Wisconsin's 2026
Gubernatorial Primary
Joel Brennan
DEMOCRAT
Former Discovery World president who previously led the Milwaukee Redevelopment Authority and served as Evers’ secretary of administration before becoming Greater Milwaukee Committee president.
Pledges to expand health care, particularly for children.
Candidate Education Positioning
Parental Choice (Vouchers)
Keep + accountability for MKE/Racine, caps statewide: close loopholes (e.g., virtual schools), restore statewide caps, show voucher spending on tax bills
Funding Formula Reform
Emphasizes accountability “for everybody in education”
Public Charter Schools
Acknowledges some charters produce good outcomes; insists on universal accountability & transparency
MPS Reform
Stresses accountability + right investment in kids
Charter Authorizing
Not specifically stated
Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC)
Committed
Special Ed Funding
Not specifically stated
Surplus Deal
Not a supporter
What is the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) program?
A scholarship tax credit encourages people and businesses to donate to nonprofit Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), which use those donations to provide scholarships that help eligible families afford the school that best fits their child. Donors receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for their contribution. The new federal scholarship tax credit (FSTC) expands this approach nationwide — but each state's governor decides whether to opt in, making it a key issue in Wisconsin's 2026 race. For CFC, it represents a way to expand access and put high-quality school options within reach of more Milwaukee families, regardless of income.
Where Candidates Stand on the Future of Education Programs
We sort candidates by what they would actually do to the Parental Choice Program, public charter schools, and the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit — from expanding access to phasing programs out. Evaluations are made through the lens of whether a candidate supports all Milwaukee students and all schools across sectors.
Private School/Parental Choice Program
Keep + accountability for MKE/Racine; consider caps/new limits statewide
Protect the existing Milwaukee/Racine programs, but open to caps or new limits on statewide expansion.
Public Charter Schools
Support current charters
Supports continuing existing public charter schools.
Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC)
Committed
Supports Wisconsin opting in to the federal tax credit scholarship program.
Methodology — How We Assess Positions
Disclaimer: CFC Action Fund is a 501(c)(4); this page reflects stated public positions, not endorsements