Marquette poll finds low name recognition for candidates, Tiffany leads the Republican field, both parties viewed unfavorably
The 2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial race has attracted limited public attention. According to a recent Marquette University Law School Poll, only 8% of registered voters report having heard a lot about the race, 56% have heard a little, and 35% have heard nothing.
Most gubernatorial candidates remain largely unfamiliar to voters. Only former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes and Representative Tom Tiffany possess name recognition exceeding 50%. Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, State Representative Francesca Hong, and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley each have name identification above 20%, while all other candidates fall below this threshold.
A majority of registered voters remain undecided in both party primaries. In the Republican primary, 54% have not selected a candidate, while in the Democratic primary, 65% remain uncommitted.
Within the Republican gubernatorial primary, 40% of respondents support Representative Tom Tiffany, while 6% back Andy Manske. In the Democratic primary, Francesca Hong receives 14% support, Mandela Barnes 11%, and all other candidates received less than 5%.
In the state attorney general race, incumbent Democrat Josh Kaul has 43% name recognition, with 25% of respondents viewing him favorably and 18% unfavorably. His expected Republican opponent, Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney, has 23% name recognition, with 12% favorable and 11% unfavorable ratings.
Wisconsin voters express predominantly unfavorable opinions of both major political parties and the MAGA movement. The Republican Party is viewed favorably by 42% and unfavorably by 52%. The Democratic Party receives 35% favorable and 58% unfavorable ratings. The MAGA movement is viewed favorably by 38% and unfavorably by 56%.
Governor Tony Evers’ job approval stands at 47%, down 2 percentage points from 49% in February, with little change since early 2025. Voters’ favorable and unfavorable ratings of Evers are both 46%.
Approval of the Wisconsin Legislature’s job performance is 39%, down from 41% in February, while disapproval has increased to 48% from 44%.
Favorable ratings for U.S. senators from Wisconsin are mixed. Senator Tammy Baldwin has a 43% favorable and 47% unfavorable rating, while Senator Ron Johnson has a 36% favorable and 44% unfavorable rating.
These findings were released Tuesday by the Marquette University Law School Poll on X.
