Washington County Exec Josh Schoemann, who has a “summer kickoff cookout” scheduled Sunday, has registered his campaign committee with the state to run for governor next year.
WisPolitics first reported earlier this week on Schoemann’s kickoff event, which was promoted as a “historic day in Washington County and the beginning of a new day in Wisconsin.”
A Schoemann spokesperson declined comment on yesterday’s filing with the state beyond the campaign’s statement on the cookout that the county exec is “looking forward to talking with his friends and neighbors about the future of Wisconsin.”
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Schoemann, 43, is the first Republican to formally register in the race. The Army National Guard vet, who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, was first elected county exec in 2020 and won a second term last year. Prior to serving as county exec, Schoemann spent six years as Washington County’s administrator and administrative coordinator.
State Dem Party Executive Director Sarah Abel dismissed Schoemann as “another Donald Trump puppet at the helm who will undo all the progress we’ve made since 2018.”
“The Republican primary for governor is going to be a who’s who of far-right extremists tripping over themselves to earn Donald Trump’s favor—and all Josh Schoemann has going for him is that he’s first off the starting line,” Abel said.
Schoemann is one of several Republicans who have been considering a bid for guv in 2026. Businessman Bill Berrien last month announced a PAC to advance conservative causes and help GOP candidates. Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Minocqua, has said he’s considering a run. Senate President Mary Felzkowski, businessman Eric Hovde and state Sen. Pat Testin are also considered possible candidates.
Dem Gov. Tony Evers has said he will wait until after the state budget to announce whether he will seek a third term.
Schoemann is one of two people to register for the race this week. Independent Alexander Kent, of La Crosse, filed on Tuesday.
