Pocan Wins Eighth Term in Wisconsin 2nd District

Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan was reelected to his Madison-area congressional seat after running unopposed, with Decision Desk HQ calling the race early.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a domed capitol silhouette above two still lakes under a cool navy and cream sky. — Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan won reelection to Wisconsin's 2nd District seat, seeking an eighth term, after running unopposed in the race. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Democratic U.S. Representative Mark Pocan won reelection to Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district seat, seeking an eighth term. Decision Desk HQ called the race early in the night because Pocan faced no opponent.

Why it matters

Pocan's reelection extends his long tenure representing the Madison area in Congress. His uncontested race reflects a continued pattern of decisive margins in his prior general and primary contests.

Pocan ran without an opponent for his eighth term, so the race was called early by Decision Desk HQ. In 2022 and 2024 he defeated Republican challenger Erik Olsen by more than 40 percentage points.

The players

Mark Pocan

Mark Pocan is the Democratic U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district, having served since 2013 and previously in the Wisconsin State Assembly.

Decision Desk HQ

Decision Desk HQ is a national election results and race-calling service that projected the outcome of the Wisconsin 2nd district contest.

The details

Pocan has represented Madison and the surrounding area for over 13 years and has chaired and now co-chairs the Congressional Equality Caucus. He has won all of his general and primary elections and is one of the longest-serving living LGBTQ+ members of Congress.

- 1998: Pocan first ran for the Wisconsin State Assembly.
- 1999 to 2013: Pocan served in the Wisconsin State Assembly.
- January 2013: Pocan took office in Congress.
- November 3, 2026: Pocan won reelection to his eighth term.

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Political Context

Pocan's 2022 and 2024 victories over Republican challenger Erik Olsen each came by more than 40 percentage points. His unopposed 2026 race continues that pattern of dominant wins across his general and primary elections.

Pocan's reelection keeps the Madison area's congressional representation unchanged for another term. Residents of Wisconsin's 2nd district will continue to be represented by the same member of Congress in the coming session.

The takeaway

Uncontested races can still carry weight, since sustained reelection keeps long-serving representatives in place for committee work and seniority. For Madison-area voters, continuity in this seat has been constant for over a decade.