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Bits & Pieces: Election Highlights
Wisconsin held its state primary election yesterday, August 13. State legislative and U.S. congressional races with competitive partisan primaries were decided, while voters also weighed in on two statewide referenda for proposed constitutional amendments. See this page for more information about the 2024 elections in Wisconsin, including a full list of the candidates and results. Just over 1.2 million voters cast a ballot in yesterday’s election, about 26 percent of the state’s voting-age population, the highest in 60 years for a Wisconsin state primary during a presidential election year.
Constitutional Amendments
The most notable statewide contest was over two proposed constitutional amendments, both of which failed by a wide margin. Many see this outcome as a victory for Gov. Tony Evers (D). The amendments sought to curb the Governor’s ability to spend certain federal funds without legislative approval. Republicans in the legislature passed the proposed amendments over the last two legislative sessions after Gov. Evers managed and distributed roughly $5.1 billion in federal funding related to COVID-19 and economic relief.
Congressional Primaries: Outside Suppport Yields Different Results
Two congressional races with spirited primaries ended as Rebecca Cooke beat state Rep. Katrina Shankland in the Democratic primary for the 3rd Congressional District and Tony Wied beat former state Sen. Roger Roth and current Sen. André Jacque in the Republican primary for the 8th Congressional District.
State Legislature: Incumbents Hold Strong
In primaries for the Wisconsin Legislature, incumbents largely prevailed, fending off challengers across the state. The only incumbents to lose were those having to run against other incumbents because they were paired due to redistricting.
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