultimately Wisconsin’s first Black Lt. Governor. Yet for so many people across Wisconsin and across the country today - those same opportunities no longer exist. Those pathways into the middle class are closed off - whether by the cost of health care, the lack of good paying jobs, or an education system that doesn’t prepare them for the futures they deserve. I’m running for the U.S. Senate to expand opportunities for the middle class and to give every Wisconsinite a fair shot at the American Dream."
This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. Senate Wisconsin in 2022.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I was born and raised in Eau Claire to two public school teachers and proud union members. I learned early that when you see something wrong, you do something about it. Whether confronting state leaders as a college student, tackling problems at the Pentagon as a young professional, or taking on Scott Walker and his allies in 2018, I am fearless in taking on the powerful and winning. As a fifth-generation Wisconsinite, working mom, and State Treasurer, I understand what workers and families are facing--and will do something about it. And as the only woman in this race and an EMILY’s List candidate, I have been sounding the alarm on threats to reproductive rights for months. I will never back down from this fight until we finally guarantee reproductive freedom for all. I have beaten Scott Walker and his allies twice, and I’ve proven I have what it takes to go toe-to-toe with Ron Johnson and win. I am traveling everywhere to unite Wisconsinites across all 72 counties to build the grassroots coalition needed to flip this seat. I live in Wisconsin with my husband, our two-year-old son, and our rescue dog. "
This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. Senate Wisconsin in 2022.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: " I’m on leave as the Senior Vice President of the Milwaukee Bucks. I live in Milwaukee with my wife Lauren, Chief of Staff for Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. I am running for the U.S. Senate so I can bring a new way of thinking to Congress and deliver real results for Wisconsinites. I have proven that progressive values are good for business. During my time with the Bucks, I worked to raise wages, create thousands of good paying union jobs, and advance the team's social justice efforts. I brought together the public/private partnership to build the Bucks’ Arena. In doing so, we not only created jobs, but also made sure that people often left out of major construction work got a chance to expand skills, find jobs, and build wealth. I also helped lead the successful bid for Milwaukee to host the 2020 Democratic National Convention and served as the Finance Chair for the Democratic Convention’s Host Committee, raising over $40 million for the Convention. I worked with both Democrats and Republicans on the successful bid showing that it is possible to work across the aisle to get things done for the people of Wisconsin. "
This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. Senate Wisconsin in 2022.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "My name is Kou Lee. I am married to my beautiful wife (Janey) for over 20 years. We are currently living in Hobart, a village about 10 minutes west of the City of Green Bay. We are blessed to have 4 beautiful and healthy children; two girls and two boys. I grew up in the City of Detroit and earned my 4 years college degree from Michigan State University. In 2010, we decided to raise our family in Wisconsin and started my company. I am here today because of a choice my father made when I was two years old. Forty-two years ago, in the dark of night, he led our family across the Mekong River. We were escaping Communist rule in Laos, swimming and pulling 6 people behind him to what he called to lights of freedom in Thailand. For seven years we lived in a poverty-stricken refugee camp until we were allowed to come to America. Everything I have. Everything I am. Every freedom I enjoy I owe to the United States of America. The college degree I earned, the family I’ve raised, the company I own. My campaign for the U.S. Senate is for all of us. To preserve this democracy, the freedoms we hold dear, the quality of life we enjoy. I’m Kou Lee. "
This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. Senate Wisconsin in 2022.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I grew up in a blue-collar neighborhood in Little Chute, Wisconsin where all the dads worked in paper mills except for my dad -- he was a Lutheran pastor. I learned two lessons growing up: the importance of serving your neighbor and the importance of working families and how they need an advocate; someone to stand up for them in a world that rewards mostly the rich and powerful. In 2004, I ran to represent my hometown community. After knocking over 20,000 doors, I was the only Democrat that year to unseat a Republican incumbent in the state legislature (2004). In 2011, I became the Outagamie County Executive where I’ve worked across party lines to maintain a rare Aaa bond rating. I’m running for U.S.Senate to defend us in our fight against corporate politicians and Foxconn-like special interests. As your Senator, I’ll relentlessly fight for you against a corrupt system to find Main Street solutions to our rigged economy and the existential threat of climate change. I’ve won six elections in a Trump county because I get things done, including saving 300 union jobs at the Appleton Coated paper mill the big banks wanted to shut down. "
This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. Senate Wisconsin in 2022.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I'm Steven Olikara, a proud UW Badger from Waukesha County and founder and former CEO of the Millennial Action Project (MAP), the nation's largest organization of young elected legislators. I am a populist reformer running for the U.S. Senate in Wisconsin. My conviction in a new, inclusive politics stems from an unconventional background. Son of Indian Immigrants: When my parents emigrated here from India, they didn’t have access to political power. I know what feels like to be an outsider in politics, and it has been my mission to create a government that includes all of us. Musician and former radio DJ: I found my path to public service through music. As a guitarist and drummer playing in bands of nearly every type and genre, I discovered the power of listening and helping people see their common humanity. Political reformer and bridge-builder: while leading MAP, I learned how to translate big ideas into concrete legislative action. I learned that the most practical way to make real change is by building diverse coalitions. However, our work in Congress defied the odds. We need to change the incentives so Congress truly works for us—not their Big Money special interests. I have the most federal legislative experience in this race. Through MAP, we helped to introduce over 200 bills—35 of those passed with bipartisan support, including clean energy funding and veterans employment to entrepreneurship support and gun violence prevention."
