Former WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes today formally launched her campaign for governor, billing herself as a “Democrat who understands the economy.”
Hughes, who left her position in the Evers administration earlier this month, said in a rollout video that she’s not a politician and is “different from the other folks you’ve seen run for governor.”
She vowed her campaign for the 2026 Dem nomination would create a “Main Street economy that includes you and works for you,” saying it’s hard to get ahead now, even with hard work.
“I’m not going to go looking for a fight, but I’ll stand up to anyone, from the White House to Wall Street, who comes after your rights or tries to make your life harder,” said Hughes, 57.
Prior to her appointment in 2019 to lead the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., Hughes spent 17 years as an executive leading Organic Valley, a dairy cooperative headquartered in southwestern Wisconsin’s La Farge. Hughes’ announcement touted development deals struck by WEDC under her leadership, including pacts with Milwaukee Tool, Microsoft, Eli Lilly and Kikkoman.
Hughes, who lives outside Viroqua, joins an increasingly crowded Dem guv field, with more candidates weighing bids. Those who have declared so far include: Milwaukee County Exec David Crowley, Madison state Rep. Francesca Hong, former Madison state Rep. Brett Hulsey, Lt. Gov Sarah Rodriguez and state Sen. Kelda Roys. AG Josh Kaul and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes are among those considering a run.
