MADISON, Wis. —  Last week, WisDems Chair Devin Remiker spoke with Channel 3000’s Elly Laliberte about the critical importance of the November election for shaping the balance of power in the state capitol. Wisconsinites are tired of feeling like they can’t afford everyday living and ready for change in our long-time Republican-held legislature—and Democrats are on the offense, eyeing to flip key Senate and Assembly districts. For the first time in 16 years, Democrats have a chance to win a blue trifecta and deliver real change for working families across the state.

Channel 3000: Wisconsin parties vie for control of state legislature in 2026
By: Elly Laliberte

Wisconsin’s 2026 election could reshape the balance of power in the state Capitol, with Democrats eyeing opportunities to flip legislative seats and Republicans fighting to protect their majorities in the Senate and Assembly.

Democrats need to flip two seats to take control of the state Senate and five seats to win the Assembly.

The contest could come down to a handful of competitive districts. John Johnson, a research fellow at the Marquette University Law School’s Lubar Center, who analyzed the legislative races, said the Assembly could hinge on three toss-up districts.

“The closest seats, in my judgment are the 88th, that’s De Pere in the Fox Valley, the 61st, which is Greenfield in the Milwaukee suburbs and the 51st, which is Dodgeville in Southwestern Wisconsin,” Johnson said. “Democrats need to win all three of them to take the Assembly.”

Johnson rates the State Senate as leaning Democratic. His analysis considers past election results, incumbent performance, challengers and campaign fundraising.

“Democrats can win a majority if they hold the 31st district, Jeff Smith’s district around Eau Claire, if they win the fifth district in the western Milwaukee suburbs centered around Brookfield. And if they pick up the 21st district in southern Milwaukee County and Racine,” he said.

A major factor is Wisconsin’s new legislative maps, which Gov. Tony Evers (D-WI) signed into law in 2024. Because state senators serve staggered four-year terms, not every Senate district voted under the new boundaries in the 2024 election.

“This is the first time that the full effect of the 2024 redistricting is being felt,” Johnson said. “Which is why Democrats have such a real chance of winning the chamber.”

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Devin Remiker said Democrats see an opportunity to compete in legislative districts across the state.

“Our voters are fired up,” Remiker said. “This is our opportunity to test these incumbents who have had to rely on these safe, gerrymandered districts.”

Republicans, meanwhile, are focused on protecting their majorities. State Senator Patrick Testin (R-24, Stevens Point) is the executive director for the committee to elect a Republican Senate.

“Despite the new maps, our candidates were out there and introducing themselves, hearing what’s on voters’ minds and making the case as to why they should get elected,” he said. 

This is the first time in 16 years either party has a chance to win a ‘trifecta’ controlling the State Senate, Assembly and governor’s office.