This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. Senate Wisconsin in 2022.
Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
Survey responses from candidates in this race
Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
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Mandela Barnes (D)
In the Senate, I’ll go to the mat to fight for our hard-won rights, including the right to make decisions about our own bodies and make our voices heard at the ballot box. I will fight to abolish the filibuster to codify Roe v. Wade and pass the For The People and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. I’ll never let an archaic Senate procedure stand in the way of our basic human rights.
As I’ve traveled across Wisconsin as Lt. Governor, I’ve heard from countless small business owners, family farmers, and workers about the tough challenges we’re facing, and how difficult it’s been for families and communities. In the Senate, I’ll crack down on corporate handouts and level the playing field for small businesses to compete. I’ll also fight back against Big Ag monopolies and their anti-competitive practices that have put Wisconsin farmers and local meat processors on the back foot and raised prices for consumers. I’ll fight to increase access to quality affordable health care and child care, and expand access to capital for small businesses and family farmers.
Sarah Godlewski (D)
My record demonstrates that I’m a scrappy fighter who gets things done. I don’t hesitate to take on tough challenges and, by being innovative and entrepreneurial, I have worked to improve the lives and well-being of the people of Wisconsin. I led the effort to save the Wisconsin State Treasurer’s Office from a constitutional amendment that would have eliminated the office. When I walked in the door to the Treasurer's office, it was so decimated that there was no wifi and only a pay-as-you-go flip phone to carry out the Treasurer’s work.I wasn’t going to let any of that stop me. One of my first actions as the chair overseeing a $1.2 billion state trust fund was to reverse the GOP Climate Change Gag Order to change how we invest in Wisconsin.
I’m a woman and a working mom.There is an added urgency to elect more working women and moms to the Senate so that we pass critical policies such as protecting women’s reproductive health, paid family leave, affordable childcare, and universal Pre-K, which are necessary for the financial well-being of so many Wisconsinites.We need more working moms at the table in the Senate--both to fight against legislation that will prevent women and people of color from accessing opportunities to succeed, and to pass meaningful laws which support women’s abilities to work outside the home.Like many parents, I worry about my son's safety because of all the mass shootings.The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was an historic first step, but we must do more
Alex Lasry (D)
We need to rebuild infrastructure across our state. That doesn't just mean roads and bridges, but also ensuring that Wisconsinites in all parts of the state have access to reliable broadband, clean drinking water, and other vital infrastructure for our communities.
We must protect our democracy. The Republican attacks on voting rights that we have seen in Wisconsin and around the country are a threat to our democracy. We must ensure that all people have their constitutional right to vote protected. Republicans are trying to silence voters who don’t support them in order to get themselves back in power.
Kou Lee (D)
I want to serve the people of this great state of ours - Wisconsin. I will answer to you.
I lack the endoresements of politicians, lobbiest and interest groups. However, I am endorsed by the working people - real people of our community; small business owners, single parents, general laborers, educators, nurses, mechanics and so many more.
Tom Nelson (D)
I lost my mother and stepmother to cancer and my wife is a breast cancer survivor. It’s immoral that we are the only industrialized country without universal health care. Millions fear going bankrupt if they go to the hospital or can’t afford their medication. I support Medicare for All to make sure we put patients first, not the interests of insurance and drug companies. Climate change is real and it is an existential crisis. We need a blue-green coalition that unites the environmental and labor movements. Wisconsin with its proud progressive history can lead a labor-led Green New Deal. We can do that by re-tooling our economy by building 21st century infrastructure and investing in renewable energy and sustainable food systems.
