VIROQUA, WI – Proven job creator, dairy industry leader, and former Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Secretary Missy Hughes announced today that she had raised over $475,000 from nearly 1,200 contributions in the first three months since launching her campaign for governor. Missy enters the pivotal 2026 election year with nearly $400,000 cash on hand, reflecting strong early enthusiasm from across Wisconsin.
“We launched this campaign with a belief that Wisconsin needed a leader who knows what it takes to create jobs, support workers, and attract businesses. The outpouring of support for our campaign the last three months has proven that Wisconsinites are eager for a Democrat with a fresh perspective who understands the economy and has hands-on experience growing local communities across the state. After helping create 45,000 good-paying jobs and 9,500 small businesses as Secretary of WEDC, and growing Organic Valley to a billion dollars in sales and keeping 1,600 family farmers on their land, I am the only candidate with that experience. Our campaign enters the year with momentum and a renewed focus on building a Main Street Economy where every worker, family, and business in Wisconsin can thrive,” said Missy Hughes.
Secretary Missy Hughes led WEDC for over six years in the Evers Administration. Under Missy’s leadership, major companies like Milwaukee Tool, Microsoft, Eli Lilly, and Kikkoman, committed over $10 billion in investments to create 45,000 good-paying jobs across Wisconsin. As Secretary, Missy helped more than 9,500 Wisconsinites start small businesses on Main Streets across all 72 counties, launching the Main Street Bounceback Program which filled empty storefronts with small businesses.
Missy also understands Wisconsin agriculture inside and out, and knows what it takes for rural communities to prosper. Prior to her public service, Missy served for 17 years as an executive at Organic Valley, helping the farmer-owned dairy cooperative grow to $1 billion in sales while keeping 1,600 family farmers on their land.
Missy currently lives in Southwestern Wisconsin, just outside of Viroqua with her husband Tripp, their dogs, two donkeys, and a flock of seventy sheep. Missy is the youngest of seven and a proud mom of three.
To learn more about Missy’s experience and vision to grow Wisconsin’s economy, please visit www.missyforgovernor.com.
