Spending levels reached a new high of $93 million in the 2018 Wisconsin gubernatorial race between Democrat Tony Evers and Republican Scott Walker according to a watchdog group.
The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign reported the Walker campaign alongside outside groups spent around $58 million in a losing effort. This is compared to the Evers campaign who spent roughly $35 million according to the Wisconsin State Journal.
The $23 million difference in spending does not tell the whole story of the respective campaigns according to Matt Rothschild, the executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. He notes big spending gives campaigns an advantage but doesn't guarantee a win.
Last year’s race topped the 2014 gubernatorial race between Walker and Democrat Mary Burke by $11 million.
Rothschild expects the 2022 race for governor to exceed $100 million.
