AGP Executive Report

Wisconsin Governor Race: Milwaukee County Exec David Crowley is back in the Democratic primary after suspending his bid, and he’s immediately getting Tony Evers’ endorsement as the Aug. 11 contest tightens after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropped out. Democratic Party Fight: Mandela Barnes used a Driftless forum to argue voters are fed up with the “Democratic establishment,” saying grassroots activists should drive decisions. Homelessness & Local Government: Newcap’s closure has left 10 counties scrambling, with Shawano County losing its year-round homeless shelter and pushing more people into unsafe, unsheltered situations. Milwaukee Voting Prep: Milwaukee Election Commission officials lay out key steps for the August primary, including registration deadlines and early voting/drop box guidance. Education Funding: MPS after-school programs face major cuts as state Child Care Bridge stabilization payments end, threatening thousands in monthly support. Local Land Use: Town of Beloit will consider a cost-sharing agreement with a data center developer, giving opponents a new chance to weigh in. Public Health: Walmart pulled certain Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce products in 27 states amid a cyclospora outbreak linked to “explosive diarrhea,” with Wisconsin consumers watching for any local impact. Climate Disaster Response: A Wisconsin Policy Forum report says federal disaster aid after last August’s floods fell short for rebuilding public infrastructure. Wildfire Smoke Politics: Wisconsin GOP House members demand EPA action over Canadian wildfire smoke under the U.S.-Canada air quality agreement.

Democratic governor race reshuffles again: Milwaukee County Exec. David Crowley reentered the Aug. 11 Democratic primary after suspending his bid, with Gov. Tony Evers endorsing him as Democrats scramble following Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez’s exit over campaign finance mismanagement. Campaign finance fallout: Rodriguez’s firing of her campaign manager and the reported gap between her claimed cash-on-hand and earlier disclosures helped reopen the field for Francesca Hong, Kelda Roys, Mandela Barnes, and Joel Brennan. Milwaukee ICE mask ordinance fight: Forward Latino backed the city’s anti-masking law and the City Attorney’s stance that it’s legal and should be enforced even as DOJ pressure continues. Election integrity and legal pressure: Wisconsin Elections Commission referrals keep spotlight on Elon Musk’s alleged $1 million voter giveaway as potentially illegal election bribery. Courts and detention policy: A lawsuit over Camp East Montana highlights alleged solitary confinement abuse in ICE facilities, renewing scrutiny of mental health and conditions. Local politics to watch: Assembly District 13’s Democratic primary features newcomers Amy Zimmerman and attorney David Sanchez as they try to challenge GOP Rep. Mike Morgan. Public safety: A Silver Alert was issued for a Sussex man last seen at a Qdoba in Wauwatosa. Health and environment: Canadian wildfire smoke continues to drive hazardous air quality across the region, with guidance urging residents to use recirculate and avoid fresh-air intake during spikes.

Democratic governor race shakeup: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley reentered Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez suspended her campaign amid campaign finance turmoil, and he did it with a major boost—Gov. Tony Evers endorsed him Saturday, arguing Crowley is best positioned to beat Tom Tiffany and unite Democrats and independents ahead of the Aug. 11 primary. Campaign fallout: Crowley’s return immediately drew reactions from remaining rivals, including Rep. Francesca Hong, as Democrats try to stabilize a chaotic field after Rodriguez’s exit. Milwaukee law-and-order fight: Forward Latino backed Milwaukee’s law enforcement ID and anti-masking ordinance as the city’s dispute with the DOJ continues, framing the policy as key to transparency and accountability. Local public safety: A Silver Alert was issued for Abran Huerta, a Sussex man last seen at a Wauwatosa Qdoba, believed to have dementia or another cognitive impairment. Tech/data center policy: A credit rating agency downgraded Oracle amid its legal fight with Wisconsin regulators over data center credit rules.