I’m a lifelong resident of Wisconsin. I grew up in and represent the heart of the Fox River Valley which the New York Times notes is the area “where statewide elections are won or lost.” As the former Assembly Majority Leader, and now Outagamie County Executive, I’ve won six times in red Trump areas. I have an extensive record of accomplishment, including saving a local paper mill, creating jobs with my airport expansion, and guiding my county through the COVID crisis.
Steven Olikara (D)
Real Legislative Change: I have been directly involved in passing more legislation from the outside of Congress than Ron Johnson has from the inside. That's because I'm committed to building diverse coalitions and bringing together unlikely bedfellows. Each bill I've helped pass only succeeded because we built higher ground solutions with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.
Open Government to the Exhausted Majority: As Senator, I will post up at your local coffee shop, library, etc. to collaborate on legislation together. The best ideas will come from you, not the special interests in Washington.
Mandela Barnes (D)
In the U.S. Senate, I’ll support bold climate legislation that prioritizes curbing greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to 100% renewable energy as soon as possible, creating jobs with investments in clean energy, and manufacturing solar panels and windmills right here in Wisconsin.
Sarah Godlewski (D)
Addressing economic security and the care economy. I support a $15 minimum wage and will fight for good union jobs. We need to enact federal paid leave, and we have to fix the lack of affordable childcare options. Protecting the environment and tackling climate change. We must transition from brown to green energy, preserve our natural resources, and prioritize action on clean water, including banning PFAS. Protecting women’s reproductive rights. We need more pro-choice Democratic women at the U.S. Senate table who will prioritize legalizing abortion. Tax reform. I want to lock in the 2017 middle-class tax cuts, make the expanded child tax credit permanent, pass a new tax cut for the 99%, and cement the Income Tax Credit expansion. We have to ensure the wealthy pay their fair share and that the middle class stops shouldering the burden for everyone else.
Healthcare. We need to expand Medicaid and create a universal and robust public option. We have to get the costs of prescription drugs under control and ensure Medicare can negotiate for lower drug costs. We need to cap seniors’ out-of-pocket prescription costs, cap the price of widely-used drugs, and stop drug companies from increasing prices beyond the rate of inflation.
Alex Lasry (D)
I hear the same thing from voters no matter where they live: Wisconsinites want good jobs, family sustaining wages, access to quality affordable healthcare, and access to economic opportunity.
One of my first priorities will be to get rid of the filibuster. If Republicans are successful in continuing to block pieces of legislation like the Pro Act, George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and the For the People Act, it will be my priority to ensure that these get passed when I get to the Senate.
Kou Lee (D)
Tom Nelson (D)
Tax reform to make sure billionaires and corporations pay their fair share, antitrust law to break up corporate monopolies and stop inflationary price gouging.
Medicare for all: Health care is a human right and no one should go bankrupt because they are sick. Our for-profit healthcare system values shareholder profits instead of saving lives.
A Blue-Green coalition of labor and environmental groups is needed to create good-paying union jobs through a Green New Deal, leaving no community behind.
Wisconsin has lost over 70% of its dairy farmers in the past 20 years. We need food sovereignty that invests in our local food economies, not out-of-state hog factories that threaten our water quality and rural way of life.
Preserving our democracy by abolishing the filibuster in order to stop partisan gerrymandering, securing the right to vote, and passing campaign finance reform to limit the influence of special interests.
Steven Olikara (D)
My first legislation will aim to get Members of Congress to do their job, empower working people in politics, and root out corruption. I'm proud to be the first and only candidate to champion many of these measures. Highlights of the proposal include:
- Ban Members from fundraising while Congress is in session - Achieve Final Five Voting (open primaries and ranked-choice voting in general election) - Enact term limits for Members of Congress and restore a citizen legislature - End legalized bribery in Congress, banning lobbyists and special interest sponsorships of Members and their committee assignments - Enable working people and non-traditional candidates to run for office
We will also restore dignity to the Senate and prioritize human rights, including: - countering gun violence through comprehensive gun licensing - taking on climate change through a 100% Clean Electricity Standard by 2030 - empowering workers and entrepreneurs through health security and portable benefits - securing women's freedom & reproductive rights
- update the Americans with Disabilities Act
Tom Nelson (D)
Tom Nelson (D)
It describes a few important tenets of my outlook on what the government should be doing, including partnering with business and labor institutions, and thinking how to use the influence of local government in innovative ways to fight corporations and Wall Street interests who care more about profit and nothing about local communities.
