AGP Executive Report

Data Centers & Elections: Oracle voluntarily drops its Wisconsin challenge to the PSC over the Lighthouse Data Center campus, even as the broader fight over data centers keeps shaping the governor’s race and GOP messaging. Campaign Fallout: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley ekes out a Democratic primary win over far-left Rep. Francesca Hong, setting up a more “mainstream” fall matchup for Democrats. Voting Tech Glitch: Modem-based systems used to transmit unofficial results reportedly broke down in Green and Winnebago counties during the August primary, raising fresh questions about election-night operations. Legal & Civil Rights: The EEOC sues Kenosha Nissan for alleged retaliation against employees who reported racial harassment. Infrastructure: Gov. Evers announces $19.7M in CDBG Public Facilities awards for projects in 20 Wisconsin communities, while warning the federal program could be cut. Public Safety: A massive fire hits a West Allis construction site tied to the city’s future public works facility; no injuries reported. Local Governance: Oconomowoc denies a gas-station tenant’s request to sell beer and wine for on-premise consumption. Courts & Gambling: Prediction-market firm Novig sues AG Josh Kaul to block enforcement of Wisconsin’s gambling law.

Data Center Clash in Governor Race: Wisconsin’s next governor contest is getting louder over data centers, with Tom Tiffany pushing to end subsidies and block rate hikes while David Crowley argues for accountability and infrastructure “paying its own way,” as a Marquette poll finds nearly 75% of Wisconsinites say costs outweigh benefits. Election Integrity Fight: A federal appeals court upheld Wisconsin’s special exemption from parts of the National Voter Registration Act, keeping voter-roll access limits in place, while Law Forward and BLOC urge the Wisconsin Supreme Court to revisit a ruling that could restrict emergency extensions of polling hours. Fake Poll Fallout: A bogus “Median Strategies” poll that showed Francesca Hong with a huge lead was exposed as a “social experiment,” raising fresh concerns about how fraudulent polling can distort the public conversation. Milwaukee Schools Under Federal Review: The U.S. Department of Education is investigating Milwaukee Public Schools over whether race is used in student discipline decisions. Law Enforcement Tech Scrutiny: Kenosha County charged a former deputy for alleged misuse of Flock camera technology, and separate reports show other Wisconsin-area cases tied to similar concerns. Public Health Watch: Wisconsin’s measles outbreak continues to grow, with new cases reported as vaccine exemptions rise.

CDC “Zombie” Programs: A new CDC director inherits dozens of taxpayer-funded public health programs that are effectively dormant because staffing was cut or left on leave, raising questions about whether Congress’s money is actually reaching patients. Boundary Waters Mining Ban: Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order halting nonferrous mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, framing it as a final end to decades of legal and political fights. Data Center Backlash: Governors nationwide are tightening permitting and tax incentives for data centers as voters sour on power and water demands; Wisconsin’s governor race is increasingly shaped by competing “guardrails” plans. Governor Race Money & Medicaid: Wisconsin’s richest person maxed out a legal donation to Jim Croft, while healthcare advocates are pushing Tiffany’s record on Medicaid cuts as a central issue. Election Integrity & Polling Fraud: A polling firm shut down after admitting fabricated surveys were a “social experiment,” underscoring how fake numbers can spread into real campaigns. Milwaukee/State Courts: A judge withdrew a Milwaukee prosecutor funding order after signing the wrong document, and a lawsuit to remove a GOP state Senate candidate from the ballot is moving forward. Surveillance & Privacy: Flock Safety is tightening license-plate reader retention and sharing rules as cities and residents push back, including renewed public debate in Chetek. Criminal Justice: Wisconsin prisoners will make commutation cases before the advisory board, and Green Bay is adding safeguards after duplicate ballot errors. Public Safety: State Patrol’s Labor Day impaired-driving crackdown runs through Sept. 7.

