Portage County voters will find these races on the fall 2026 ballot

Voters in Portage County, Wisconsin, will decide several key races in the fall 2026 partisan election, including open contests for governor and sheriff. Governor Tony Evers announced on July 24, 2025, that he will not seek a third term, creating Wisconsin’s first open gubernatorial race since 2010. Incumbent Portage County Sheriff Michael Lukas also announced on April 6 that he will not pursue a fourth term, leaving his office open after 32 years in law enforcement. The election will feature partisan races for county, state, and federal offices, with candidates required to declare a party affiliation. Primary elections will be held on August 11 if needed, followed by the general election on November 3. Candidates must submit nomination papers by June 1 to appear on the ballot, though late filers can run as write-in candidates until October 30. Among the contested county offices, the Clerk of Courts seat will remain open after incumbent Democratic Clerk Lisa M. Roth was first elected in 2018. The sheriff’s race follows Lukas’ announcement, while the governor’s race will pair with the lieutenant governor’s seat, as both are elected on a joint ticket. State Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat, announced on October 7 that he will seek reelection, though he ruled out running for governor. The races will determine representation at local, state, and federal levels, with further details available through the Portage County Clerk’s office and My Vote Wisconsin.