Wisconsin's 2026
Gubernatorial Primary
Kelda Roys
DEMOCRAT
Madison state Senator and Joint Finance Committee member; an attorney and former Assembly member. Endorsed by WEAC, the state’s largest teachers’ union.
Pledges to improve health care, paid leave, childcare, and education funding.
Candidate Education Positioning
Parental Choice (Vouchers)
Bring vouchers to a “responsible close”; public dollars for public schools only
Funding Formula Reform
More state funding; reduce reliance on referenda; expand Wisconsin Shares & cap childcare at 7% of income/kid
Public Charter Schools
Supports limiting charters
MPS Reform
Not specifically stated
Charter Authorizing
Districts only
Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC)
Open
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
Eliminate / phase out
Would end or phase out the program, all at once or over time.
Public Charter Schools
Reduce authorizers (district-only)
Limit charter authorizing to school districts only — would threaten independent public charters.
Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC)
Open
Supports expanding resources for families but wants to review final program guidelines before committing.
Methodology — How We Assess Positions
Disclaimer: CFC Action Fund is a 501(c)(4); this page reflects stated public positions, not endorsements