WISCONSIN – On Tuesday, Nov. 3, voters across Wisconsin and the country headed to the polls to vote in the General Election, deciding local, statewide and national races.
Nationally, Democrats regained control of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate for the first time since 2023, while in Wisconsin, Democrats won the governorship and majorities in both houses of the State Legislature, cementing the party’s first trifecta in 16 years.
At the local level, Republican candidates won races for the U.S. House of Representatives and the State Assembly, as well as a number of local offices.
Two of three referendum questions that appeared on Wisconsin ballots were approved, while voters in a pair of Lincoln County townships voted on local questions.
Preliminary results from the Lincoln County Clerk’s Office showed that 13,154 of the county’s 17,791 registered voters (73.94%) cast ballots this week.
Statewide races: Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer
In the race for Wisconsin Governor, Democratic candidate and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley defeated Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany.
Crowley defeated Tiffany by a roughly 54% to 46% margin to succeed current Democratic Governor Tony Evers, who did not seek a third term. Crowley will be the first Black governor in Wisconsin history.
Locally, about 60% of Lincoln County voters supported Tiffany, while roughly 40% of the vote went to Crowley, according to preliminary results.
Democratic incumbent Attorney General Josh Kaul was reelected over Republican challenger Eric Toney by an approximately 55% to 45% split.
In the race for Secretary of State, Democrat JoCasta Zamarripa bested Republican Jay Schroeder and Green Party candidate Pete Karas. Zamarripa garnered about 51% of the vote, while Schroeder and Karas earned about 45% and 4%, respectively.
Incumbent Republican Treasurer John S. Leiber was unseated by Democratic challenger Yee Leng Xiong by a roughly 52% to 48% split.
Majorities of Lincoln County voters backed the Republican candidates for Attorney General, Secretary of State and Treasurer, preliminary results showed.
Statewide referendum questions
Wisconsin voters supported two of three referendum questions that appeared on ballots across the state.
The first question approved by voters bars the governor from using a partial veto to create or raise taxes or fees. The measure was narrowly approved, with just over 50% of Badger State voters casting “yes” votes.
By a roughly 52% to 48% split, voters rejected the second referendum question, which aimed to prohibit ordering the closure of places of worship during declared emergencies.
The third question, which was approved by a roughly 56% to 44% margin, prohibits discrimination or preferential treatment based on race or sex.
Majorities of Lincoln County voters cast “yes” votes on each question.
U.S. House of Representatives
In the race to represent Wisconsin’s 7th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, Republican Michael Alfonso defeated Democrat Fred Clark by an approximately 56% to 44% margin. Alfonso will replace Republican Tom Tiffany, who unsuccessfully sought the governorship.
Alfonso received about 57% of the vote in Lincoln County, while roughly 43% of voters supported Clark.
State Assembly
In Wisconsin’s 35th State Assembly District, incumbent Republican Calvin Callahan bested Democratic challenger Elizabeth McCrank by a roughly 63% to 37% split.
In Lincoln County, roughly 59% of voters cast ballots for Callahan, while about 41% supported McCrank.
This week’s election marks the second time Callahan has defeated McCrank in the 35th Assembly District. Callahan has represented the district since 2020 and will serve his fourth term.
Lincoln County Sheriff, Coroner, Clerk of Circuit Court
After running for the office unopposed, Andy VanderWyst will be Lincoln County’s next Sheriff. VanderWyst will replace current Sheriff Ken Schneider, who is set to retire at the end of the year.
Lincoln County Coroner Valerie Caylor will serve another term after seeking reelection without a challenger.
In another uncontested race, Thomas Barker was unopposed in his bid to return to the Clerk of Circuit Court post.
All three candidates ran on the Republican ticket.
Town of Corning referendum
In the Town of Corning, voters rejected a referendum question asking if the town clerk should be appointed by the town board. The measure was oppose by about 52% of voters, according to preliminary results.
Town of Harrison referendum
Town of Harrison voters rejected a referendum question asking if the town board should adopt the Lincoln County Zoning Ordinance to govern land use and zoning development within the township. Preliminary results showed that about 56% of voters opposed the measure.
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