Wisconsin’s partisan primary election will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, August 12. Polls are open statewide from 7 am to 8 pm. Information on voting and how to locate polling places is here. Photo identification is not required to cast a ballot.
Many legislative races are uncontested, but there will be statewide primaries for Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer:
- Governor: Democrats Brett Hulsey and Mary Burke will face off in the Democratic primary. The winner will challenge Republican Governor Scott Walker in November.
- Attorney General: Three Democrats are vying for the opportunity to face Republican Brad Schimel, Waukesha County District Attorney in November — Jefferson County District Attorney Susan Happ, Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne, and State Representative Jon Richards.
- Secretary of State: State Representative Garey Bies of Sister Bay will face Julian Bradley of La Crosse in the Republican Primary. The winner will challenge incumbent Doug La Follette, a Democrat.
- Treasurer: Democrats David Leeper and David Sartori face off in the Democratic primary, while Matt Adamczyk and Randall Melchert are on the Republican ballot.
Most incumbent legislators in Dane County face token or no opposition. However, first term Representative Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) will face Middleton Republican Brent Renteria in the 79th Assembly District.
Two Democrats are vying to represent Assembly District 78: Alders Mark Clear and Lisa Subeck. The winner will be unopposed in the November general election and will almost certainly be elected. PROFS hosted a forum with both candidates last month.
Two Democrats are on the ballot in the 17th Senate District, the seat left open after Dale Schultz, a moderate Republican, announced his retirement. Voters will choose between Ernie Wittwer, a retired administrator with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and attorney and former legislative aide Pat Bomhack. The winner faces State Representative Howard Marklein in November.
Tomorrow’s election will also determine the Republican candidate for Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District. Congressman Tom Petri announced his retirement in April. Four Republicans are on the ballot tomorrow, including State Senators Glenn Grothman and Joe Leibham, Representative Duey Stroebel, and technical college instructor Tom Denow. The winner faces Democrat Mark Harris, Winnebago County Executive.