Wisconsin's 2026 gubernatorial primary will shape K-12 education for the next decade.
Keep scrolling to see where each candidate stands on the issues that shape Milwaukee's schools — public schools, public charters, private school choice, accountability, and their vision for what comes next.
CFC Action Fund will update this page as positions evolve
Where do the candidates for governor stand on your kids' schools?
This guide breaks down every declared 2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate's record on K-12 education, with their own words, links to the sources, and an at-a-glance view of how each stacks up against CFC's mission.
Note: This tracker reflects candidates active in the Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial primary as of publication. Sara Rodriguez suspended her campaign on July 19, 2026, and Mandela Barnes suspended his campaign on July 30, 2026.
Where They Stand — Candidate Positioning
Private School/Parental Choice Program
Supports & Protects
Would keep choice for all current families. Tiffany would expand access.
• David Crowley
• Tom Tiffany
Reform with New Limits
Would protect the Milwaukee/Racine programs but are open to caps or new restrictions on statewide expansion.
• Joel Brennan
Would Phase Out
On record supporting "public dollars for public schools" framing and/or plans to end or phase out vouchers.
• Francesca Hong
• Kelda Roys
Public Charter Schools
Support Current Charters
Would keep existing public charter schools and the ability to operate them.
• Joel Brennan
• David Crowley
• Tom Tiffany
District-Only Authorizing
Would limit charter authorizing to school districts only — forcing independent public charters to be absorbed, convert to private, or close.
• Francesca Hong
• Kelda Roys
Eliminate Charters
No candidate is on record supporting outright elimination.
Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC)
Committed
Supports Wisconsin opting in to the federal tax credit scholarship program.
• Joel Brennan
• David Crowley
• Tom Tiffany
Open
Supports expanding resources for families but wants to review final program guidelines before committing.
• Francesca Hong
• Kelda Roys
Opposed
Opposes Wisconsin's participation in the federal tax credit scholarship program.
No candidate is on record.
Joel Brennan
DEMOCRAT
David Crowley
DEMOCRAT
Francesca Hong
DEMOCRAT
Kelda Roys
DEMOCRAT
Tom Tiffany
REPUBLICAN
Methodology — How We Assess Positions
Disclaimer: CFC Action Fund is a 501(c)(4); this page reflects stated public positions, not endorsements