Election Night in Wisconsin: Winners and Surprises from the Polls
Election night in Wisconsin always brings its fair share of drama, and 2025 was no exception. The polls closed, the votes were counted, and while some results were expected, others came with a few jaw-dropping surprises. From nail-biting governor races to unexpected upsets in local elections, Wisconsin once again proved why it’s one of the most important swing states in the country.
Here’s a breakdown of what went down and why it matters for both local politics and the larger 2024 presidential race.
The Governor’s Race: A Tight Battle Until the End
If you were following the race for governor, you know it was a nail-biter. Incumbent Governor Tony Evers (D) was up against Tim Michels, a Republican who made some serious waves in the final weeks of the campaign. Voter turnout was high, and early indicators showed a tight race, with both candidates spending significant time and resources targeting swing districts.
As the night wore on, it became clear that Evers had managed to hold onto his seat—though just barely. His victory, while narrow, shows that Wisconsin remains a deeply divided state. Issues like healthcare, education, and climate policies were at the heart of the race, and it’s clear that these are issues both sides will continue to fight over in the years to come.
Record-High Voter Turnout
One of the biggest stories from election night wasn’t the winners or losers—it was the sheer number of people who showed up to vote. Wisconsin saw a record-high voter turnout, with both early voting and absentee ballots contributing to the surge.
Urban areas like Milwaukee and Madison saw especially high participation from younger voters, which was expected to give a boost to Democratic candidates. But it wasn’t just the cities—some rural areas also saw increased turnout, signaling that Wisconsinites across the state are engaged, perhaps more than ever before.
Supreme Court Race: A Surprise Victory for Progressives
Let’s talk about the race for the Wisconsin Supreme Court—another area where the unexpected took center stage. Janet Protasiewicz, the progressive candidate, faced off against Dan Kelly, a conservative former judge. The conventional wisdom going into the night was that Kelly, who was backed by conservative groups, would win. But in a major twist, Protasiewicz pulled off a solid victory.
This outcome is a big deal. Protasiewicz ran on a platform that emphasized voting rights and reforming gerrymandering, issues that have been front and center in the state for years. Her win might signal a shift in the state’s judicial landscape, and it’s definitely something to watch in the upcoming years.
The Swing Districts: Where the Real Action Happened
As always, Wisconsin’s swing districts were key in shaping the outcome of several races. Whether in the suburbs of Milwaukee or the more rural parts of the state, these districts were battlegrounds for both major parties.
Interestingly, some traditionally red areas in suburban Milwaukee and outstate Wisconsin showed signs of flipping. Voters in these districts, particularly younger generations and women, seemed more motivated by issues like reproductive rights, healthcare, and climate change. This could be a signal that Wisconsin is becoming more of a toss-up, even in areas that had historically leaned Republican.
Local Elections: Progressives Make Gains
While everyone was watching the state-level races, several local elections also provided some surprises. In cities like Green Bay and Wausau, progressive candidates made significant gains, especially in local council races. The issues at play in these races—affordable housing, police reform, environmental sustainability—are the kinds of topics that are shaping local governance in Wisconsin.
These local victories show that there’s a shift happening, especially as more younger voters and diverse communities are becoming involved in local politics.
Republicans Keep Control of the Legislature
While the night was full of surprises, one thing that didn’t change was the Republican hold on the state legislature. Despite some close calls in local races, the GOP maintained its grip on power in both chambers. This means that the Republican-controlled legislature will continue to be a major force in shaping state policy, especially on issues like tax policy, education reform, and public safety.
What Does This Mean for 2024?
As we look ahead to 2024, Wisconsin’s election results are an early indicator of what we can expect in next year’s presidential race. The state remains deeply divided—urban areas skew blue, while rural areas lean red. But the surprising victories for Democrats in key races, especially in suburban districts and the Supreme Court race, suggest that the 2024 election will be another tight one.
The issues that dominated this year—healthcare, abortion rights, and climate change—will likely remain front and center in the national race. Wisconsin, once again, will be a state to watch as both parties prepare for what promises to be a contentious presidential election.
Conclusion: A State in Flux
Wisconsin’s 2025 election night wasn’t just about the winners—it was about the shifting tides of the state’s political landscape. With rising voter engagement, unexpected victories, and a legislature still under Republican control, it’s clear that Wisconsin’s role as a battleground state is far from over.