Democratic governor race shake-up: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is set to re-enter Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez suspended her campaign amid campaign finance turmoil, setting up a fast-moving Aug. 11 contest. Local justice funding: Washington County DA Barry Braatz was appointed to a state study committee on the district attorney funding formula as his office reports a sharp rise in felony and misdemeanor filings. Data center fight: Sierra Club and Midwest Environmental Advocates sued the Wisconsin DNR over Port Washington’s $15 billion data center permits, arguing the agency should have done an environmental impact statement before approving construction and operation. Milwaukee ICE mask ban standoff: Milwaukee’s city attorney defended the ordinance barring federal agents from wearing masks, pushing back on DOJ’s claim it’s unconstitutional. Public health: CDC linked a multistate Cyclospora outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell; Wisconsin has 61 cases, but none tied to the Taco Bell cluster. Wildfire smoke politics: Trump blamed Canada for wildfire smoke “invasion” and threatened to add costs to tariffs. Crime prevention: Milwaukee leaders highlighted early-2026 declines in violent crime, crediting relationship-based violence prevention efforts.

Democratic shakeup in governor’s race: Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez suspended her Wisconsin bid after campaign finance problems, leaving the Democratic primary wide open. Campaign comeback: Milwaukee County Exec David Crowley has now re-entered the race, with talk that Gov. Tony Evers may back him as Democrats scramble to stop Francesca Hong from taking the nomination. Milwaukee public safety vs. federal pressure: City Attorney Evan Goyke says Milwaukee will enforce its anti-masking ordinance against federal officers despite a DOJ push for an exemption. Police accountability: A Milwaukee detective accused of misusing the department’s license plate reader system and GPS tracking appeared in court, with prosecutors alleging repeated searches tied to a victim. Housing policy in Milwaukee: The city approved a new Amani Homeownership TIF to help build 95 affordable homes. Election integrity pressure on Musk: State lawmakers urged Brown County DA to act after the Wisconsin Elections Commission found probable cause Elon Musk violated election law with $1 million voter payout posts. Wildfire smoke spills into Wisconsin politics and life: Canadian wildfire smoke triggered air-quality alerts across the region, and Trump threatened Canada with tariffs/sanctions over forest management.

Election Security & Voting Policy: Trump’s primetime push on election integrity leaned on declassified claims about foreign meddling and alleged noncitizens on voter rolls, but election officials and courts have said the documents don’t prove the sweeping vulnerabilities Trump implies, while Republicans keep pressing the SAVE America Act—now facing a tougher Senate path after Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death. Wisconsin Supreme Court Race: Judge Pedro Colón reported raising $250,185 in his first Supreme Court campaign filing period, topping his opponent by more than $100,000, as endorsements roll in. Air Quality / Public Health: Canadian wildfire smoke kept Wisconsin and the broader Midwest in hazardous territory, with Milwaukee hitting a record-worst AQI reading around 644 and officials urging residents to limit outdoor exposure. State & Federal Funding / Disaster Relief: A Wisconsin Policy Forum review highlights how FEMA denials can leave local governments stuck footing disaster recovery bills, raising pressure for better state planning when federal help doesn’t arrive. Infrastructure & Energy: Michigan issued key Line 5 tunnel permits, but legal fights remain, including promised new action from a Great Lakes tribe. Local Government: Brookfield Mayor Steve Ponto is set to return Aug. 24 after a health leave, with Common Council President Gary Mahkorn continuing as acting mayor in the meantime. Milwaukee / Community: Hillel Milwaukee’s new director is emphasizing campus safety and community connection, including a program modelled on police-student relationship building. Sports Business: The NBA is reviewing the Milwaukee Bucks’ reported contract with Gary Trent Jr. over possible salary-cap circumvention.

