The field of candidates for Wisconsin governor grew to nine with the addition of Missy Hughes, a Democrat who led the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation under Gov. Tony Evers’ administration.
Hughes joins six other Democrats in an already crowded primary: Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, beer vendor Ryan Strnad, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys, state Rep. Francesca Hong and former state Rep. Brett Hulsey.
In a statement launching her campaign, Hughes framed herself as “not a politician, and that’s the point.”
“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,” Hughes said.
Here’s what to know about Hughes, the latest Democrat to launch a campaign for governor:
What is Missy Hughes’ political experience, and what is the WEDC?
As secretary and CEO, Hughes led the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for six years. The WEDC is the state agency responsible for creating jobs and attracting businesses to Wisconsin through grants, tax credits, loans and more. She stepped down from the post earlier this month ahead of her campaign launch.
The agency recently reached a deal with Eli Lilly to create 560 jobs in Kenosha County in exchange for up to $18 million in tax credits. Hughes also oversaw the renegotiation of the failed multibillion-dollar deal with Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn under the Walker administration.
Evers appointed Hughes to the position in 2019. She’s the first woman to lead the agency, which was created in 2011 to replace the former state Department of Commerce.
What did Missy Hughes do before politics?
Since 2003, Hughes was the chief mission officer and general counsel for Organic Valley, a billion-dollar dairy cooperative. In her campaign announcement, she touted keeping 1,600 family farmers on their land.
Hughes was previously an associate attorney at Holland & Hart, a legal firm. Hughes was also a president and vice president of the Organic Trade Association and served on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture.
Missy Hughes, the former head of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., is a Democratic candidate for governor.
What is Missy Hughes’ platform?
Hughes said she wants to build a “Main Street Economy” that ensures higher wages for Wisconsin workers and affordable and accessible child care and health care. She also wants the state to support building more housing.
Another priority on her list is investing in K-12 schools, technical colleges and universities and preparing students for college or career training.
Hughes also told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel she would “protect folks’ rights to choose over what they do with their body, over who they love, over how they vote.”
How old is Missy Hughes?
Hughes is 57.
What is Missy Hughes’ full name?
Hughes’ full first name is Melissa.
Who is in Missy Hughes’ family?
Hughes has three children. Her husband is named Tripp.
Where did Missy Hughes go to college?
Hughes received her bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Georgetown University and a J.D. from the University of Wyoming College of Law, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Where is Missy Hughes from?
Hughes lives near Viroqua in the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin. Her family has a farm with two donkeys and a flock of 70 sheep, according to her campaign.
Gov. Tony Evers shakes hands with Gavin Hattersley, CEO of Molson Coors, as Missy Hughes, chief executive officer of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., second left, and Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan, right, look on.
What has Missy Hughes said about President Trump?
Hughes alludes to President Donald Trump in her first campaign ad without mentioning him by name.
“I’m not going to go looking for a fight, but I’ll stand up to anyone, from the White House to Wall Street, who comes after your rights or tries to make your life harder,” Hughes says in her campaign launch video.
In an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Hughes said tariffs implemented by the Trump administration have created unpredictability for Wisconsin businesses.
More: Who’s running for Wisconsin governor? These candidates have launched campaigns
When are Wisconsin’s next elections?
Mark your calendars for Feb. 17, April 7, Aug. 11 and Nov. 3, 2026 — elections are scheduled for each of those Tuesdays across Wisconsin. You can view a list of important dates on the Wisconsin Election Commission’s website.
Spring elections are for nonpartisan offices, and fall elections are for partisan ones. The August primary will include the Republican and Democratic fields for governor, and the final candidates will move onto the general election.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Who is Missy Hughes, Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor?
