Here & Now

As to the state House, Republicans have controlled both chambers of the Wisconsin legislature for word on everyone's minds for this election season is flip.

The Assembly is safer for Republicans, but the state Senate is on a razor thin edge, with both sides only needing to win two of the four toss up seats to take control of the chamber.

Here and now, reporter Elijah Pines has the story.

Thank you all for coming out today.

In a small gathering room next door to a cafe, a few dozen Iowa County Democrats chat and get merch from candidates for the state legislature.

It's not an unusual campaign stop for anyone running for the Assembly or Senate, but unlike most of the 100 plus elections happening all across the state, this Senate seat has millions of dollars behind it.

Because this race, this candidate and this butter are key in determining which party controls the state legislature and what laws Wisconsin will pass.

My opening question to people is not Will you vote for me?

It's what would you like to see the state working on?

Because that is way more important to me than any anything else.

Jenna Jacobson is currently a Democrat in the Assembly.

Her campaign to be the next senator for southwestern Wisconsin is expected to be one of the closest races in the state, with Republicans controlling both chambers of the legislature.

Wisconsin Dems are pulling out all the stops for races like this, one that includes more than $1 million from the party and visits from national figures like U.S.

Senator Tammy Baldwin.

You have particular power right here, because these could be the key seats that end up winning the state assembly and winning the Senate.

What it means to have a Democratic majority in the Assembly and the Senate.

People are going to be more engaged and more excited about the possibilities to get meaningful change done in this state.

And that's just going to keep building.

Senate district 17 is one of four battleground races identified by the Marquette Law School.

The others include districts five, 21 and 31.

This is the first time odd numbered Senate districts are up for election since maps were redrawn in 2024, when the other half of the Senate was elected.

Two years ago, Republicans were able to hold a slim 18 to 15 seat majority.

It's more likely to flip control than the lower house, but the assembly districts inside Senate 17 have their own dramas.

Jacobson is giving up her incumbency in Assembly District 50, Assembly 51 is thought of by political experts as a toss up between longtime incumbent Republican Todd Novak and Democratic challenger Ben Gruber.

UW-Madison political science professor Barry Burden shares his analysis on the possibility of a flip of control.

Not an easy task.

And there are incumbents in the way who are popular, who have separate kind of brand loyalties or identities for voters.

But if it follows what the presidential vote looked like and leans any more Democratic than it did in 2024, Democrats are maybe advantaged.

Even with the win on Democrats backs, Republicans are putting up a fight.

Jacobson is going against incumbent Republican Senator Howard Marklein.

He's held district 17 for over a decade, even in elections where Democrats have won the top of the ticket.

He did not respond to our requests for an interview, but he responded to Wp's 2026 voter guide, saying we have cut taxes by more than $42 billion, saving the average taxpayer thousands of dollars.

We have made investments in the health care system to keep local hospitals and clinics open and increase access to care.

We have made great progress, but there is still more to do to address the rising cost of living and affordability of everyday essentials.

We must continue to cut taxes, build affordable housing and reduce the cost of health care.

Even with headwinds, Republicans in the Senate are standing firm against the commotion.

Senator Patrick Testin is not up for reelection, but as president pro tempore of the Senate, he's a leader in maintaining a Republican majority.

state and local issues, which is why our candidates have been laser focused since day one of doing everything that they can to create that insulation for any potential national headwinds.

Republicans are dropping their own big checks.

The committee to elect a Republican Senate has raised more money this year than ever, and more than $7 million.

what's at stake.

We were very fortunate, unlike four years ago, when we had a very heated primary for governor here in the state of Wisconsin.

The large, Republicans coalesced around Congressman Tom Tiffany.

And I'm hopeful that Tom is going to be our next governor.

There's some exceptional forces against Republicans this year, but even for local elections, midterms are just as bearish as ever.

Doesn't guarantee that Democrats win it all.

But Republicans, I think, will have to be thankful if they're able to hold on to one or both chambers.

Reporting from Madison.

I'm Elijah Pines for "Here& Now".

A triumphant city of Milwaukee poured into the