The upcoming race for control of the state Legislature could be a big one.
The deadline to file a candidacy for the State Assembly or Senate is at the end of the day, and Mike McCabe with the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign says it already shaping up to be a crowded field. He says there are more people already running for the Legislature than there have been in the last decade.
McCabe says there are two main factors why so many candidates want to be on the ballot this fall. The first is that both chambers are controlled with just small majorities, and could be seen as "up for grabs." He also believes both parties are gearing up for the fight over redistricting, which will happen after the next U.S. Census.
McCabe says having one political party in control of both chambers when the district lines are redrawn can have a big impact on what direction the Legislature moves in over the next decade. If a party gets to draw the lines, it makes it easier for them to maintain control and keep their lawmakers in office.
McCabe expects the campaigns this fall to be costly, as candidates continue a fundraising arms race.
Several of the races we'll see this fall will be for open seats. However, McCabe says it's good to see so many incumbents facing challengers this fall.