Florida Politics: Democratic Socialist Rep. Angie Nixon won Florida’s Senate Democratic primary in an upset over Alexander Vindman, setting up a general-election matchup with GOP Sen. Ashley Moody. Wisconsin Elections & Governance: Wisconsin’s governor race remains dominated by data centers, with both candidates saying they want “guardrails” even as the debate turns into a campaign fight over local control and costs. State Policy—Data Centers: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order tightening data-center permitting and incentives, requiring standards on power costs, water use, community outreach, workforce, and transparency—an approach Wisconsin lawmakers and voters are watching closely. Energy Infrastructure: Southern Wisconsin landowners are raising concerns about the proposed BECI 765-kV transmission line after learning their properties may be in study areas, with worries about property, agriculture, and long-term farm impacts. Local Government: Superior City Council advanced a resolution toward a potential April referendum on taking over water utilities, including bond-financing questions tied to future water rates. Criminal Justice: Wisconsin’s commutation advisory board will hold its first public hearing Friday in Madison, reviewing 12 cases out of more than 800 applicants. State Legislature Watch: The Wisconsin Senate and Assembly advanced a steady mix of bills, including long-term care insurance tax credit funding, patient-representative hospital admissions, and Medicaid prerelease health care for incarcerated people.

Governor Race Poll Fallout: A Wisconsin-linked polling firm, Median Strategies, says its “polls” were a fake “social experiment,” after claiming Francesca Hong led David Crowley by more than 20 points before Hong lost by under 1%—and the company has shut down and deleted posts. Data Centers & Campaign Messaging: As the general election ramps up, both Crowley and Tom Tiffany are pushing “guardrails” rather than a moratorium, after Hong made a one-year pause a central issue; the data center fight is now a top voter concern. Public Safety: The DNR reports Wisconsin’s 2026 ATV/UTV deaths skew older and often involve riders without helmets or seatbelts, with alcohol frequently cited—prompting calls for broader safety-course participation. Criminal Justice: Wisconsin’s Commutation Advisory Board will hold a public, virtual clemency hearing Friday for a dozen incarcerated people seeking sentence reductions. Reproductive Rights: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin endorsed a statewide slate including Crowley and other statewide candidates, framing the election as a fight to protect reproductive freedom. Statehouse Health/Policy: Lawmakers advanced multiple bills, including changes to FoodShare data reporting to the USDA and a stillbirth tax credit proposal.

Milwaukee Governance: Metcalfe Park is one step closer to a new Neighborhood Improvement District after the City Plan Commission unanimously approved Neighborhood Improvement District No. 13; it now heads to the Community and Economic Development Committee and the Common Council, with the first board election expected in September. MMSD Contract Fight: The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s ad hoc panel recommended Jacobs Solutions over Veolia for the next 10-year, $700 million wastewater operator contract, citing a lower bid and Jacobs’ approach; the decision is set to begin in 2028. State Senate Ballot Challenge: A lawsuit backed by State Senate Democrats argues Eau Claire County supervisor Michele Magadance Skinner is ineligible because she allegedly isn’t a Wisconsin resident, putting a competitive 31st District seat in play. FoodShare, Data, and Privacy: The Assembly advanced FoodShare-related measures, including AB1027 requiring DHS to compile and share FoodShare data with the USDA and AB180 directing DHS to seek a waiver to block candy and soft drinks purchases. Internet and Youth Protections: AB962 and AB963 would tighten app-store and large social media rules for minors via age verification and parental consent, while AB957 boosts DOJ funding for Internet crimes against children. Public Safety: The Wisconsin State Fair’s final night saw multiple fights, with seven arrests and reports an officer was hit. Local Quality of Life: A Pleasant Prairie resident is pushing changes to rules that restrict where boats and RVs can be parked after receiving a $701 citation.

Governor’s Race: David Crowley drew Democratic heavyweights to a Madison rally, pitching himself as the “Wisconsin solutions” alternative to Tom Tiffany’s Trump alignment. Ballot Fight: Wisconsin State Senate Democrats sued to kick a GOP candidate off the ballot over residency claims tied to alleged Georgia voting and Wisconsin tax filings. Milwaukee County Courts: A Milwaukee County circuit court administrator was charged with felony drug trafficking after police said fentanyl and cocaine were found at her home; she’s been suspended. Education Funding Lawsuit: A judge sided with the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, ending Milwaukee County’s “carve out” that withheld money from the Common School Fund. Public Safety/Health Policy: Lawmakers advanced bills ranging from Internet crimes against children funding to tighter app age-verification rules for minors, while another measure targets FoodShare purchases of candy and soft drinks. Tribal Sovereignty: Lac du Flambeau’s federal fight over fishing access for non-members continues as the state challenges the tribe’s restrictions. Tech & Economy: Oracle dropped its Wisconsin lawsuit over data-center financial requirements, and a UW study found Wisconsin hospital prices about 26% higher than Illinois.

