Wisconsin Governor Race: Crowley and Tiffany Clash on Surplus, Abortion, and ICE in Final Debate

Key points

• The debate was the sole event before the Nov. 3 election, hosted by WISN-12 at Marquette University Law School.
• Crowley supports using the $3 billion surplus for schools and property tax relief; Tiffany wants to return it via long-term tax cuts.
• Tiffany pledged to uphold the 20-week abortion limit but refused to sign a six-week ban, reversing previous congressional votes.
• Crowley opposed local law enforcement cooperation with ICE, while Tiffany mandated sheriffs honor federal detainers.
• Polls show Crowley leading 49% to 46% among likely voters, within the margin of error.

Background

This is the first open Wisconsin governor's race since 2010, following the retirement of Gov. Tony Evers. Tiffany survived an emergency water landing on Lake Wausau in September 2026 but continued campaigning. The race has been tight, with Crowley winning a competitive primary against Francesca Hong by fewer than 4,000 votes.

How outlets are covering it

Journal Sentinel and WBAY emphasized the candidates' divergent approaches to the budget surplus and transportation funding. NBC News highlighted Crowley's attacks on Tiffany's alignment with President Trump and billionaire donors, while Tiffany accused Crowley of being a 'socialist.' Wisconsin Watch fact-checked claims, confirming Tiffany received 93% of his donations from three billionaires and that Crowley's county taxes increased, though homicide rates remained stable. All outlets noted the debate's focus on affordability and the 2020 election controversy, with Tiffany citing 'Zuckerbucks' as a reason for his past actions.

Why it matters

The outcome will determine Wisconsin's direction on tax policy, abortion access, and immigration enforcement. The governor's role in certifying the 2028 presidential election results is also at stake, given Tiffany's past actions regarding the 2020 election. The state's budget surplus and tax policies will impact education, infrastructure, and family affordability.

What to watch

Voters will cast ballots on Nov. 3, with in-person absentee voting already underway. The next major event will be the general election results, which will determine the next governor of Wisconsin and the state's policy direction for the next four years.