Four candidates in Wisconsin’s 2026 governor and attorney general races addressed the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) on Tuesday in the Wisconsin Dells, sharing how they plan to work with local governments if elected in November.
The WCA 2026 Annual Conference hosted gubernatorial candidates Democrat Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, as well as attorney general candidates Democrat Josh Kaul and Republican Eric Toney. The candidates highlighted their experience working with local governments and outlined their priorities for Wisconsin counties.
Both Crowley and Tiffany said as governor, they would give counties “a seat at the table,” but they differ on what that relationship should look like.
Tiffany said he would give counties more control and reduce state mandates, noting his experience in local government as a former town supervisor of Little Rice, Wisconsin, as a perspective that state officials don’t always have.
“State government — or I should say the governor — needs to spend more time listening to the people who are closest to the issues,” Tiffany said.
Tiffany’s campaign focuses on reducing government regulations, lowering costs and expanding local control — themes that were reflected in his speech to county officials.
At the conference, Tiffany called for a “Red Tape Reset” to reduce state regulations by 25%. He also called for more predictable, long-term funding so counties can better plan their budgets for transportation and infrastructure projects.
One of Tiffany’s biggest priorities is creating more opportunities for young people to stay in Wisconsin. If elected, he said he plans to work with local communities to address workforce needs and establish career and technical opportunities to keep kids within the state, as well as giving business owners the environment to grow and invest.
In Tiffany’s closing remarks, he reminded attendees of his core mission.
“I am running to be a governor for all of Wisconsin. That means working with all 72 counties, listening to the people closest to the issues,” Tiffany said. “To make sure state government is a partner, not an impediment."
Crowley, who has led Milwaukee County since 2020, agreed counties should have a larger role in state government, but should focus on creating a stronger and more predictable partnership between the state and local governments. Crowley has worked alongside WCA for years as county executive and said he knows how crucial county governments are in producing legislative results.
“Wisconin counties are on the front lines of government. You all deliver critical services every day, but far too often we are asked to do more with less,” Crowley said.
Crowley’s campaign similarly highlights giving local governments more resources and decision-making power. At the conference, he said his three priorities for counties would include sustainable funding, more flexibility for local governments and involving county leaders in state policy decisions from the beginning.
He also discussed Wisconsin Act 12 — an act he helped pass in 2023 — which increased state funding for counties and municipalities through the state’s shared revenue system. Crowley said the legislation showed what can be accomplished when state and local governments work alongside one another.
“I am ready to be a governor for all Wisconsinites, I am the only candidate in the race with both executive and legislative experience. I know how to lead. I know how to work with leaders in Madison, and I’m ready to hit the ground running on day one,” Crowley said.
Kaul, Wisconsin’s incumbent attorney general, focused on the progress he said his office has made since 2019 and plans to continue that work if re-elected. He pointed to his efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, reform sexual assault kit laws and increase funding for law enforcement. Kaul said his office has secured more than $800 million to address the opioid epidemic, and that from 2023 to 2024, opioid overdose deaths decreased by more than 40%.
Kaul also emphasized his role as a “people’s lawyer,” saying his office should work in the best interests of Wisconsin residents regardless of who is on the other side. He brought up his past work in protecting reproductive rights, challenging federal policies and proposals for safer gun measures, and according to Kaul, his work is far from over.
“We are proud to work with agencies around the state. We are proud of the differences that we are making. But we also know that we have more work to do,” Kaul said.
While Kaul focused on continuing his progress, Toney argued the Department of Justice has fallen short of its promises.
Toney, the Fond du Lac County district attorney, centered his speech around public safety and his criticisms of the state DOJ’s crime lab. He said the lab is taking longer to process DNA evidence despite having more resources, and argued the department needs to improve its staffing and efficiency.
Toney’s speech covered his direct involvement with Wisconsin counties. He said he has visited all 72 counties during his campaign and has heard directly from law enforcement and communities across the state, which he said would help him lead the DOJ.
“It’s the people that we trust the most to keep us safe, that are trusting me to lead our DOJ and help them keep our communities safe,” Toney said. “We can have an attorney general that puts public safety over politics, and that’s exactly what I will do as our attorney general.”
