Missy Hughes, who previously served as head of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation under Democratic Governor Tony Evers, has officially entered the race for Wisconsin governor. An attorney by training, Hughes announced her candidacy on Monday, positioning herself as a non-traditional candidate committed to fostering inclusive economic growth and rejecting what she described as “divisive politics.”
Hughes, who stepped down from her role on September 19, brings extensive experience in both public and private sectors. Before leading the state’s economic development efforts for six years, she spent 17 years at Organic Valley, a dairy cooperative with more than 1,600 member farms across 34 states and over 900 employees.
She joins a competitive Democratic primary field that includes Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, State Senator Kelda Roys, and State Representative Francesca Hong. On the Republican side, two major candidates have already declared. The primary election is scheduled for less than 11 months from now, in a state considered a key battleground in national politics.
Governor Evers, who is not seeking a third term, has not endorsed any candidate. Hughes has outlined a platform focused on raising wages, strengthening public education, expanding access to affordable child care and health care, and addressing housing affordability across all 72 counties of Wisconsin.
“I’m not a politician, and that’s the point,” Hughes stated in her announcement. “To create a prosperous economy for the future in all 72 counties, we need a leader who knows what it takes to create jobs, support workers, and attract businesses – and who rejects divisive politics that leaves so many behind.”
Other potential Democratic contenders include Attorney General Josh Kaul and former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, both of whom are considering entering the race.
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Former Wisconsin Democratic economic development head joins governor’s race
MADISON, Wis. — The former state economic development director for Wisconsin, who previously worked as an executive at a dairy cooperative, announced Monday that she is running for governor as a Democrat, promising to reject “divisive politics.” n nMissy Hughes joins an already crowded field of Democrats for the open seat in the battleground state. The primary is just under 11 months away. There are two prominent announced Republican candidates. n nHughes, an attorney, is pitching herself as “not a politician,” even though she spent the past six years leading the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation as part of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers administration. She quit that job on Sept. 19. n nEvers is not seeking a third term and has not endorsed anyone in the governor’s race. n nPrior to taking on the state economic development job, Hughes worked for 17 years at Organic Valley, a dairy cooperative that began in 1988 and consists of more than 1,600 family farms in 34 states and over 900 employees. n nHughes said as governor she will push for higher wages, improving public schools, affordable and accessible child care and health care and affordable housing. n n“I’m not a politician, and that’s the point,” Hughes said in a statement. “To create a prosperous economy for the future in all 72 counties, we need a leader who knows what it takes to create jobs, support workers, and attract businesses – and who rejects divisive politics that leaves so many behind.” n nOther Democrats in the race include Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez; Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley; state Sen. Kelda Roys; and state Rep. Francesca Hong. Others considering getting in include Attorney General Josh Kaul and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes.