Voting in Wisconsin's governor's race is a year away, but the ads are starting

Wisconsin’s race for governor is hitting the airwaves more than a year before voting begins. Republican candidate Bill Berrien announced the purchase of about $400,000 in cable TV, radio and online ads Monday. That is 13 months before the Aug. 11, 2026, primary. Berrien is the first candidate to purchase ads of any kind in the race. Berrien and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann have announced bids as Republicans. Schoemann has yet to spend any money on ads like Berrien is doing. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has not yet said whether he will seek a third term. He has suggested that he will announce his decision within weeks.