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Olivia Hwang 2/20/26 Olivia Hwang 2/20/26

Brennan Campaign Names Former State Party Executive Director Sarah Abel as Campaign Manager

Milwaukee, Wis. — Joel Brennan’s campaign for governor today announced that Sarah Abel, former Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, will serve as Campaign Manager, further strengthening a campaign competing across Wisconsin.

“Sarah understands Wisconsin and what it takes to win here,” Brennan said. “I’m grateful she’s stepping in to lead this effort. People across our state want a governor who will put their needs first, tackle affordability, and fight for our democracy. Together, we’ll take that case directly to voters across Wisconsin.”

Abel is an experienced political strategist and campaign professional with deep roots in Wisconsin. A sixth-generation Wisconsinite, she has worked on competitive races across the country, including U.S. Senate campaigns in Arizona, Nevada, and Wisconsin, and previously served as communications director for multiple members of Congress in Washington, D.C.

In 2020, Abel served as Campaign Manager for Congressman Ron Kind’s re-election, successfully defending a district Trump carried by five percentage points — one of only seven Democrats nationwide to win re-election in a Trump district that cycle. She later served as Senate Communications Director at American Bridge 21st Century and most recently as Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, where she oversaw the state party’s strategy, operations, and outreach.

Abel said she is ready to build a campaign focused on Wisconsin workers and families.

"Joel Brennan stands out because this isn't about him — it's about delivering for Wisconsin families. He's made government work before, and that's exactly what this campaign is about. I'm proud to be part of it.”

About Joel Brennan
Joel Brennan is a Democratic candidate for Governor of Wisconsin in the 2026 election. As Wisconsin’s former top appointed cabinet official and a leader in Milwaukee’s business and nonprofit community, he has spent his career in public service working with government, community leaders, and businesses to strengthen communities, uphold democratic values, and ensure government works for the people it serves. Brennan is running for governor to provide accountable leadership and to ensure Wisconsin families have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. For more information, visit www.BrennanforWI.com.

Olivia Hwang 2/10/26 Olivia Hwang 2/10/26

The Cap Times: Brennan's Got a Good Plan for Defending Democracy

“It is good to see that Joel Brennan, a late starter in the race, has a sound [plan] for defending democracy at a point when Donald Trump’s authoritarian overreach demands smart and effective responses.”

“The prospect that Trump will target Wisconsin with his election “nationalization” scheme has to be treated seriously. Give Joel Brennan credit for doing just that.”

Milwaukee, Wis. — A new column from The Capital Times applauds Joel Brennan’s Plan to Defend Our Democracy against President Donald Trump’s calls to “nationalize” elections and allow the federal government to take control of voting – a move that would undermine the Constitution and override states’ authority.

In the piece, Associate Editor John Nichols reviews the plan - reported on here by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - and credits Joel, a Democratic candidate for Governor, for taking Trump’s threat seriously and offering “a sound” plan to protect Wisconsinites.

Learn more about Joel’s plan here and read highlights from The Capital Times column below.

Opinion | Joel Brennan's got a good plan for defending democracy

John Nichols

We have reached the point in the race for the 2026 Democratic gubernatorial nomination where candidates should get beyond introductions and start sharing detailed plans for addressing the issues facing Wisconsin.
So it is good to see that Joel Brennan, a late starter in the race, has a sound one for defending democracy at a point when Donald Trump’s authoritarian overreach demands smart and effective responses.
Brennan recognizes what’s at stake. Trump regularly objects to legitimate election results, attacks state officials who don’t report results that are to his liking and seeks to upend safe and reliable practices for organizing elections.
Brennan is taking no chances.
“We will not let Donald Trump undermine our right to free and fair elections,” says Brennan, who served as Department of Administration (DOA) secretary under Gov. Tony Evers from 2019 to 2021, and more recently was president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee (GMC). “As governor, I will protect election workers, defend voter access, and make sure Wisconsin voters — not Washington politicians — decide the outcome of our elections.”
Brennan’s strategy for protecting Wisconsin’s election system emphasizes:
- Protecting election workers and officials from threats, harassment and intimidation by directing state resources to keep them safe.
- Defending early and absentee voting, including allowing clerks to securely process mail-in and early ballots before Election Day to speed counting and improve transparency.
- Countering election misinformation by elevating facts and trusted election officials when false claims threaten public confidence.
- Defending Wisconsin’s authority over elections, including deploying state law enforcement resources — and, if necessary, the Wisconsin National Guard — to safeguard election workers, polling places and election infrastructure.
- Expanding voter participation for all eligible Wisconsinites to make democracy work better for everyone, not to benefit any political party.
Proposing to call out the National Guard and state law enforcement officers, if necessary, to make sure that no one messes with Wisconsin elections is a bold stance.
The prospect that Trump will target Wisconsin with his election “nationalization” scheme has to be treated seriously. Give Joel Brennan credit for doing just that.

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Olivia Hwang 2/5/26 Olivia Hwang 2/5/26

Joel Brennan Details Plan to Defend Our Democracy from Trump’s Push for Federal Control

“We will not let Donald Trump undermine our right to free and fair elections,” Brennan said. “As governor, I will protect election workers, defend voter access, and make sure Wisconsin voters — not Washington politicians — decide the outcome of our elections.”

Milwaukee, Wis. — Democratic candidate for governor Joel Brennan today outlined a comprehensive Plan to Defend Our Democracy to safeguard Wisconsin’s elections in response to President Donald Trump’s call to “nationalize” elections and allow the federal government to take control of voting in certain states — a move that would undermine the Constitution and override states’ authority.

