Democratic Candidates Rally in Racine Ahead of 2026 Midterm Elections

Originally published by Racine County Eye.

RACINE, Wis. — Wisconsin Democratic candidates made a final campaign push in Racine on Monday ahead of the Tuesday, Nov. 3, general election, which could reshape state and federal offices.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Crowley was the featured speaker at two events in southeastern Wisconsin on Monday morning, urging voters to support his campaign over Republican opponent Tom Tiffany, a congressman.

David Crowley speaks at Racine County Democratic Party headquarters — Democratic gubernatorial candidate DAVID CROWLEY speaks at a rally at Racine County Democratic Party headquarters in Racine on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. / Mark Hertzberg for Racine County Eye

Racine County Eye 2026 Voter Guide

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Every race on the Racine County ballot:

Statewide

Congress and Legislature

County

Racine County sheriff: Madrigal vs. Vandervest

Before you go

Crowley: “We need turnout”

“We need turnout,” Crowley said. “We need you to continue to knock on doors, continue to make phone calls. We have too much at stake to have anybody sitting on the sideline. We need to show up.”

“These Republicans, they may have a trillionaire, they may have some billionaires, but we got something much better. We got all of you who are in this room today, who are doing the hard work,” he said.

At Racine County Democratic Party headquarters, Crowley joined his running mate, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, state Senate District 21 candidate Trevor Jung, 1st Congressional District candidate Mitchell Berman and former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan and Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul also spoke.

David Crowley speaks with Pete Buttigieg beside him — Democratic gubernatorial candidate DAVID CROWLEY speaks at a rally at Racine County Democratic Party headquarters on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. Former SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION PETE BUTTIGIEG is next to him. / Mark Hertzberg for Racine County Eye

Much of the candidates’ messaging focused on affordability, including housing costs, grocery prices, fuel expenses and rising health care premiums.

“We’ve made it harder for folks to get the skills they need to support themselves and their families,” Jung said to a crowded room at the headquarters.

Crowd applauds at Racine County Democratic Party headquarters — People applaud at a campaign rally at Racine County Democratic Party headquarters on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. / Mark Hertzberg for Racine County Eye

Tiffany’s response

In an emailed response to Racine County Eye, Tiffany said, “Across Wisconsin, voters are excited and ready for a change. They are tired of rising property taxes, higher utility bills and bigger government.

“David Crowley has raised taxes year after year in Milwaukee County, and Wisconsin families cannot afford more of the same. As governor, I will end the 400-year property tax hike, deliver a 10% income tax cut for working families, return the $3 billion budget surplus to taxpayers, and bring accountability back to Madison. Tomorrow, Wisconsin voters have an opportunity to choose lower taxes, bigger paychecks, and a brighter future for our state. I hope to earn their vote.”

Berman takes aim at Big Tech in the 1st District

Election forecaster Nate Silver has ranked Berman’s race against Republican U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil among the nation’s most competitive congressional contests.

Before gathering at the Racine headquarters, Berman campaigned outside Amazon’s fulfillment center in Kenosha alongside Crowley and state Assembly member Angelina Cruz. Berman’s campaign has focused on challenging large technology companies, including Amazon.

“This election is for working people in Wisconsin to make sure that you have opportunities to get a good education, to buy a home, to be able to work 40 hours a week and put food on the table, pay your rent and have a little left over for a rainy day,” Berman said.

Berman also emphasized the importance of public health care programs.

“We’re going to make sure that we fully fund Medicaid to make sure that safety net is there for when folks need it,” he said.

Godlewski on health care and child care costs

Echoing Berman’s message, Godlewski criticized Republicans, arguing that their policies would create a “two-tier system” in Wisconsin: one that benefits billionaires and corporations and another in which residents bear the costs.

Sarah Godlewski speaks at Racine County Democratic Party headquarters — Democratic lieutenant gubernatorial candidate SARAH GODLEWSKI mimics Republican gubernatorial candidate Cong. Tom Tiffany’s “You Betcha” slogan as she speaks at a campaign rally at Racine County Democratic Party headquarters on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. / Mark Hertzberg for Racine County Eye

“In my hometown of Eau Claire, a family of four told me their health care premium went from $700 a month to $2,700 a month, and they’re asking me, ‘How are we going to be able to pay for this, Sarah?’” she said.

“We see child care costs more than tuition at the University of Wisconsin. Home health care workers who are taking care of our seniors were sharing with me that despite working 40 hours a week, they rely on FoodShare to feed their families. That’s not right,” she said.

Jung on keeping young people in Wisconsin

Jung, who is running against Republican Jim Croft for the open state Senate District 21 seat, spoke with Racine County Eye after Monday’s event about reaching younger voters and addressing their concerns.

Trevor Jung speaks at Racine County Democratic Party headquarters — State Senate candidate TREVOR JUNG speaks at a campaign rally at Racine County Democratic Party headquarters on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. / Mark Hertzberg for Racine County Eye

Jung said the average first-time homebuyer is now 41, which he called the highest in Wisconsin’s history. The National Association of Realtors’ 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, released in November 2025, puts the median age of first-time buyers nationally at 40, a record high for the survey. NAR does not publish a Wisconsin-specific figure, and Racine County Eye could not independently verify the state claim.

“We have to be laser focused on making sure that young professionals want to stay and make a life in Wisconsin, and that means investing in education, making housing more affordable, making sure that we invest in public transportation and these quality-of-life amenities that would attract young people to live and stay in Wisconsin,” Jung said.

Croft’s response

Croft also emphasized affordability and economic concerns in a statement provided by his campaign manager, Kyle Mackey.

“I have talked with countless voters here in the 21st Senate District, and there’s lots more that unites us than divides us,” Croft said. “Voters want a senator who will lower costs, cut property taxes, respect taxpayer dollars and make sure our state isn’t sold out to Big Tech. I look forward to being their senator and delivering on these issues so we can bring the American dream back into reach for the people of our state.”