MEQUON, WI — Independent congressional candidate Mike Thurow, a union fire captain, lifelong Mequon resident, and father of four, is leading Grothman 46%-39% on an informed ballot in Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District, according to one of the two most recent polls that suggest voters are responding to his working-class, independent message.

Thurow launched his campaign earlier this year promising to provide an alternative to what he describes as a broken two-party system that has left working families behind. As a union fire captain and first responder, Thurow has centered his campaign on lowering costs for families, strengthening labor protections, protecting Social Security and Medicare, supporting small businesses and manufacturers, and taking on corruption.

Two recent surveys indicate that voters across the district are increasingly receptive to that message.

A May 2026 survey found that independent voters strongly favored Thurow, breaking 64% to 36% in his favor against Grothman, suggesting a unique coalition-building opportunity beyond traditional partisan lines. Congressman Glenn Grothman led a hypothetical matchup against a generic Democrat by 22 points, 61% to 39%. Against Democrat Brad Smith, the result was identical. However, when voters were presented with an Independent candidacy from Mike Thurow, Grothman’s lead was cut in half, narrowing to 55% to 45%.

An earlier March 2026 survey demonstrated even greater potential for Thurow’s campaign. In the initial ballot test, Grothman led Thurow 40% to 32%, with 28% undecided. After voters were provided information about both candidates, the race shifted dramatically, with Thurow leading Grothman 46% to 39% with 15% undecided.

The same poll found that approximately two-thirds of voters had never heard of Thurow, highlighting significant room for growth as his campaign expands voter outreach throughout the district.

“These polls confirm what we’re hearing every day on doorsteps across Wisconsin’s 6th District,” said Mike Thurow. “I’ve spent my career running into burning buildings to help people I’ve never met. That’s not a Democrat or Republican thing — that’s just showing up. That’s what I’m going to do in Congress.”

Since launching his campaign, Thurow has emphasized several key priorities:

• Strengthening unions and protecting workers’ rights by fighting to pass the PRO Act
• Passing the Right to Repair
• Banning congressional stock and crypto trading

The campaign believes the polling demonstrates a clear path forward for an independent candidate capable of attracting support from Democrats, Republicans, and independent voters alike.

“While Glenn Gorthman has worked as lawyer and now politician for 34 years, Mike has been a true public servant putting his life on the line to save others,” said MASH President Peter Rickman. “As more voters learn about his background as a firefighter, union member, husband, and father of four public-school children, I believe support will continue to grow.”

Thurow is running without corporate PAC money and has pledged to remain independent of both major political parties.

To support the campaign, visit https://www.thurowforcongress.com/.

Poll Highlights

May 2026 Poll: https://www.independentaction.org/news/revhhcbrfzodrm3lh38l9axg2de96b

  • Independents favored Thurow 64%-36%
  • Grothman vs. Generic Democrat: 61%-39%
  • Grothman vs. Brad Smith (D): 61%-39%
  • Grothman vs. Mike Thurow (I): 55%-45%

March 2026 Poll: https://www.tavernresearch.com/research-and-writings/wi06-grothman-independent-halves-margin

  • Initial Ballot: Grothman 42%, Thurow 38%
  • Informed Ballot: Thurow 46%, Grothman 39%
  • Approximately 63% of voters had never heard of Thurow prior to the survey