On March 5, Marquette University (MU) released its first poll of 2018 that compiled interviews with 800 registered voters in Wisconsin between Feb. 25-March 1, 2018. Generally, Wisconsin voters’ opinions on politicians remain similar to numbers from the previous MU poll in June 2017.

President Donald Trump’s approval ratings remained largely the same, with 43 percent approving and 50 percent disapproving of his handling of the presidency. In June, Trump maintained a 41 percent approval rating among Wisconsin voters, with 51 percent disapproval.

House Speaker Paul Ryan’s favorability increased slightly, as he received 46 percent favorable to 39 percent unfavorable ratings, compared to 44 percent favorable and 44 percent unfavorable in June.

Gov. Scott Walker’s approval rating also remained steady, with 47 percent approving and 47 percent disapproving.

Wisconsin’s senators held relatively steady approval ratings, as well. Republican Sen. Ron Johnson received a 40 percent favorability rating compared to 39 percent in June, while his unfavourability dropped to 30 percent from 32 percent in June.  Johnson’s Democratic colleague Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s favorability dropped slightly from 38 to 37 percent since June, while her unfavourability increased slightly from 38 to 39 percent.

Voters also gave their opinions on the candidates for the state Supreme Court election on April 3, 2018. 14 percent said they had a favorable opinion of Judge Rebecca Dallet. 10 percent had a favorable opinion of Judge Michael Screnock. However, most voters had not heard enough about the candidates to state an opinion.

Looking ahead to the fall 2018 elections, most voters said they have not heard of or do not know enough about the Republican candidates for U.S. Senate. 7 percent hold a favorable view of Kevin Nicholson, and 10 percent hold a favorable view of state Sen. Leah Vukmir (R-Brookfield). Of those who said they would vote in the August primary, 28 percent said they would vote for Nicholson, and 19 percent said they would vote for Vukmir. The candidates will face off in the primary before running against the incumbent Baldwin in November.

In the Democratic primary for governor of Wisconsin, Tony Evers was the most popular of the nine candidates listed, with 18 percent responding they would vote for him. 44 percent answered “don’t know.”

Overall, 53 percent of voters still believe things in Wisconsin are going in the right direction. 44 percent said things are on the wrong track, compared to 42 percent in June.

For the latest information on 2018 elections, please visit our 2018 Election Issue Update.