3rd District Democrats: Rebecca Cooke doubled down on health care in her Democratic primary push for Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, signing a “Cancer Promise” with cancer survivors in La Crosse and touting a new SEIU endorsement after meeting union members on French Island. Governor race finances: Campaign finance reports show GOP frontrunner Tom Tiffany raised $8.7M and leads on cash on hand, while Democrats trail—plus Sara Rodriguez’s filings drew fresh scrutiny after she re-uploaded reports showing a much higher cash-on-hand figure. Milwaukee politics & public safety: Milwaukee Ald. Peter Burgelis suspended his 1st Congressional District bid and endorsed Mitchell Berman, while the city also expanded crisis support for men to prevent domestic-violence escalation through a 72-hour stabilization program. Health & environment: Wisconsin DHS reported 61 cyclosporiasis cases tied mostly to travel, and Canadian wildfire smoke continued to drive hazardous air quality and service changes across the state. Local government: Chippewa County approved a $7.5M borrowing package for highway work and moved to fill a treasurer vacancy; Darlington fired police chief Szvon Conway after an OWI arrest. Tech/industry: FAA approved Dane County Regional Airport’s updated noise plan, and DeForest cleared the way for an Amazon delivery facility.

Wisconsin Elections: The Wisconsin Elections Commission referred complaints over Elon Musk’s $1 million “voter giveaway” to prosecutors, saying it was likely election bribery—another escalation in the state’s primary-season fight over election integrity. Democratic Governor Race: Fundraising filings show Francesca Hong raised $708,884 in the first half with $410,563 cash on hand, while Joel Brennan reported $665,000 raised and $359,583 cash; the filings come amid fallout from Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez’s campaign finance troubles and her manager’s firing. Endorsements: Hong added major backing from the Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance and Citizen Action of Wisconsin, both citing civil rights, affordability, and climate/energy priorities. Milwaukee/Immigration Enforcement: A Milwaukee vigil for an ICE shooting victim renewed scrutiny of ICE tactics, with protesters calling for accountability and local officials facing pressure over enforcement practices. Local Schools: Elmbrook School Board approved a resolution for a Nov. 3 referendum seeking up to $100 million in bond borrowing for capital improvements at four schools. State Politics/Policy: Wisconsin voters are reminded that the Aug. 11 primaries are open—cross-voting can trigger “overvote” rules that make ballots not count for those contests.

Election Law: A Wisconsin Elections Commission panel says Elon Musk likely violated the state’s election bribery law by promising $1 million checks to voters, referring the matter to Brown County prosecutors for possible criminal charges. Democratic Primary: Milwaukee-area Rep. Peter Burgelis suspended his 1st CD campaign and urged Democrats to unite behind Mitchell Berman to defeat Bryan Steil. Governor’s Race: The Democratic field is scrambling to file required campaign finance reports after Sara Rodriguez fired her campaign manager over major financial mismanagement; meanwhile, GOP groups are targeting Francesca Hong with ads branding her “too liberal for Wisconsin.” Public Safety & Courts: Madison-area advocates rallied outside the Department of Corrections over prison overcrowding, while a former SPASH track coach faces felony charges tied to alleged child grooming. State Policy & Agriculture: House action to make daylight saving time permanent is raising concerns for Wisconsin farmers’ schedules. Milwaukee & Local Government: Milwaukee opened the first half of the Harbor District riverwalk, and an alderman says a reckless-driving impoundment ordinance is reducing speeding. Health: Rock County reported two cyclosporiasis cases amid a broader Midwest rise. Environment/Infrastructure: State agencies issued key permits for Michigan’s Line 5 tunnel, despite ongoing legal fights and tribal opposition.

