Former Wisconsin Democratic economic development head joins governor's race

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The former state economic development director for Wisconsin, who previously worked as an executive at a dairy cooperative, announced Monday that she is running for governor as a Democrat, promising to reject “divisive politics.”

Missy Hughes took a less combative approach toward Republican President Donald Trump than others in the crowded field of Democrats, like Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez who called him a “maniac” and state Sen. Kelda Roys who labeled him an “extremist” she vowed to take on.

“Right now the hunger is for someone who understands the economy and isn’t divisive and I fit that lane perfectly,” Hughes said in an interview. “I’m the strong silent type. I’m going to quietly stand up for your rights. I’m going to have your back 100% of the time but we need someone who isn’t focused on fighting and who is focused on their daily lives.”

The primary in battleground Wisconsin's open governor's race is just over 10 months away. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers decided against seeking a third term. He has not endorsed anyone in the race.

Wisconsin is a politically divided state that elected Trump in both 2016 and 2024 and Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. All three elections were decided by less than a percentage point.

Hughes, an attorney, is pitching herself as “not a politician,” even though she spent the past six years leading the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation as part of Evers' administration. She quit that job on Sept. 19. She lives in rural Wisconsin outside of Viroqua, about 175 miles (280 kilometers) west of Milwaukee.

“I want to keep serving Wisconsin and I feel that the people of Wisconsin deserve a governor who is completely focused on building a strong economy,” Hughes said.

Prior to taking on the state economic development job, Hughes worked for 17 years at Organic Valley, a dairy cooperative that began in 1988 and consists of more than 1,600 family farms in 34 states and over 900 employees.

Hughes said her experience in the private and public sector best positions her to be a champion for higher wages, improving public schools, affordable and accessible child care and health care and affordable housing.

“I’m not a politician, and that’s the point,” Hughes said in a statement. “To create a prosperous economy for the future in all 72 counties, we need a leader who knows what it takes to create jobs, support workers, and attract businesses – and who rejects divisive politics that leaves so many behind.”

Other Democrats in the race in addition to Rodriguez and Roys include Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and state Rep. Francesca Hong. Others considering getting in include Attorney General Josh Kaul and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes.

U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann are running as Republicans. Both are running as allies of Trump.