Steven Olikara (D)
Tom Nelson (D)
Steven Olikara (D)
Tom Nelson (D)
Tom Nelson (D)
Tom Nelson (D)
Tom Nelson (D)
Tom Nelson (D)
Steven Olikara (D)
Tom Nelson (D)
Steven Olikara (D)
Tom Nelson (D)
Tom Nelson (D)
Steven Olikara (D)
Alex Lasry (D)
Steven Olikara (D)
Tom Nelson (D)
Steven Olikara (D)
Campaign advertisements
This section includes a selection of up to three campaign advertisements per candidate released in this race, as well as links to candidates' YouTube, Vimeo, and/or Facebook video pages. If you are aware of other links that should be included, please email us.
Mandela Barnes
| July 22, 2022 |
| June 9, 2022 |
| June 6, 2022 |
View more ads here:
Sarah Godlewski
| July 21, 2022 |
| June 14, 2022 |
| May 5, 2022 |
View more ads here:
Alex Lasry
| July 29, 2022 |
| June 2, 2022 |
| May 18, 2022 |
View ads here:
Kou Lee
Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Kou Lee while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.
Tom Nelson
| July 13, 2022 |
| July 8, 2022 |
| May 27, 2022 |
View more ads here:
Steven Olikara
| June 12, 2022 |
| June 12, 2022 |
| June 12, 2022 |
View ads here:
Peter Peckarsky
| July 12, 2022 |
View ads here:
Darrell Williams
| May 30, 2022 |
| May 11, 2022 |
| March 25, 2022 |
View ads here:
Debates and forums
This section includes links to debates, forums, and other similar events where multiple candidates in this race participated. If you are aware of any debates or forums that should be included, please email us.
July 17 debate
On July 17, 2022, Barnes, Godlewski, Lasry, Nelson, and Olikara participated in a debate at Marquette University in Milwaukee.[26]
Click on the link below for a summary of the event:
July 6 forum
On July 6, 2022, all eight candidates (Barnes, Godlewski, Lasry, Lee, Nelson, Olikara, Peckarsky, and Williams) participated in a virtual forum sponsored by the Dane County Democrats.[27]
Click on the link below for a summary of the event:
June 23 forum
On June 23, 2022, Barnes, Godlewski, Lasry, and Nelson participated in a virtual forum hosted by the Jewish Democratic Council of America.[28]
Click on the link below for a summary of the event:
February 25 forum
On February 25, 2022, Barnes, Adam Murphy, Nelson, Olikara, Peckarsky, Jeff Rumbaugh, and Williams participated in an online forum hosted by Our Wisconsin Revolution.[29]
Click on the link below for a summary of the event:
Noteworthy endorsements
This section lists noteworthy endorsements issued in this election, including those made by high-profile individuals and organizations, cross-party endorsements, and endorsements made by newspaper editorial boards. It also includes a bulleted list of links to official lists of endorsements for any candidates who published that information on their campaign websites. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If you are aware of endorsements that should be included, please click here.
News and conflicts in this primary
This race was featured in The Heart of the Primaries, a newsletter capturing stories related to conflicts within each major party. Click here to read more about conflict in this and other 2022 Democratic Senate primaries. Click here to subscribe to the newsletter.
- Heart of the Primaries 2022, Democrats-Issue 33 (August 4, 2022)
- Heart of the Primaries 2022, Democrats-Issue 32 (July 21, 2022)
- Heart of the Primaries 2022, Democrats-Issue 29 (June 30, 2022)
- Heart of the Primaries 2022, Democrats-Issue 21 (May 5, 2022)
- Heart of the Primaries 2022, Democrats-Issue 15 (March 24, 2022)
- Heart of the Primaries 2022, Democrats-Issue 7 (January 27, 2022)
- Heart of the Primaries 2022, Democrats-Issue 1 (November 18, 2021)
Election competitiveness
Polls
- See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls
Polls are conducted with a variety of methodologies and have margins of error or credibility intervals.[30] The Pew Research Center wrote, "A margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level means that if we fielded the same survey 100 times, we would expect the result to be within 3 percentage points of the true population value 95 of those times."[31] For tips on reading polls from FiveThirtyEight, click here. For tips from Pew, click here.
