Latest news with #JoshSchoemann
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What to know about Josh Schoemann, first Republican to launch run for Wisconsin governor
The November 2026 race for Wisconsin governor has its first confirmed candidate from a major political party: Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann. Schoemann formally launched his campaign May 4 in West Bend after filing paperwork days earlier. He's the first Republican to announce a run for the seat held by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who hasn't yet said if he'll seek reelection. In a video launching his campaign, Schoemann focused on issues like homeownership for young families, supporting small businesses, building infrastructure and reducing government spending and bureaucracy. "I can't promise you that we'll always agree, but I can promise you no one will ever outwork me to serve you," Schoemann said. "You deserve nothing less, because after all, we're neighbors." Here's what to know about Schoemann, the first Republican to declare a run for governor: How do you pronounce Josh Schoemann's last name? Schoemann pronounces his last name SHOW-men. What is Josh Schoemann's political experience? Schoemann was elected Washington County executive in 2020, a first-time role in the county. He ran unopposed and won a second term in 2024. For six years prior, he served as county administrator and manager. On his campaign website, Schoemann touts cutting property taxes by $1 million, reducing county staff by about 25% and expanding services like public safety and mental health. As county executive, he opposed mask mandates and restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schoemann's website says he "led the fight for election integrity," including funding a county-wide election audit and grants for extended early voting hours "so Madison and Milwaukee can't run up the score." Each local government in Wisconsin sets its own hours and locations for early voting — Milwaukee and Madison offer multiple early voting locations, rather than one town or village hall like many suburban communities. What is Josh Schoemann's military background? Schoemann served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, according to this county executive bio. He earned an Army Commendation Medal during his tour and received an honorable discharge in 2008 from the Army National Guard. Before serving in the military, Schoemann worked as a janitor in local schools and at Gib's on the Lake in Kewaunee County, according to his campaign video. What is Josh Schoemann's platform? Schoemann's website lists priorities like cutting waste and bureaucracy in government, ending "woke overreach" in education, launching statewide initiatives to promote community service and promoting mental and physical health for veterans and first responders. At his campaign launch, Schoemann criticized several of Evers' actions, including vetoing a bill that would reverse changes to the state's test scores, crafting school funding increases for 400 years and issuing guidance to federal employees who encounter federal immigration officials. Republican Josh Schoemann, left, kisses his wife, Jodi, who introduced him at a rally where he announced he's running for governor on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Elderberry Manor in West Bend. How old is Josh Schoemann? Schoemann is 43. Who is in Josh Schoemann's family? Schoemann and his wife, Jodi, have two sons, Cael and Drake. They have two dogs, Liberty and Sconnie. Where did Josh Schoemann go to college? Schoemann earned a bachelor's degree in political science and government from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, according to his LinkedIn profile, and a master's degree in public administration from Northern Illinois University. Where is Josh Schoemann from? Schoemann was born in Hartford, about 30 miles northwest of Milwaukee, and now lives on a farm in Trenton. Schoemann's father was a Lutheran minister, and the family moved to small towns across Wisconsin, according to his campaign video. Did Washington County vote for Donald Trump? As some Milwaukee suburbs shift blue, Washington County remains solidly red. President Donald Trump won Washington County in 2024, taking about 68% of the vote, compared with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris' 31%. That 36-point margin was Trump's highest in the three "WOW" counties — Trump's margin was 20 points in Waukesha County and 11 points in Ozaukee County. In the state Supreme Court election, Washington County voted 66% for conservative candidate Brad Schimel and 34% for liberal candidate — and winner — Susan Crawford. Ten counties flipped from Trump to Crawford in April, but Washington wasn't one of them. Schimel's margin was highest in Washington County compared with Waukesha and Ozaukee counties. Does Josh Schoemann support Trump? Schoemann didn't explicitly back Trump during his campaign launch speech, but referenced the assassination attempt against Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. "President Trump has renewed the call for us to fight, fight, fight," Schoemann said, leading attendees in the chant. What are Democrats saying about Josh Schoemann? Democratic Party of Wisconsin executive director Sarah Abel characterized Schoemann as a "far-right Republican" that voters have rejected before. "He has railed against funding for our public schools and continues to stand by Donald Trump and Elon Musk as they wreck the economy, force new tariff taxes and raise costs for consumers, gut health care for working families," Abel said. "The last thing Wisconsin needs is another Donald Trump puppet at the helm who will undo all the progress we've made since 2018," she said, referring to the year Evers was elected governor. Who else is running for governor in Wisconsin? Evers hasn't said if he'll seek a third term. He's expected to announce his decision after the state budget is finalized sometime this summer, but it could come later in 2025. If Evers decides not to seek reelection, it'll likely kick off a competitive Democratic primary. Other Republicans are eyeing the seat. That includes Whitefish Bay manufacturing businessman and Navy SEAL veteran Bill Berrien, who formed a political action committee in April. U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany is also considering a run. Alexander Kent from La Crosse also registered a campaign for governor as an independent candidate. Kent registered the committee under the name "Voter Directed Democracy," which is the title of a book he authored. More: What will Wisconsin vote for in the 2026 elections? Supreme Court, governor's races will soon take shape This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Who is Josh Schoemann, Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor?
