MILWAUKEE — Joel Brennan, President of the Greater Milwaukee Committee and a longtime figure in Wisconsin’s public, nonprofit, and business sectors, is running for governor of the state of Wisconsin in 2026.
Brennan, 55, enters the race with more than two decades of experience working across government and civic institutions. He previously served as the top cabinet official for Governor Tony Evers, who appointed him Secretary of the Department of Administration in 2018. The role made Brennan one of the administration’s key advisers during Evers’ early tenure, including on budget, operations, and statewide policy coordination.
Before joining state government, Brennan spent more than a decade as Executive Director of Discovery World, Wisconsin’s largest science and technology museum. Under his leadership, the institution expanded programming and educational outreach, providing opportunities for thousands of students to engage in STEM learning.
In his current role as the President of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, Brennan works with business leaders, nonprofits, and civic partners on regional economic development, talent recruitment, and public-sector collaboration.
In a statement announcing his candidacy, Brennan said Wisconsin needs “practical leadership focused on solving problems and expanding opportunities,” emphasizing workforce development, educational access, and economic competitiveness as central themes of his campaign.
In announcing his candidacy, Brennan becomes the ninth democrat in search of voter support in Wisconsin. Notable declared candidates include former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, State Representative Francesca Hong, former Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation CEO Missy Hughes, former state representative Brett Hulsey, current Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, college student Zachary Roper, and State Senator Kelda Roy
Just three names are currently in the mix on the republican side: Washington County Executive, Josh Schoemann, U.S. Representative, Tom Tiffany and 26-year-old medical service technician, Andy Manske.