Below we provide results for polls that are included in polling aggregation from FiveThirtyEight and RealClearPolitics, when available. Click here to read about FiveThirtyEight's criteria for including polls in its aggregation. We only report polls for which we can find a margin of error or credibility interval.
| Wisconsin U.S. Senate, 2022: Democratic primary election polls | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poll | Date | Barnes
|
Lasry
|
Godlewski
|
Nelson
|
Undecided/Other | Margin of error | Sample size[32] | Sponsor[33] |
| Marquette Law School | June 14-20, 2022 | 25 % | 21 % | 9 % | 7 % | 37 %[34] | ± 6.2 | 369 LV | |
| Marquette Law School | April 19-24, 2022 | 19 % | 16 % | 7 % | 5 % | 54 %[35] | ± 6.6 | 363 LV | |
| Marquette Law School | February 22-27, 2022 | 23 % | 13 % | 3 % | 5 % | 56 %[36] | ± 5.7 | 354 LV | |
General election race ratings
- See also: Race rating definitions and methods
Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:
- Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
- Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
- Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.[37]
- Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.
Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.[38][39][40]
| Race ratings: U.S. Senate election in Wisconsin, 2022 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Race tracker | Race ratings | ||||||||
| November 8, 2022 | November 1, 2022 | October 25, 2022 | October 18, 2022 | ||||||
| The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter | Lean Republican | Toss-up | Toss-up | Toss-up | |||||
| Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales | Tilt Republican | Tilt Republican | Tilt Republican | Tilt Republican | |||||
| Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball | Lean Republican | Lean Republican | Lean Republican | Lean Republican | |||||
| Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week. | |||||||||
Campaign finance
This section contains campaign finance figures from the Federal Election Commission covering all candidate fundraising and spending in this election.[41] It does not include information on fundraising before the current campaign cycle or on spending by satellite groups. The numbers in this section are updated as candidates file new campaign finance reports. Candidates for Congress are required to file financial reports on a quarterly basis, as well as two weeks before any primary, runoff, or general election in which they will be on the ballot and upon the termination of any campaign committees.[42] Click here to view the reporting schedule for candidates for U.S. Congress in 2022.
| U.S. Congress campaign reporting schedule, 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Report | Close of books | Filing deadline |
| Year-end 2021 | 12/31/2021 | 1/31/2022 |
| April quarterly | 3/31/2022 | 4/15/2022 |
| July quarterly | 6/30/2022 | 7/15/2022 |
| October quarterly | 9/30/2022 | 10/15/2022 |
| Pre-general | 10/19/2022 | 10/27/2022 |
| Post-general | 11/28/2022 | 12/08/2022 |
| Year-end 2022 | 12/31/2022 | 1/31/2023 |
| Name | Party | Receipts* | Disbursements** | Cash on hand | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mandela Barnes | Democratic Party | $42,336,081 | $41,770,869 | $565,212 | As of December 31, 2022 |
| Sarah Godlewski | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
| Alex Lasry | Democratic Party | $18,842,376 | $18,705,502 | $136,874 | As of December 31, 2022 |
| Kou Lee | Democratic Party | $22,835 | $26,307 | $-690 | As of July 20, 2022 |
| Tom Nelson | Democratic Party | $1,489,704 | $1,642,095 | $52,803 | As of December 31, 2022 |
| Steven Olikara | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
| Peter Peckarsky | Democratic Party | $356,786 | $354,537 | $2,248 | As of December 31, 2022 |
| Darrell Williams | Democratic Party | $28,766 | $32,865 | $-4,099 | As of June 30, 2022 |
|
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2022. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." |
|||||
Satellite spending
- See also: Satellite spending
Satellite spending describes political spending not controlled by candidates or their campaigns; that is, any political expenditures made by groups or individuals that are not directly affiliated with a candidate. This includes spending by political party committees, super PACs, trade associations, and 501(c)(4) nonprofit groups.[43][44][45]
If available, links to satellite spending reports by the Federal Election Commission and OpenSecrets.org are linked below. Any satellite spending reported in other resources is displayed in a table. This table may not represent the actual total amount spent by satellite groups in the election. Satellite spending for which specific amounts, dates, or purposes are not reported are marked "N/A." To help us complete this information, or to notify us of additional satellite spending, email us.
| By candidate | By election |
|---|---|
| Satellite spending in Wisconsin Democratic U.S. Senate primary, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organization | Amount | Date | Purpose | |||||||||||
| Courageous Leaders PAC | $473,366 | June 29, 2022 | Ads promoting Mandela Barnes[46] | |||||||||||
Ballot access requirements
The table below details filing requirements for U.S. Senate candidates in Wisconsin in the 2022 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Wisconsin, click here.
| Filing requirements for U.S. Senate candidates, 2022 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State | Office | Party | Signatures required | Filing fee | Filing deadline | Source |
| Wisconsin | U.S. Senate | All candidates | 2,000 | N/A | 6/1/2022 | Source |
Election analysis
Click the tabs below to view information about demographics, past elections, and partisan control of the state.
- Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the state.
