Kaul and Toney to Face Off in 2026 AG Election
Wisconsin voters will select an attorney general on November 3, 2026, following a campaign period marked by millions in donations.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Political Parties
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Incumbent Attorney General Josh Kaul and challenger Eric Toney are set to compete in the Wisconsin attorney general election on November 3, 2026. The race features significant fundraising, with candidates drawing support from individual donors, political action committees, and major state parties.
Why it matters
The outcome will determine leadership for the Wisconsin Department of Justice and its approximately 750 full-time staff. The race serves as a follow-up to the 2022 election, which Kaul won by a 1.3% margin.
Official campaign finance records show Josh Kaul raised nearly $1.8 million for the 2026 cycle, compared to $1.4 million raised by Eric Toney. The final spending figures remain pending until the mandatory October 26, 2026 disclosure date.
The players
Josh Kaul
He is the incumbent attorney general of Wisconsin who secured a victory in the 2022 election.
Eric Toney
He is the current district attorney for Fond du Lac County and a candidate for attorney general.
Wisconsin Department of Justice
This state agency is responsible for law enforcement and legal representation, employing approximately 750 full-time staff members.
Democratic Party of Wisconsin
This political organization is the state affiliate of the national Democratic Party and has contributed funds to Josh Kaul.
Wisconsin GOP
This state-level political party serves as the primary Republican organization and has contributed funds to Eric Toney.
The details
Candidates have utilized political parties to route funds to supporters, effectively bypassing contribution limits that cap individual donations at $20,000 per cycle. The Wisconsin GOP has contributed $180,000 to Toney, while the Democratic Party of Wisconsin has contributed $144,000 to Kaul.
Timeline
Eric Toney has served as the Fond du Lac County district attorney since 2013.
Josh Kaul defeated Eric Toney in the 2022 attorney general election.
Early voting for the general election begins on October 20, 2026.
The deadline for final campaign finance reporting is October 26, 2026.
The general election for Wisconsin Attorney General takes place on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
The race is shaped by Wisconsin state campaign contribution limits, which constrain direct donations from individuals to candidates. The opposition often argues that routing funds through political parties to bypass these caps creates an uneven playing field for challengers.
The election decides who will oversee state legal functions and manage a department of 750 employees, directly impacting state policy enforcement. Voters should note that the office carries an annual salary of approximately $179,000 paid by taxpayers.
The takeaway
This race highlights the high costs of modern state-level political campaigns and the strategic use of party platforms to maximize funding. Voters should prepare for the upcoming November 3, 2026 election by reviewing the final campaign finance disclosures due at the end of October.
What happens next
Candidates are required to file their final campaign finance reports by October 26, 2026, followed by the general election on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on candidate finance and party involvement, visit Political Parties.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Badger Project.
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