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Wisconsin governor race; Republican Josh Schoemann announces campaign
The Brief Josh Schoemann, a Republican and Washington County Executive, has announced his campaign to run for Wisconsin governor in 2026. Democratic Governor Tony Evers has not yet announced whether he will seek re-election, stating he will decide after the state budget is finalized. Schoemann will seek the Republican nomination in what's expected to be a competitive gubernatorial election in 2026. WASHINGTON COUNTY, Wis. - Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann officially launched his campaign for governor on Sunday with a campaign rally near his home in West Bend. What we know Schoeman, a Republican, focused his speech on public service, affordability and local reform. He was joined by family, friends, supporters and local officials as he laid out his plans for Wisconsin's future. "Our parents and grandparents can't afford to retire here," Schoeman said. "Let's reclaim Wisconsin… Forward. Together." Schoemann touted his record as county executive, including property tax collections, cutting staff by nearly 25%, and reforming housing and election polices. Schoemann will seek the Republican nomination in what's expected to be a competitive gubernatorial election in 2026. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android The other side Democratic Governor Tony Evers has not yet announced whether he will seek re-election, stating he will decide after the state budget is finalized. Evers has repeatedly said he will announce his intentions after the state budget is passed and signed into law, which typically happens around early July. The Source Information in this post is provided by Josh Schoemann's team.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann kicks off GOP 2026 campaign for governor
The race for Wisconsin's next governor is under way 18 months before voters will go to the polls, with Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann launching the first campaign. Schoemann, a Republican who filed his campaign paperwork days ago, launched his bid May 4 with a campaign video focused on his biography. He is scheduled to hold a "summer kickoff cookout" in West Bend later this afternoon at event venue Elderberry Manor. The 43-year-old Washington County native in his launch video pitches a theme of being "neighbors" with voters and argues the governor's office needs leaders who will "roll up their sleeves, bring people together and do the hard work of building a brighter future for Wisconsin." "I'm tired of watching generations of our young people and our retirees leave the state for greener pastures," Schoemann says in the video. "I'll fight to make Wisconsin the best state in the nation to live, work, raise a family, be retired and start a business. So our state becomes a great place to be, not just be from." Schoemann enters the race for governor not knowing who his potential Democratic opponent will be, should he prevail in a GOP primary. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has not yet said whether he will seek a third term in the election 18 months from now. President Donald Trump was not mentioned in Schoemann's video but Schoemann campaigned heavily on his behalf during the 2024 presidential race. The GOP primary for governor will focus heavily on who can turn out Trump supporters who have been less inclined to vote in non-presidential elections. Schoemann, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran who lives in West Bend, was first elected county executive in 2020 after holding the jobs of county administrator and county manager for six years. Washington County remains a reliable Republican stronghold in metropolitan Milwaukee as other suburban communities have trended away from GOP dominance. More: How much did Elon Musk spend on Wisconsin Supreme Court race and answers to other questions According to his biography on the Washington County website, Schoemann earned an Army Commendation Medal and received an honorable discharge in October 2008 from the Army National Guard. Schoemann's filing comes two weeks after Bill Berrien, a Whitefish Bay manufacturing businessman, launched a political action committee as he considers a run for governor. Berrien is a Navy SEAL veteran and CEO of Pindel Global Precision and Liberty Precision in New Berlin. Also considering campaigns for governor is U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, a Republican from Minocqua who represents the 7th Congressional District. Alexander Kent of La Crosse also registered a campaign for governor this week as an independent candidate, according to state campaign finance records. Kent registered the committee under the name "Voter Directed Democracy," which is also the title of a book he authored. Molly Beck can be reached at This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Republican Josh Schoemann launches bid for governor
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Wisconsin governor race; Republican Josh Schoemann files for 2026 run