- Statewide elections - Information about recent U.S. Senate and gubernatorial elections in the state.
- State partisanship - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.
- Demographics - Information about the state's demographics and how they compare to the country as a whole.
Presidential elections
Cook PVI by congressional district
| Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index for Wisconsin, 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| District | Incumbent | Party | PVI |
| Wisconsin's 1st | Bryan Steil |  Republican |
R+3 |
| Wisconsin's 2nd | Mark Pocan |  Democratic |
D+19 |
| Wisconsin's 3rd | Open | Democratic |
R+4 |
| Wisconsin's 4th | Gwen Moore | Democratic |
D+25 |
| Wisconsin's 5th | Scott Fitzgerald | Republican |
R+14 |
| Wisconsin's 6th | Glenn Grothman | Republican |
R+10 |
| Wisconsin's 7th | Tom Tiffany | Republican |
R+12 |
| Wisconsin's 8th | Mike Gallagher | Republican |
R+10 |
2020 presidential results by 2022 congressional district lines
| 2020 presidential results in congressional districts based on 2022 district lines, Wisconsin[47] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District | Joe Biden
|
Donald Trump 
| ||
| Wisconsin's 1st | 48.3% | 50.3% | ||
| Wisconsin's 2nd | 70.2% | 28.4% | ||
| Wisconsin's 3rd | 46.8% | 51.5% | ||
| Wisconsin's 4th | 75.9% | 22.8% | ||
| Wisconsin's 5th | 37.9% | 60.8% | ||
| Wisconsin's 6th | 41.4% | 57.0% | ||
| Wisconsin's 7th | 39.3% | 59.2% | ||
| Wisconsin's 8th | 41.5% | 57.0% | ||
2012-2020
How a state's counties vote in a presidential election and the size of those counties can provide additional insights into election outcomes at other levels of government including statewide and congressional races. Below, four categories are used to describe each county's voting pattern over the 2012, 2016, and 2020 presidential elections: Solid, Trending, Battleground, and New. Click [show] on the table below for examples:
| County-level voting pattern categories | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | |||||||
| Status | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | ||||
| Solid Democratic | D | D | D | ||||
| Trending Democratic | R | D | D | ||||
| Battleground Democratic | D | R | D | ||||
| New Democratic | R | R | D | ||||
| Republican | |||||||
| Status | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 | ||||
| Solid Republican | R | R | R | ||||
| Trending Republican | D | R | R | ||||
| Battleground Republican | R | D | R | ||||
| New Republican | D | D | R | ||||
Following the 2020 presidential election, 46.1% of Wisconsinites lived in one of the state's 37 Solid Republican counties, which voted for the Republican presidential candidate in every election from 2012 to 2020, and 35.7% lived in one of 12 Solid Democratic counties. Overall, Wisconsin was Battleground Democratic, having voted for Barack Obama (D) in 2012, Donald Trump (R) in 2016, and Joe Biden (D) in 2020. Use the table below to view the total number of each type of county in Wisconsin following the 2020 election as well as the overall percentage of the state population located in each county type.
| Wisconsin county-level statistics, 2020 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Republican | 37 | 46.1% | |||||
| Solid Democratic | 12 | 35.7% | |||||
| Trending Republican | 21 | 16.6% | |||||
| Battleground Democratic | 2 | 1.6% | |||||
| Total voted Democratic | 14 | 37.3% | |||||
| Total voted Republican | 58 | 62.7% | |||||
Historical voting trends
Wisconsin presidential election results (1900-2020)
- 15 Democratic wins
- 15 Republican wins
- 1 other win
| Year | 1900 | 1904 | 1908 | 1912 | 1916 | 1920 | 1924 | 1928 | 1932 | 1936 | 1940 | 1944 | 1948 | 1952 | 1956 | 1960 | 1964 | 1968 | 1972 | 1976 | 1980 | 1984 | 1988 | 1992 | 1996 | 2000 | 2004 | 2008 | 2012 | 2016 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winning Party | R | R | R | D | R | R | P[48] | R | D | D | D | R | D | R | R | R | D | R | R | D | R | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | D |
Statewide elections
This section details the results of the five most recent U.S. Senate and gubernatorial elections held in the state.
