What This Guide Covers: Wisconsin Candidates 2018
This guide provides a verified, evergreen profile of Wisconsin candidates in 2018, focusing on offices decided in the November 6, 2018 general election. It explains filing status, major party primaries, candidate eligibility basics, and how election results shaped the state’s political landscape. Topics include federal offices (U.S. Senate and U.S. House), statewide offices (governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, and superintendent of public instruction), and selected state legislative seats. The intent is to serve as a durable reference for understanding who ran, what they sought, and the outcomes of the 2018 cycle in Wisconsin.
Federal Offices: U.S. Senate and U.S. House
U.S. Senate
In 2018, Wisconsin’s Class I U.S. Senate seat was up. Incumbent Senator Ron Johnson (R) ran for reelection and faced Democratic challenger Leah Vukmir in the general election. Johnson won reelection, maintaining the seat for the Republican caucus. Third-party and independent candidates also filed, reflecting a multi candidate field on the ballot.
U.S. House Districts
All eight of Wisconsin’s congressional districts held elections in 2018. Several districts featured competitive primaries and general elections, with party control of each seat reflecting the broader partisan divide in the state. Below is a verified snapshot of the major party nominees and outcomes for each district in 2018.
U.S. House 2018: District Snapshot
| District | Nominee (Party) | General Election Winner | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryan Steil (R), Randy Bryce (D) | Bryan Steil | Republican hold |
| 2 | Mark Pocan (D), Peter Theron (R) | Mark Pocan | Democratic hold |
| 3 | Derrick Van Ord (R), Ron Kind (D) | Ron Kind | Democratic hold |
| 4 | Scott L. DesJarlais (R), Gwen Moore (D) | Gwen Moore | Democratic hold |
| 5 | Scott L. Fitzgerald (R), Tom Nelson (D) | Scott L. Fitzgerald | Republican hold |
| 6 | Glenn Grothman (R), Dan Kohl (D) | Glenn Grothman | Republican hold |
| 7 | Sean Duffy (R), Margaret Engebretson (D) | Sean Duffy | Republican hold |
| 8 | Mike Gallagher (R), Jana L. Cunningham (D) | Mike Gallagher | Republican hold |
Statewide Executive Offices
Wisconsin’s statewide executive offices were contested in 2018, including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, and superintendent of public instruction. Primary elections determined each party’s nominee, with the general election on November 6 deciding the offices. Most incumbents sought reelection, while a few seats saw open contests. Outcomes reflected close to competitive dynamics in several races.
Key Statewide Results at a Glance
| Office | Nominee (Party) | General Election Winner | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Governor | Tony Evers (D), Scott Walker (R) | Tony Evers | Democratic gain |
| Lieutenant Governor | Mandela Barnes (D), Rebecca Kleefisch (R) | Mandela Barnes | Democratic gain |
| Attorney General | Josh Kaul (D), Brad Schimel (R) | Josh Kaul | Democratic gain |
| Secretary of State | Doug La Follette (D), Rebecca Kleefisch (R) | Doug La Follette | Democratic hold |
| Treasurer | Sarah Godlewski (D), Matt Adamczyk (R) | Sarah Godlewski | Democratic gain |
| Superintendent | Carol Dorn (D), Tony Evers (D) | Carol Dorn | Democratic hold |
Filing Status and Ballot Access
Filing status in Wisconsin in 2018 determined whether a candidate appeared on the primary and general election ballots. Candidates had to meet party designation requirements, filing deadlines, and submission rules for nominating petitions or nomination papers. Major parties (Democratic and Republican) typically secured automatic ballot access for their nominees through primary results, while third parties needed to meet petition thresholds. Incumbents and challengers alike had to comply with state ethics and reporting requirements throughout the cycle.
Primary Elections and Candidate Eligibility
Partisan Primary
Wisconsin used open primaries for most partisan offices in 2018, meaning voters could participate in either party’s primary regardless of their declared party affiliation. Primary elections were held on August 14, 2018, narrowing many contests to two general election candidates. Write-in candidates were permitted in the general election under state law when properly declared.
Eligibility Basics
Candidates for statewide office in Wisconsin were required to meet constitutional and statutory criteria, including U.S. citizenship, age, residency, and registration requirements. While specific office qualifications varied, most statewide seats demanded candidates be state residents for a defined period and meet filing deadlines. Local offices and state legislative seats followed similar but sometimes distinct eligibility rules.
Notable Outcomes and Close Contests
The 2018 election cycle in Wisconsin featured several closely contested races that drew national attention, particularly the governor’s contest between Tony Evers and Scott Walker. The attorney general and lieutenant governor elections also proved competitive, with narrow margins shaping the final outcomes. Turnout for the 2018 general election was notably elevated relative to recent midterms, reflecting heightened engagement across the state. Knowing the candidates and offices in play helps explain the policy directions enacted in the years that followed.
How to Use This Reference
Use this guide as an evergreen reference when researching Wisconsin electoral history or comparing candidate qualifications and outcomes across cycles. For current or future election cycles, verify filing status, candidate lists, and results with the Wisconsin Elections Commission or official county canvassing authorities, as rules and candidates may change. This profile is designed to clarify roles, offices, and verified outcomes from the 2018 cycle, not to analyze individual campaign strategies or political events beyond the factual record.