Retirement security issues of all kinds remain a major concern for Wisconsin voters. Protect Our Wisconsin Retirement Security (POWRS) conducted a survey of the seven major candidates for governor in March. The candidates were Mandela Barnes, Joel Brennan, David Crowley, Francesa Hong, Missy Hughes, Sara Rodriguez, and Kelda Roys. Joel Brennan was the only candidate who chose not to respond to the survey.
The purpose of this effort was to provide voters, whether retired or not, with helpful information on how the candidates compared on defined benefit pensions, income assistance options, improved health care options for seniors and families, including recent Assembly bills on health care-related improvements, and any issues of their choice.
Their responses show a serious concern for the needs of seniors and families and many of them cited specific proposals or plans built around their value systems. This survey made clear that any of them would bring great energy and focus to the need to improve retirement security permanently as compared to the Republican contender for governor.
In partnership with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Wisconsin, POWRS, and the AFT-Wisconsin Retiree Chapter are making this survey available to all unions and organizations concerned about retirement security. A copy of the survey responses can be accessed through the link below.
We encourage you to review those answers of interest and then to go to the candidate’s website to learn more about their proposed plans and concerns as governor. Most of all, please don’t forget to vote on August 11th and remind your family and friends about the importance of this summer’s vote. Early voting begins on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 and ends on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
List of candidate websites.
Mandela Barnes for Wisconsin Governor
Francesca Hong For Governor | We Make Better Possible
Sara Rodriguez for Governor | Wisconsin
Missy Hughes for Governor | A Stronger Wisconsin for All
Joel Brennan for Governor of Wisconsin | Brennan for Wisconsin