Governor’s Race: David Crowley pulled off a comeback to win the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin governor, setting up a fall matchup with Republican Tom Tiffany. Election Administration: Milwaukee’s late-night ballot counting delays are back in the spotlight after another snag at the Central Count, with officials saying the issue didn’t change results. Public Safety & Justice: The DOJ released the name of the Madison officer involved in the fatal shooting of Corey Ruiz; Ruiz’s funeral drew national civil rights figures including Ben Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton. Prediction Markets: Novig sued Wisconsin’s attorney general over whether sports prediction markets should be treated as federal derivatives or state gambling, as Wisconsin’s broader crackdown on similar platforms continues. Energy & Property Rights: Landowners and a Driftless-region coalition are fighting a proposed 765-kilovolt powerline, arguing impacts to land, livestock, and health, while the project heads toward state approval. Legislative Watch: Lawmakers advanced a mix of PFAS enforcement exemptions, virtual currency kiosk rules, FoodShare restrictions, and tax credits (including overtime and military pay), alongside a push for warning labels on explicit content. Politics & Culture: Coverage also highlighted the national debate over far-left politics after Wisconsin’s Democratic primary and the role of high-profile online figures.

Gubernatorial race polling: A Badger Battleground Poll shows Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley leading Rep. Tom Tiffany 48%-44% statewide among likely voters, with Wisconsin voters split on whether the state is headed in the right direction. Dem primary analysis: Marquette Law School Poll director Charles Franklin says Crowley’s upset over Francesca Hong hinged on a large undecided bloc that shifted late. FoodShare data and benefits limits: Rep. Jill Billings voted No on AB1027, which would require DHS to compile and send FoodShare data to the USDA; Sen. LaTonya Johnson voted No on AB180, which seeks a waiver to bar FoodShare purchases of candy and soft drinks. PFAS and environment: AB130 and AB131 advanced, including PFAS enforcement exemptions and new DNR grant programs, while lawmakers also moved PFAS-related updates tied to DNR requirements. Tech and minors: AB963 would require large social media platforms to get parental consent and tighten addictive features for minors; AB962 would do similar for app stores, with some Democrats voting No. Public safety: Portage County is ramping up OWI patrols and a Shell Lake man was arrested on a fifth OWI after a traffic stop. Local government finance: Several bills advanced on tax incremental districts, including changes affecting the Town of Three Lakes and residential TIDs, plus levy-limit adjustments for Dane County communities.

Midterms Messaging: House GOP leader Mike Johnson launched a “Contrast for America” website arguing young voters weren’t taught the “truth” about socialism and communism, as he heads into the 2026 midterm push. Attorney General Race: Republican Eric Toney campaigned in Eau Claire for Wisconsin AG, stressing public safety and faster turnaround at state crime labs. Dem Turnout Surge: An AP report says Wisconsin Democrats cast nearly 800,000 ballots in the primary—highest midterm total in 20+ years—fueling optimism for November. Governor General-Election Stakes: Crowley’s comeback after the Democratic primary is driving a new phase of campaigning, including attacks and messaging over data centers and energy. Legislative Action (Bills): The Senate advanced AB913 (tax subtraction for National Guard/reserve pay) and AB957 (more funding for Internet crimes against children enforcement); the Assembly advanced AB961 (explicit content warning labels) and AB131 (PFAS programs). Public Safety: DNR says helmet and seatbelt nonuse are leading causes in Wisconsin’s deadly ATV/UTV crashes, with the state leading the nation in fatalities. Economy/Taxes: Wisconsin collected $2.9B in selective sales and gross receipts taxes in 2024, per Census data. Energy Prices: Milwaukee County’s lowest midgrade price hit $3.85/gal, while E85 lows reached $2.49/gal.

