MADISON – Wisconsin Conservation Voters today officially released its first wave of candidate endorsements for the 2026 election cycle. 

The announcement marks the beginning of a historic campaign season where, for the first time in nearly two decades, a pro-conservation, pro-democracy legislative majority and trifecta are within reach due to newly redrawn, fair legislative maps.

Click here for the full slate of endorsements.

“While the national landscape faces ongoing challenges to democracy, Wisconsin is writing a different story – one of grit, resilience, and real progress,” said Seth Hoffmeister, Deputy Director of Wisconsin Conservation Voters. “For almost two decades, conservation voters across this state have fought back against extremist, one-party rule election by election. We protected the governor’s veto, blocked legislative supermajorities, and flipped the State Supreme Court. Now, we finally have the fair playing field we need to elect a government that actually represents the people.”

The stakes for the 2026 cycle could not be higher. Winning majorities in the State Assembly and Senate, electing a pro-conservation, pro-democracy governor and attorney general would unlock a new era for the state. This creates an historic opportunity to secure permanent gains for clean energy, protect safe drinking water from toxic pollutants, and expand voting rights.

This initial slate of candidates are leaders who have proven they will champion public health, climate action, and fair elections. Today’s announcement is only the first phase. Additional endorsements will be made in July and August.

“This election is going to be won right at the kitchen table,” Hoffmeister said. “Everyday Wisconsinites are fed up with corporate greed and struggling to keep up with an absurd cost of living, especially the snowballing costs of utility and energy bills. By electing champions who connect directly with these kitchen-table issues, we can build the clean, healthy, and equitable Wisconsin we all deserve.”

The complete list of first-wave endorsed candidates can be viewed on the Wisconsin Conservation Voters website.