Democrats Eye Wisconsin Assembly Takeover in 2026
All 99 Assembly seats are on the November 2, 2026 ballot, and Democrats have not controlled the chamber since 2010.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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Experts believe Democrats have a real shot at taking control of the Wisconsin State Assembly for the first time in 16 years when voters go to the polls on November 2, 2026. Republicans currently hold the Assembly 54 to 45 and the Senate 18 to 15.
Why it matters
Control of the legislature would determine whether Democrats can advance policy with a state Assembly majority alongside the governor's race. The outcome hinges on a small number of competitive districts, including Republican Rep. Ben Franklin's seat, which he won by about 220 votes two years ago.
Johnson counts 3 Assembly seats leaning Republican, 3 leaning Democrat and 3 tossups, with 10 Democratic and 6 Republican Senate seats not up this cycle. Whether Democrats reach a majority depends on how the governor's race turns out.
The players
John Johnson
A researcher at Marquette University Law School whose district-by-district analysis rates Wisconsin's Assembly seats as safe, leaning or tossup.
Ben Franklin
A Republican state representative whose Assembly district is considered a true tossup in the 2026 election.
Brandy Tollefson
The Democratic challenger seeking to unseat Republican Rep. Ben Franklin in the Assembly race.
David Crowley
The Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor whose margin of victory is seen as key to determining legislative control.
The details
Democratic challenger Brandy Tollefson is running against Franklin in a district viewed as a true tossup. Johnson says Democrats likely win the Assembly if Crowley wins the governor's race by about 5 or more points, while a tighter race would likely leave Republicans holding at least the Assembly.
Timeline
2010: Democrats last held the Wisconsin legislature majority.
November 2, 2026: Wisconsin legislative and gubernatorial elections take place.
Legislative Policy Context
The 2026 contest would end a Republican hold on the Wisconsin Assembly that dates to the 2010 election, when Democrats last held the chamber. Control of the Senate, where Republicans lead 18 to 15, is not up for a full vote this cycle.
Wisconsin voters will decide all 99 Assembly seats on November 2, 2026, so the outcome in competitive districts will determine which party writes state laws next session. Residents in districts such as De Pere, Allouez, Bellevue and Neenah should watch these races closely.
The takeaway
The Assembly outcome is likely to hinge on the governor's race margin, so voters watching the Assembly should follow the top of the ticket as well. A close governor's race would likely preserve Republican control of the chamber.
Further reading
For more on the state's legislative battles, see Legislative Policy coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLUK.
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