Sports Betting on Tribal Lands: Sen. Mark Spreitzer backed AB601, which tweaks Wisconsin’s definition of “bet” so certain event and sports wagers can be placed from in-state using mobile/electronic devices when the wager server is on federally recognized tribal lands under an existing gaming compact. Local Tax Limits: Rep. Clint P. Moses voted for SB439, adjusting the 2026 levy increase limit for the village of Oregon and the towns of Oregon and Rutland in Dane County. Aviation Biofuels: Sen. Rob Hutton supported AB619, creating a Wisconsin aviation biofuel manufacturing framework with tax credits and a state-backed grant structure. Workforce Housing: Sen. Jamie Wall backed AB454, setting up a WHEDA workforce home loan program with no-interest gap financing for eligible buyers. PFAS Policy: AB131 passed the Assembly with broad support, directing DNR grant programs for PFAS testing/mitigation and limiting enforcement unless contamination exceeds standards; separate PFAS enforcement-exemption bills (AB130) also advanced. FoodShare Data and Purchases: AB1027 would require DHS to compile and send FoodShare data to USDA; AB180 would push DHS to seek a waiver to block FoodShare candy and soft drinks. Tech and Kids: AB962 would require parental consent for minors’ app store downloads and purchases; AB963 would regulate social media features and require parental consent and higher privacy defaults for minors. Public Safety and Health: AB968 cleared to regulate virtual currency kiosks with licensing and consumer protections; AB604 advances prerelease Medicaid health care for incarcerated people.

Democratic Party Aftershocks: Wisconsin’s Democratic governor primary still reverberates after David Crowley’s narrow win over Francesca Hong, with analysis pointing to how campaigns and voter splits beat the polls. General-Election Sprint: Crowley and Rebecca Cooke are hitting a statewide unity tour after primary wins, while both frame the November matchup around affordability, healthcare, and corruption. Supreme Court Shakeup: Judge Chris Taylor was sworn in to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, extending Democrats’ recent run and shifting the court to a 5-2 Democratic majority. Milwaukee Tech & Privacy: Milwaukee police oversight of Flock Safety car-tracking cameras remains under scrutiny as the company rolls out new safeguards. Public Safety & Crime: A Milwaukee County Clerk of Circuit Courts staffer was suspended after an arrest tied to a drug search at a home. Health Watch: Wisconsin confirmed a measles outbreak tied to Iowa County, with officials warning it may spread. Policy in Schools: Wisconsin’s new cellphone limits in schools take effect as districts prepare for the new school year. Transportation Rules: A Madison-area report breaks down Wisconsin’s legal categories for e-bikes versus higher-speed e-motos. Gun Rights Campaigning: Rep. Derrick Van Orden is campaigning on gun rights ahead of the general election, targeting Cooke’s past positions. State Legal Fight: Wisconsin DOJ joined lawsuits blocking federal demands for sensitive CDL driver data.

Milwaukee Election Error: A Milwaukee election worker pressed the wrong button while downloading absentee results, sending five of nine flash drives with audit logs instead of vote tallies and delaying primary results until early Aug. 12; officials say the reported votes were accurate and no discipline is planned. Governor Race Ad War: After David Crowley’s Democratic primary upset, both sides launched seven-figure statewide ad blitzes—Tiffany’s campaign attacking Crowley as a “failed executive,” while the DGA counters with “PANDERING POLITICIAN.” Lake Michigan Access Fight: A Milwaukee County judge heard arguments in an appeal that could clarify whether the public can walk between the water’s edge and the ordinary high-water mark at Atwater Beach. Data Centers & Privacy: Flock Safety rolled out new safeguards for its AI license-plate reader network amid privacy backlash and misuse allegations. Legislative Action (PFAS/FoodShare/Tech): PFAS spill enforcement exemptions advanced; a FoodShare change would push DHS to seek a waiver to bar candy and soft drinks; and app-store age-verification rules for minors faced opposition. Housing & Courts: A bill adjusts low-income housing tax credit rules toward rural projects, while Wisconsin courts continue weighing election and shoreline access questions.

