The Fall Campaign Is On
What Wisconsin voters are saying as November approaches
WRA Advocacy Team
You’ve probably noticed it already. The political ads are back, campaign signs are popping up and November suddenly doesn’t feel that far away.
The primary election is behind us, the fall campaign is in full swing and voters are tuning in. So, what are they thinking about? The latest Marquette Law School Poll gives us a snapshot.
The governor’s race is taking shape
The general election matchup is set: Republican Tom Tiffany and Democrat David Crowley.
Among registered voters, the race is tied at 44% to 44%, with 12% undecided. Among voters certain to vote in November, Crowley receives 49% and Tiffany 44%, with 7% undecided. One number to watch is the 47% of registered independents who were still undecided when the poll was conducted.
There’s still plenty of campaign left.
The cost of living is driving the conversation
For REALTORS®, this may be the bigger story. Inflation and the cost of living ranked as the top issue for 43% of Wisconsin registered voters, well ahead of everything else.
Housing affordability and property taxes are part of that conversation, too. Both registered at 6% as voters’ top issue and moved higher when voters were asked about their second-most important issue. And only 20% of voters said they are better off financially than a year ago, compared with 38% who said they are worse off.
Property taxes aren’t going away
Another notable number: 58% of registered voters said reducing property taxes was more important than increasing funding for K-12 schools. That response has been remarkably consistent. In all 11 Marquette polls that have asked the question since June 2023, between 50% and 60% have prioritized reducing property taxes.
For REALTORS®, that puts some familiar issues — cost of living, housing affordability and property taxes — squarely in the political conversation this fall.
What’s next?
More ads. More campaigning. And soon, more numbers. The next Marquette Law School Poll comes out September 30, giving another look at what Wisconsin voters are thinking. One thing’s for sure: this election is going to be one to watch.
