Democratic candidates for Wisconsin governor united Monday night behind calls for sweeping criminal justice reform, restrictions on cooperation with federal immigration authorities and expanded environmental regulations at a forum hosted by the social justice network WISDOM.
The six Democrat contenders–Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Rep. Francesca Hong, former Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan and state Sen. Kelda Roys–appeared at Waukesha County Technical College. They faced yes-or-no questions on key issues and showed broad agreement on responses.
All six supported ending prison returns for technical supervision violations and reducing the state’s prison population through greater investment in social services and public health resources. Hong described prison overcrowding as a “state of emergency” and criticized the lack of executive actions under Gov. Tony Evers. Candidates also backed expanded use of clemency and commutations on a case-by-case basis.
Crowley emphasized treating each case individually for pardons. Rodriguez noted alignment among Democrats in supporting the most vulnerable communities.
On immigration, several candidates pushed for limits on local law enforcement partnerships with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Brennan, Crowley, Hong and Roys expressed support for statewide restrictions or an outright ban on 287(g) agreements, which allow local agencies to collaborate with ICE on immigration enforcement.
Roys argued that such collaboration diverts officers from local crime prevention and erodes community trust. Brennan called for an accountability commission to address potential federal overreach and stressed that local law enforcement should prioritize community laws, with state oversight for cases involving judicial warrants.
Barnes called for federal immigration reform while criticizing corporate influence in politics, saying concentrated wealth allows the wealthy to select officeholders rather than voters. The forum also touched on environmental issues, with Democrats voicing support for increased regulations.
Missy Hughes, a former candidate and ex-CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., suspended her campaign earlier Monday and endorsed Rodriguez.
Republican candidate Andy Manske also participated in the forum.
The Democratic primary is set for Aug. 11. The winner will face the Republican nominee in the November general election to succeed Gov. Tony Evers.