Wisconsin Elections & Trust: Milwaukee’s Democratic gubernatorial primary results were delayed after “human error” left 5 of 9 USB drives without absentee results, reigniting scrutiny of election administration as David Crowley edged Francesca Hong by a razor-thin margin. Democratic Party Power Shift: Crowley’s comeback win is framed as a blow to the progressive wing and a test of whether establishment messaging can unify Democrats for the November matchup with Tom Tiffany. Prediction Markets Backlash: The upset also rattled Polymarket and Kalshi, which had priced Hong as a heavy favorite—Kalshi’s team argued the odds still allowed for a long-shot loss. Local Governance & Public Safety: La Crosse County DA Tim Gruenke is investigating election bribery complaints involving Elon Musk tied to Wisconsin’s 2025 Supreme Court race. Sports Betting Policy: Multiple lawmakers backed AB601, updating Wisconsin’s sports wagering rules by excluding certain wagers from the definition of “bet” under specific conditions. Health: Wisconsin DHS reports a growing measles outbreak in the southwest, with 15 confirmed cases and more probable cases, largely among unvaccinated residents. Community & Culture: Dunkin’ hosted its 13th annual “Cop on a Rooftop” fundraiser for Special Olympics Wisconsin, and Topgolf opened its first Wisconsin location in Monona.

Democratic primary fallout: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley won the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin governor over Francesca Hong by just over 3,000 votes, setting up a November matchup with GOP Rep. Tom Tiffany and forcing Crowley to quickly unify the party after a polling-shattering, election-night delay controversy. Campaign momentum: Crowley announced raising more than $1.5 million in his first 24 hours as nominee, while both campaigns hit the trail immediately on a “unity” message. Election administration: Milwaukee election officials said five of nine USB drives delivered on election night had the wrong files, delaying absentee ballot results and reigniting questions about process and trust. Legislative action (PFAS & environment): The Assembly advanced multiple PFAS-related bills, including AB131 (grants and requirements) and AB130/AB130-style enforcement exemptions, as lawmakers also moved PFAS warning and remediation policy. Public safety & health policy: The Senate advanced AB604 to seek a Medicaid waiver for prerelease health care for incarcerated people, and SB181 to create a levy limit exemption for regional EMS systems. Local government finance: Lawmakers approved changes to residential tax incremental districts (SB480) and Dane County levy limits (SB439). Tech and consumer rules: The Senate advanced AB968 to regulate virtual currency kiosks with licensing and consumer protections, while the Assembly rejected AB962 on parental consent for app store use by minors. Criminal justice & schools: AB1004 passed to restrict school agreements that suppress reporting of alleged immoral conduct by employees. Traffic enforcement: Oconomowoc police, with state and county partners, ran a Highway 67 detail targeting aggressive driving and red-light violations.

Milwaukee Election Administration: The Milwaukee Election Commission says its Aug. 11 results delay was caused by staff mistakenly downloading audit logs instead of election results from five tabulators onto five USB drives, then retrieving the correct files; MEC stresses no votes changed and no recount is needed. Democratic Governor Race: David Crowley won the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin governor over Francesca Hong by a razor-thin margin (about 0.4–0.5 points), after Hong’s double-digit polling lead collapsed; Democrats are now pushing unity as Crowley faces GOP nominee Tom Tiffany in November. Polling Backlash: Multiple outlets and experts point to why polls missed—especially the role of large undecided blocs and late campaign shifts—turning the primary into a stress test for how Wisconsin Democrats are measuring support. Policy Focus—AI Data Centers: Crowley laid out a plan to push the Legislature toward protections for water, land, and power impacts from AI data centers, including calling for a special session/extraordinary session. Local Election Glitches: Green County reported late posting of results after a technical issue accessing files from 16 municipalities, again saying election security and vote totals were not affected. Primary Politics—Unity vs. Ideology: Hong publicly backed Crowley after losing, while strategists and party leaders argue the party must close ranks quickly for the general election.