The Brief Josh Schoemann, a Republican and Washington County Executive, has formed a committee to run for Wisconsin governor in 2026. He is unlikely to be the only Republican candidate. Democratic Governor Tony Evers has not yet announced whether he will seek re-election, stating he will decide after the state budget is finalized. WASHINGTON COUNTY, Wis. - Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, a Republican, this week created a committee to run for governor in 2026, making him the first candidate from either major party to get into the race. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has not yet said whether he will seek a third term. Evers has repeatedly said he will announce his intentions after the state budget is passed and signed into law, which typically happens around early July. A spokesperson for Evers had no immediate comment. Schoemann, 43, filed to create a campaign committee on Wednesday. He is the executive of Washington County, one of the deepest red counties in Wisconsin, which President Donald Trump won with 67% of the vote in 2024. Schoemann has never run a statewide race before and is unlikely to be the only Republican candidate in the election that is 19 months away. What we know Bill Berrien, a Whitefish Bay manufacturing businessman, created a political action committee two weeks ago as he also considers a run. Berrien is a Navy SEAL veteran and CEO of Pindel Global Precision and Liberty Precision in New Berlin. Others mentioned as potential candidates include U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who represents northern Wisconsin, and two-time losing U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde, a Madison businessman. What's next Schoemann was elected as county executive in 2020 after previously working six years as county administrator and county manager. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and received an honorable discharge in October 2008 from the Army National Guard, according to his biography on the county website. Schoemann has a "historic summer kickoff cookout" scheduled for Sunday in West Bend where he is expected to formally announce his candidacy. Ben Voelkel, a Schoemann spokesperson, declined to comment Thursday when asked if Schoemann would be launching his run on Sunday. To learn more about Josh Schoemann in his county executive role, click here. The 2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026. What they're saying "The Republican primary for governor is going to be a who's who of far-right extremists tripping over themselves to earn Donald Trump's favor — and all Josh Schoemann has going for him is that he's first off the starting line," said Sarah Abel, executive director of the Wisconsin Democratic Party. The Source Information in this post is provided by the Wisconsin Campaign Finance Information System website, and the Washington County website. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
San Francisco Chronicle
01-05-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Republican county leader Josh Schoemann enters Wisconsin governor's race
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican Josh Schoemann, the top elected official in a suburban Milwaukee county, this week created a committee to run for governor in 2026, making him the first candidate from either major party to get into the race. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has not yet said whether he will seek a third term. Evers has repeatedly said he will announce his intentions after the state budget is passed and signed into law, which typically happens around early July. Asked for a reaction, a spokesperson for Evers referred to a comment from the Wisconsin Democratic Party. 'The Republican primary for governor is going to be a who's who of far-right extremists tripping over themselves to earn Donald Trump's favor — and all Josh Schoemann has going for him is that he's first off the starting line,' said Sarah Abel, executive director of the Wisconsin Democratic Party. Schoemann, 43, filed to create a campaign committee on Wednesday. He is the executive of Washington County, one of the deepest red counties in Wisconsin, which President Donald Trump won with 67% of the vote in 2024. Schoemann has never run a statewide race before and is unlikely to be the only Republican candidate in the election that is 19 months away. Bill Berrien, a Whitefish Bay manufacturing businessman, created a political action committee two weeks ago as he also considers a run. Berrien is a Navy SEAL veteran and CEO of Pindel Global Precision and Liberty Precision in New Berlin. Others mentioned as potential candidates include U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who represents northern Wisconsin, and two-time losing U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde, a Madison businessman. Schoemann was elected as county executive in 2020 after previously working six years as county administrator and county manager. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and received an honorable discharge in October 2008 from the Army National Guard, according to his biography on the county website.
