Wisconsin's 2026
Gubernatorial Primary
Tom Tiffany
REPUBLICAN
U.S. Representative for northwestern Wisconsin since 2020 and former state senator; the Trump-endorsed frontrunner.
A product of public schools, he calls for freezing property taxes, easing regulations, and cracking down on crime and immigration.
Candidate Education Positioning
Parental Choice (Vouchers)
Continue choice (“it’s worked for thousands of families”); wants strong public, private & parochial systems
Funding Formula Reform
Freeze property taxes; undo Evers’ long-term school revenue increases
Public Charter Schools
Supportive; calls for real accountability/ratings across all publicly funded schools
MPS Reform
Not specifically stated
Charter Authorizing
Not specifically stated
Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC)
Committed
Special Ed Funding
Not specifically stated
Surplus Deal
Not specifically stated (calls for increasing school funding in budget plan)
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
Expand access
Would grow choice access beyond current levels.
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