U.S. Senate elections
The table below details the vote in the five most recent U.S. Senate races in Wisconsin.
| U.S. Senate election results in Wisconsin | ||
|---|---|---|
| Race | Winner | Runner up |
| 2018 | 55.4% |
44.6%
|
| 2016 | 50.2% |
46.8%
|
| 2012 | 51.4% |
45.9%
|
| 2010 | 51.9% |
47.0%
|
| 2006 | 67.3% |
29.5%
|
| Average | 55.2 | 42.8 |
Gubernatorial elections
- See also: Governor of Wisconsin
The table below details the vote in the five most recent gubernatorial elections in Wisconsin.
| Gubernatorial election results in Wisconsin | ||
|---|---|---|
| Race | Winner | Runner up |
| 2018 | 49.5% |
48.4%
|
| 2014 | 52.3% |
46.6%
|
| 2010 | 52.3% |
46.5%
|
| 2006 | 52.8% |
45.4%
|
| 2002 | 45.1% |
41.4%
|
| Average | 50.4 | 45.7 |
State partisanship
Congressional delegation
The table below displays the partisan composition of Wisconsin's congressional delegation as of November 2022.
| Congressional Partisan Breakdown from Wisconsin, November 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | U.S. Senate | U.S. House | Total |
| Democratic | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Republican | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Independent | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vacancies | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 2 | 8 | 10 |
State executive
The table below displays the officeholders in Wisconsin's top four state executive offices as of November 2022.
| State executive officials in Wisconsin, November 2022 | |
|---|---|
| Office | Officeholder |
| Governor | Tony Evers
|
| Lieutenant Governor | Mandela Barnes
|
| Secretary of State | Dogulas J. La Follette
|
| Attorney General | Josh Kaul
|
State legislature
The tables below highlight the partisan composition of the Wisconsin State Legislature as of November 2022.
Wisconsin State Senate
| Party | As of November 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party | 12 | |
| Republican Party | 21 | |
| Vacancies | 0 | |
| Total | 33 | |
Wisconsin State Assembly
| Party | As of November 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party | 38 | |
| Republican Party | 57 | |
| Vacancies | 4 | |
| Total | 99 | |
Trifecta control
As of November 2022, Wisconsin was a divided government, with Democrats controlling the governorship and Republican majorities in both chambers of the state legislature. The table below displays the historical trifecta status of the state.
Wisconsin Party Control: 1992-2022
Two years of Democratic trifectas • Ten years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.
| Year | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 00 | 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governor | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D |
| Senate | D | R | R | R | D | D | R | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R |
| House | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R |
Demographics
The table below details demographic data in Wisconsin and compares it to the broader United States as of 2019.
| Demographic Data for Wisconsin | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | United States | |
| Population | 5,686,986 | 308,745,538 |
| Land area (sq mi) | 54,167 | 3,531,905 |
| Race and ethnicity** | ||
| White | 85.4% | 72.5% |
| Black/African American | 6.4% | 12.7% |
| Asian | 2.8% | 5.5% |
| Native American | 0.9% | 0.8% |
| Pacific Islander | 0% | 0.2% |
| Other (single race) | 2% | 4.9% |
| Multiple | 2.4% | 3.3% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 6.8% | 18% |
| Education | ||
| High school graduation rate | 92.2% | 88% |
| College graduation rate | 30.1% | 32.1% |
| Income | ||
| Median household income | $61,747 | $62,843 |
| Persons below poverty level | 11.3% | 13.4% |
| Source: population provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "Decennial Census" (2010). Other figures provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2014-2019). | ||
| **Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here. | ||
2022 battleground elections
- See also: Battlegrounds
This election was a battleground race. Other 2022 battleground elections included:
- Mayoral election in Austin, Texas (2022)
- Mayoral election in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2022)
- North Carolina Supreme Court elections, 2022
- Ohio's 13th Congressional District election, 2022 (May 3 Republican primary)
- Texas' 30th Congressional District election, 2022 (March 1 Democratic primary)
See also
- United States Senate election in Wisconsin, 2022 (August 9 Republican primary)
- United States Senate election in Wisconsin, 2022
- United States Senate Democratic Party primaries, 2022
- United States Senate Republican Party primaries, 2022
- United States Senate elections, 2022
- U.S. Senate battlegrounds, 2022
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Tom Nelson drops out of Wisconsin Democratic U.S. Senate primary, throws support to Mandela Barnes," July 25, 2022
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "'Mandela won this race': Alex Lasry drops out of Wisconsin Democratic U.S. Senate primary, endorses Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes," July 27, 2022
- ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Sarah Godlewski withdraws from Wisconsin U.S. Senate Democratic primary, clearing path for Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes," July 29, 2022
- ↑ This includes Sen. Angus King (Maine) who is an independent that caucuses with Democrats.
