Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul defeated Republican Eric Toney on Tuesday to win a third term as Wisconsin’s top law enforcement official.
Kaul held a lead of roughly 54% to 46% according to preliminary returns. Toney called Kaul to concede shortly before 10 p.m., with about 75% of the vote in.
“I am looking forward in the months ahead and in the years ahead to continuing to take on tough fights for the people of this state, to continue to deliver results, and to work with people on either side of the aisle,” Kaul told supporters at his watch party in Madison.
“Today’s election didn’t go as I had hoped,” Toney said in a statement. “I congratulate Josh Kaul on his successful campaign and wish him the best of luck. I’ll work with anyone, Republican or Democrat, who wants to keep Wisconsin safe. I look forward to continuing the job I love in Fond du Lac County. Thank you for your support, and may God bless the great state of Wisconsin.”
The race was a rematch of the 2022 election, which Kaul won in a much closer contest. He first won the office in 2018, defeating Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel.
During the campaign, Kaul highlighted his record of joining lawsuits against the Trump administration and pointed to statewide declines in violent crime. Toney focused on delays in forensic testing at the state crime labs, arguing that turnaround times had lengthened under Kaul despite additional resources, and emphasized support from a majority of Wisconsin sheriffs. He positioned the race as a choice between prioritizing public safety over politics.
Kaul will be sworn in for his third term in January.
