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3h ago

Missy Hughes Drops Out of Wisconsin Governor Race and Endorses Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez

Her exit is intended to unite Democratic voters and build momentum for a single, electable nominee before the July debate and August primary.

Missy Hughes, former head of the state's economic development agency, speaks as a candidate for governor Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison, Wis. Angela Major/WPR
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Overview

  • Missy Hughes suspended her campaign and immediately endorsed Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, saying voters struggled to pick among a crowded Democratic field.
  • Hughes framed her decision around electability and governing experience and highlighted Rodriguez’s background as a Peace Corps volunteer, emergency-room nurse and CDC intelligence officer.
  • The withdrawal leaves six Democrats competing for the nomination: Sara Rodriguez, Mandela Barnes, David Crowley, Kelda Roys, Francesca Hong and Joel Brennan.
  • The endorsement arrives as candidates prepare for a WISN debate on July 28 and the August 11 primary, with early voting set to begin around that debate period.
  • Hughes, a former head of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and a first-time candidate, said she acted to help Democrats hold the governor’s office in November against Republican contenders including Tom Tiffany and Andy Manske.