Here and Now
Recapping the 2026 Vote in Wisconsin for Governor, Lawmakers
Clip: Season 2500 Episode 2519 | 4m 1sVideo has Closed Captions
A historic 2026 election victory by Democrats sets up expectations for a sea change.
A historic 2026 election victory by Gov.-elect David Crowley and Democratic wins taking control of both chambers in the Wisconsin Legislature sets up expectations for a sea change in state government.
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Here and Now is a local public television program presented by PBS Wisconsin
Here and Now
Recapping the 2026 Vote in Wisconsin for Governor, Lawmakers
Clip: Season 2500 Episode 2519 | 4m 1sVideo has Closed Captions
A historic 2026 election victory by Gov.-elect David Crowley and Democratic wins taking control of both chambers in the Wisconsin Legislature sets up expectations for a sea change in state government.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship>> The crashing blue wave hit Wisconsin in these midterm elections.
Much like the rest of the country.
It gave Democrats a trifecta at the state Capitol, with David Crowley winning the seat for governor and a majority for Democrats in both the state Senate and Assembly.
Attorney general Josh Kaul also won his third term here.
And now, senior political reporter Zac Schultz was in Milwaukee on Tuesday and brings us this report.
>> Milwaukee has made a lot of history in the last couple of weeks, with the Brewers winning the World Series and County Executive David Crowley becoming the first Black man to be elected governor in Wisconsin.
So perhaps it was fitting.
Crowley came out on stage using the walk up song that typically introduces World Series MVP William Contreras.
[MUSIC] >> Thank you, thank you, Wisconsin.
>> This election night party featured very little of the anxiety common to most campaigns.
Watching the results come in.
Instead, revelers who weren't watching Crowley's lead expand were focused on their dance moves.
And Wausau Tom Tiffany supporters realized the national wave would sweep away Republicans in Wisconsin.
>> Tonight was not the outcome we had hoped for.
>> This race was the most expensive in state history, with an estimated $200 million spent by both sides.
[MUSIC] victory is the largest in three decades, leaving no room for election conspiracies about voter fraud.
>> We're going to be magnanimous tonight.
>> Tiffany and Crowley were gracious and accepting the outcome.
>> Despite our differences.
I've never doubted that he loves the state that we both call home.
>> At age 40, Crowley is the youngest Wisconsin governor in the modern era.
>> But Wisconsin, this is a very good day.
This is a very good day because of you.
A boy who grew up facing eviction will now live in the governor's residence.
>> For months ago, Crowley wasn't even in the race, having dropped out in July.
But as the Democratic primary blew up, Crowley got back in with the support of incumbent Governor Tony Evers.
>> Governor, I am proud to call you my friend.
Honored to have had your support in my campaign, and I will build on what you have been doing.
>> And have done to keep moving the great state of Wisconsin for.
>> Unlike Governor Evers, governor elect Crowley can make good on his campaign pledges because he will have the support of the new Democratic controlled legislature.
The expected leaders, Representative Greta Neubauer and Senator Diane Hesselbein, were on hand Tuesday to announce their new majorities.
>> We will show that government can be a force for good in people's lives, and that things will be different when Democrats are in charge.
>> The new session doesn't start until January, but Democrats will start planning their agenda immediately.
>> We're going to have to caucus.
We're going to be caucusing next week and making sure that we're in alignment with the Assembly and the governor Crowley as well.
time Democrats had complete control, they lost it all in the very next election.
>> In a state like ours, the voters keep everybody honest.
And tonight, they told all of us in both parties, we are sending you to Madison to get something done.
Now go do it.
>> Well, the work starts immediately.
For one night at least, the party would go on.
>> We are one people, one Wisconsin.
And tonight we choose to move forward together.
Y'all.
>> Reporting from Milwaukee.
I'm Zac Schultz for "Here& Now".
>> Let's get to.
>> Work this week on Inside
Ballot Counting in Milwaukee Was Orderly in 2026 Midterms
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Clip: S2500 Ep2519 | 1m 2s | The 2026 ballot operations at Milwaukee's Central Count were conducted on high alert. (1m 2s)
Crowley Speaks to His Transition Plans as Governor-Elect
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Clip: S2500 Ep2519 | 1m 17s | David Crowley held a press conference on putting together a transition team for 2027. (1m 17s)
Here & Now opening for November 6, 2026
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Clip: S2500 Ep2519 | 1m 6s | The introduction to the November 6, 2026 episode of Here & Now. (1m 6s)
Inside Wisconsin Politics: Democrats Win Big in 2026 Midterm
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Clip: S2500 Ep2519 | 3m 2s | Inside Wisconsin Politics on the Democratic victory over the 2026 midterm elections. (3m 2s)
Tommy Thompson on What's Next for Republicans After 2026
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Clip: S2500 Ep2519 | 6m 17s | Tommy Thompson on the Republican rout in the 2026 election and what it means for the state. (6m 17s)
US Sen. Tammy Baldwin on the Blue Wave, Congress and Trump
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Clip: S2500 Ep2519 | 7m 50s | Tammy Baldwin on Democrats winning majorities in both chambers of Congress in 2026. (7m 50s)
Wisconsin Democrats Flip Two US House Seats in 2026 Election
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Clip: S2500 Ep2519 | 1m 35s | Democratic candidates beat Republican incumbents in the 1st and 3rd districts. (1m 35s)
A Long Road to World Series Glory for the Milwaukee Brewers
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Clip: S2500 Ep2519 | 9m 39s | The World Series title won by the Milwaukee Brewers kept fans on the edge of their seats. (9m 39s)
Milwaukee Rejoices in the Brewers Winning the World Series
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Clip: S2500 Ep2519 | 4m 8s | Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Milwaukee and shared their baseball memories. (4m 8s)
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