- ↑ CNN, "The 10 Senate seats most likely to flip in 2022," July 11, 2022
- ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Here's what you should know about Mandela Barnes, Wisconsin's lieutenant governor vying for a chance to beat Ron Johnson," July 11, 2022
- ↑ Mandela Barnes for Wisconsin, "Endorsements," accessed July 12, 2022
- ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez backs Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes in Wisconsin U.S. Senate race," June 29, 2022
- ↑ Wisconsin Public Radio, "Bernie Sanders endorses Mandela Barnes for US Senate," July 18, 2022
- ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Sarah Godlewski withdraws from Wisconsin U.S. Senate Democratic primary, clearing path for Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes," July 29, 2022
- ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Tom Nelson drops out of Wisconsin Democratic U.S. Senate primary, throws support to Mandela Barnes," July 25, 2022
- ↑ Wisconsin Public Radio, "Bernie Sanders endorses Mandela Barnes for US Senate," July 18, 2022
- ↑ WisPolitics.com, "Dem U.S. Senate candidates target Johnson in televised debate," July 17, 2022
- ↑ WisPolitics.com, "Dem U.S. Senate candidates talk economy in forum," July 7, 2022
- ↑ The Capital Times, "Andrew Yang endorses Steven Olikara in Democratic U.S. Senate primary," June 28, 2022
- ↑ Jewish Insider, "Mandela Barnes clarifies views on aid to Israel in JDCA Senate candidate forum," June 24, 2022
- ↑ Marquette University, "New Marquette Law School Poll Survey Of Wisconsin Finds Close Races In Senate And Governor Primaries And In November Final Elections, With Enthusiasm For Voting Gap Favoring Republicans," June 22, 2022
- ↑ NCSL, "2022 State Primary Election Dates and Filing Deadlines," accessed July 21, 2022
- ↑ Marquette University, "New Survey By Marquette Law School Poll Finds Wisconsin Democratic Primary For U.S. Senate Tightening, Kleefisch Leading Republican Gubernatorial Primary; Among Republicans, Those Least Confident In 2020 Election Are More Enthusiastic To Vote This Fall," April 27, 2022
- ↑ The Hill, "Marianne Williamson endorses Tom Nelson in Wisconsin Senate race," March 21, 2022
- ↑ Marquette University, "New Marquette Law School Poll Finds Inflation Fears Up, Pandemic Fears Down; Marijuana Legalization Up, Optimism About Wisconsin Down; Primary Candidates Not Yet Well Known," March 2, 2022
- ↑ Up North News, "Barnes Getting Attention as Fellow Democrats Try to Narrow His Lead," March 4, 2022
- ↑ The Hill, "Booker endorses Mandela Barnes in Wisconsin Senate race," January 11, 2022
- ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Mandela Barnes gains Elizabeth Warren endorsement in Wisconsin U.S. Senate race," September 14, 2021
- ↑ Emily's List, "Emily’s List Endorses Sarah Godlewski For U.S. Senate In Wisconsin," June 29, 2021
- ↑ WisPolitics.com, "Dem U.S. Senate candidates target Johnson in televised debate," July 17, 2022
- ↑ WisPolitics.com, "Dem U.S. Senate candidates talk economy in forum," July 7, 2022
- ↑ Jewish Insider, "Mandela Barnes clarifies views on aid to Israel in JDCA Senate candidate forum," June 24, 2022
- ↑ Up North News, "Barnes Getting Attention as Fellow Democrats Try to Narrow His Lead," March 4, 2022
- ↑ For more information on the difference between margins of error and credibility intervals, see explanations from the American Association for Public Opinion Research and Ipsos.
- ↑ Pew Research Center, "5 key things to know about the margin of error in election polls," September 8, 2016
- ↑ RV=Registered Voters
LV=Likely Voters - ↑ The sponsor is the person or group that funded all or part of the poll.
- ↑ Other/Don't Know
- ↑ Other/Don't Know
- ↑ Other/Don't Know
- ↑ Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018
- ↑ Fundraising by primary candidates can be found on the race's respective primary election page. Fundraising by general election candidates can be found on the race's general election page.
- ↑ Federal Election Commission, "2022 Quarterly Reports," accessed March 2, 2022
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Outside Spending," accessed December 12, 2021
- ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Total Outside Spending by Election Cycle, All Groups," accessed December 12, 2021
- ↑ National Review.com, "Why the Media Hate Super PACs," December 12, 2021
- ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Bice: New super PAC pours more than $450,000 into Senate race after Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes begs for help," June 29, 2022
- ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' presidential results by congressional district for 2020, 2016, and 2012," accessed September 9, 2022
- ↑ Progressive Party
