Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez won a WisPolitics straw poll of Democratic activists Saturday for Wisconsin’s 2026 gubernatorial contest, edging rival Rep. Francesca Hong.
The informal ballot at the party convention in Madison signals organizing strength but does not bind primary voters statewide.
Rodriguez emphasized health care access and public education funding in her pitch to delegates.
Hong supporters said the close margin shows either candidate could energize Milwaukee and Madison turnout bases.
Republicans meanwhile consolidated behind Rep. Tom Tiffany, who did not participate in the straw vote.
Consultants treat straw polls as early temperature checks months before August nominating contests.
Rodriguez volunteers fanned out across Dane County after the vote to collect emails for a statewide listening tour scheduled to begin June 21.
Republican strategists said Tiffany’s absence from Madison left Democrats free to define him before summer advertising buys hit airwaves.
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Rodriguez wins WisPolitics straw poll for governor, with Hong close behind