Election Law & Courts: Wisconsin Elections Commission says Elon Musk’s $1 million voter checks likely violated the state’s election bribery law, with complaints referred to prosecutors in Brown County for possible criminal charges. Local Government & Infrastructure: MMSD says a clogged combined sewer overflow pipe discharging into Lake Michigan may have contributed to Bay View flooding and basement backups, with crews cutting into the pipe upstream of the lake outlet to remove woody debris and trash. Workforce Development: Gov. Evers and DWD announced nearly $900,000 in Fast Forward training grants to help 340+ workers in healthcare, customer service, tech, and manufacturing. Education & Federal Grants: Wisconsin and 14 other states sue the U.S. Department of Education to stop termination of school mental health grants, arguing the move conflicts with a prior court order. Agriculture Policy: DATCP opened voting for two Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board seats (ballots due Aug. 15) and is accepting applications for 2027 producer-led watershed protection grants (up to $40,000). Energy & Utilities: Milwaukee is considering a bond-financed municipalization of its electric utility to gain more control over rates, with a potential task force and expected pushback from We Energies.

Elections & Courts: The Wisconsin Elections Commission voted 5-1 to refer complaints to the Brown County DA after finding probable cause that Elon Musk likely violated the state’s election bribery law by offering $1 million checks to voters tied to the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race. Federal Oversight: The CFTC stepped in to block Michigan from forcing Kalshi to unwind already-executed prediction market trades, saying states can’t require a regulated exchange to violate federal obligations. Public Safety & Justice: A Chippewa Falls man accused of pointing a gun at a woman’s head has been charged, including counts of recklessly endangering safety and intentionally pointing a firearm. Local Government: Waukesha County Judge Michael P. Maxwell was appointed presiding judge, taking on case-flow and court operations leadership. Health & Consumer Protection: Wisconsin reported 43 cyclosporiasis cases amid a national surge, while a family filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Target over a 10-month-old’s death after ingesting water beads. Disaster Response: FEMA denied public assistance for four Wisconsin counties after April storms; Gov. Evers says eligible damages exceed $20 million and plans an appeal. Business & Fraud: SBA opened Business Recovery Centers in Marathon, Milwaukee, and Outagamie counties, and expanded Palantir use to speed pandemic fraud crackdowns. Politics & Campaigns: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joel Brennan attacked Sara Rodriguez’s campaign finance mismanagement and discussed AI data center fights and his Foxconn renegotiation role. Environment: DNR and federal partners reported black-necked stilt numbers rising at Horicon Marsh.

Lake Pepin Tragedy: Authorities identified three Wabasha, Minnesota residents killed after a pontoon crash near Deer Island, with survivors reporting three missing occupants and a large Wisconsin-Minnesota search ending in the recovery of Ashley Monson, Manuel De Angel-Sola, and Nicholas Loechler. Gubernatorial Race Fallout: Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez says her campaign has far less cash than expected after unpaid invoices and alleged double-counted contributions and undercounted expenses; she fired her campaign manager and vowed to stay in the Aug. 11 primary against Francesca Hong, Mandela Barnes, Kelda Roys, and Joel Brennan. Milwaukee Police Policy: A Common Council debate over Milwaukee’s police chase rules is set to move forward, with Chief Jeffrey Norman pushing back on proposed restrictions and calls for more transparency after a fatal chase crash. Civil Rights in Contracting: A group called Citizens Defending Liberty sued Wisconsin over the state’s Supplier Diversity Program, arguing minority bid preferences discriminate on race. Local Health Care Ballot Push: Community Action Wisconsin submitted signatures to put a local health care affordability/access measure on the November ballot in La Crosse and Eau Claire. Data Center Permitting & Health: New reporting highlights xAI’s unpermitted gas turbines for its Colossus 2 project and potential pollution impacts on Black communities, underscoring scrutiny of off-grid power approvals. IRS Relief for Storm Victims: The IRS extended Wisconsin tax deadlines for residents and businesses hit by April 2026 storms, tornadoes, and flooding.

Democratic Gubernatorial Race: Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez says she fired her campaign manager after “serious mismanagement” and inaccurate campaign finance filings, saying her campaign has “hundreds of thousands” less cash than expected and now has about $200,000 on hand while corrections are being coordinated with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission. Campaign Fallout: The dispute is already feeding ad wars in the Democratic primary, with opponents pressing the issue as potentially disqualifying while Rodriguez vows to stay in the race. Milwaukee Public Safety: Milwaukee police issued six fireworks citations from June 22 to July 5 and logged 228 fireworks complaints, noting fireworks are illegal citywide. Fraud & Asset Forfeiture: A Wausau man pleaded guilty to defrauding 190 investors out of $14.25 million; more than 600 seized items, including snowmobiles and race cars, are headed to online auction starting July 28. Elections & Voting Access: A federal judge rejected a Trump DOJ push for unredacted state voter registration lists, citing “factual deficiencies” and lack of statutory basis. Congressional Power Shift: Sen. Ron Johnson is preparing to take over Lindsey Graham’s Senate budget role after Graham’s death, signaling a fast move toward GOP reconciliation priorities. Local Governance & Housing: Milwaukee Common Council members back a highway-to-boulevard plan for I-794, while other aldermen oppose keeping the interstate elevated; meanwhile, Waterloo is set to see new apartment construction.

Democratic Gubernatorial Race: Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez fired her campaign manager over “serious mismanagement and inaccuracies” in campaign finance filings, and says the campaign will correct issues with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission as it pushes toward the Aug. 11 primary. Primary Politics: Rep. Gwen Moore said she isn’t ruling out endorsing in the Democratic governor primary, now framing it as a competitive three-person race among Mandela Barnes, Rodriguez, and Francesca Hong. Immigration & Enforcement: Milwaukee-area and statewide reporting continues to track ICE activity and legal fights over local authority, including DOJ actions tied to Milwaukee’s mask ban for federal agents. Election Administration: Wisconsin Elections Commission guidance and ongoing investigations keep attention on absentee ballot rules and election integrity, including scrutiny of polling location changes and local election procedures. Data Centers & Environment: Wisconsin regulators and lawsuits remain locked in over data center permitting and environmental review requirements, with groups challenging how approvals are handled. State Government & Policy: Wisconsin lawmakers and agencies are also moving on education and public policy priorities, including a new statewide math plan aimed at improving proficiency.

ICE & Immigration Enforcement: Protesters in Milwaukee rallied at Clarke Square Park after the Houston death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo during an ICE operation, with organizers calling for ICE reforms and an independent investigation. U.S. Senate Shockwave: Wisconsin politicians reacted to the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, including Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin, as the vacancy raises questions about who controls key Senate work. Dem Primary Watch: Northwoods Democrats held a Wisconsin governor forum in Lake Tomahawk with candidates Francesca Hong, Joel Brennan, and Kelda Roys focusing on school funding, data centers, and reproductive rights ahead of the Aug. 11 primary. Community Policing: Milwaukee’s Community Collaborative Commission discussed progress on a community policing plan, emphasizing broad representation and coordination with the Fire and Police Commission. Public Safety: Search crews are still looking for three missing boaters after a pontoon overturned on Lake Pepin near Deer Island YMCA Camp.

School Mental Health Fight: Fifteen Democratic-led states sued the Trump administration to block planned cuts to a $1 billion school-based mental health grant program, arguing the terminations would violate a prior court order and leave districts without funding for hiring and training counselors. Wisconsin Elections & Voting Rules: Wisconsin Elections Commission officials reiterated they say they’re not responsible for keeping noncitizens off voter rolls, even as DOJ warns election officials could face criminal prosecution for knowingly allowing noncitizens to remain. Data Center Backlash in Wisconsin: In Janesville, the city council will consider ballot language that could require voter approval for GM/JATCO-site megaprojects over $450 million, after petitioners gathered thousands of signatures; nearby, the Town of Janesville is also weighing a larger venue for public hearings as crowds grow. ICE Presence in Beloit: Beloit residents reported federal detentions tied to ICE, while local police said they weren’t asked to assist and had limited information about where detainees were taken. Local Community Response: Metcalfe Park residents marked a year since the grocery store closure with a “food justice” event highlighting community-built solutions like a fridge network and new local policies.