The decisive steps Brennan will take to protect Wisconsin’s election system include:

Protecting election workers and officials from threats, harassment, and intimidation by directing state resources to keep them safe.
Defending early and absentee voting, including allowing clerks to securely process mail-in and early ballots before Election Day to speed counting and improve transparency.
Countering election misinformation by elevating facts and trusted election officials when false claims threaten public confidence.
Defending Wisconsin’s authority over elections, including deploying state law enforcement resources — and, if necessary, the Wisconsin National Guard — to safeguard election workers, polling places, and election infrastructure.
Expanding voter participation for all eligible Wisconsinites to make democracy work better for everyone, not to benefit any political party.

During his tenure as president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, Brennan convened business and civic leaders to publicly affirm the integrity of Wisconsin elections and counter misinformation with facts.

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Olivia Hwang 2/3/26 Olivia Hwang 2/3/26

Former Milwaukee Mayor and U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrett Endorses Joel Brennan for Governor

Barrett: “I've seen how deeply Joel cares for this state, the ideas he brings to solving challenges and his readiness to lead on day one”

Brennan: "It's another way to demonstrate that we are ready to hold ICE accountable for what happens in Wisconsin”

Milwaukee, Wis. — Tom Barrett, former Milwaukee mayor, Democratic nominee for governor, and U.S. ambassador, today endorsed Joel Brennan in the Wisconsin Democratic primary for governor, citing years of working closely with Brennan and his confidence in Brennan’s judgment and readiness to lead Wisconsin.

"Working side by side with Joel, I've seen how deeply he cares for this state, the ideas he brings to solving challenges, and his readiness to lead on day one," Barrett said. "Wisconsin needs a governor with the strength to stand up to the attacks from Washington and commitment to make Wisconsin an affordable place for people to thrive and that's exactly what Joel will do."

Brennan said Barrett’s endorsement reflects shared expectations about leadership.

“Tom Barrett understands the weight of this office and the responsibility that comes with it,” Brennan said. “His confidence means a great deal, and I’m committed to rolling up my sleeves and getting things done for the people of the state I love.”

Brennan has quickly emerged as a standout candidate for Governor, leading with ideas to hold ICE accountable through the Wisconsin Accountability Commission, outlining his approach to leading the state, and raising more than $560,000 in just three short weeks.

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Olivia Hwang 2/2/26 Olivia Hwang 2/2/26

ICYMI: Brennan proposes accountability commission for ICE actions

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “Brennan is proposing to create a state commission that would collect footage of incidents involving federal immigration authorities”

Brennan: "It's another way to demonstrate that we are ready to hold ICE accountable for what happens in Wisconsin”

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “Brennan is proposing to create a state commission that would collect footage of incidents involving federal immigration authorities”

Brennan: "It's another way to demonstrate that we are ready to hold ICE accountable for what happens in Wisconsin”

Milwaukee, Wis. — Democratic candidate for governor Joel Brennan outlined his plan to create a state commission empowered to hold ICE accountable for enforcement abuses. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on Brennan’s proposal that would “collect footage of incidents involving federal immigration authorities, like the shootings of two Minneapolis protesters by immigration agents in recent weeks.”

Brennan told the Journal Sentinel, "It's another way to demonstrate that we are ready to hold ICE accountable for what happens in Wisconsin.”

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Joel Brennan proposes accountability commission for ICE actions

Highlights:

Democratic candidate for governor Joel Brennan is proposing to create a state commission that would collect footage of incidents involving federal immigration authorities, like the shootings of two Minneapolis protesters by immigration agents in recent weeks.
Brennan told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he would create the panel, which he called the Wisconsin Accountability Commission, by executive action and seek to populate it with judges, retired law enforcement officials, and attorneys and nonprofit leaders who specialize in immigration issues.
"It's another way to demonstrate that we are ready to hold ICE accountable for what happens in Wisconsin," Brennan said.
Brennan said the commission would allow Wisconsinites to submit video recordings, photos, testimony and other material related to incidents like the recent confrontations with Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, which resulted in their deaths.
“Many of the things that we see that are posted online have the danger of potentially not being preserved and people not being convinced or not assured that these things are ever going to see the light of day. So this would be a vehicle for the state to be a partner in ensuring that that happens. Because all of this is around accountability and the thing that sometimes is getting lost, it's often times getting lost now, is what the truth is," he said.
“I think that where things have obviously gone awry in Minneapolis and what's happened in many cities around the country and why there is outrage in Wisconsin and all over the country is that these are not efforts that are directed at people who are engaged in illegal activity. There is blanket evidence of people being rounded up at churches, at schools, being yanked out of their vehicles, families that are being torn apart. And that is not a directed, specified, law enforcement effort, that is an occupation.”

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Olivia Hwang 1/30/26 Olivia Hwang 1/30/26

Joel Brennan Announces Wisconsin Accountability Commission to Document ICE Enforcement Abuses

Vows to Hold ICE Accountable as Governor

Milwaukee, Wis. - Democratic candidate for governor Joel Brennan today announced his plan to create the Wisconsin Accountability Commission to collect, preserve, and review evidence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement enforcement abuses and activity in Wisconsin.

“The murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, the separating of children from their parents and the rampant violence have shown us all how far Donald Trump and ICE will go. It must stop now," said Brennan. "The Wisconsin Accountability Commission will document ICE operations and abuses and provide the oversight Trump and politicians like Tom Tiffany don't think we need or deserve."

The Wisconsin Accountability Commission will serve as a formal, statewide mechanism to ensure that evidence gathered by the public is preserved, reviewed, and referred to law enforcement when necessary. As Governor, Joel would establish the commission through Executive Order and authorize

it to:

Collect and preserve video, photo, and testimonial evidence related to ICE enforcement abuses and operations in Wisconsin;
Track patterns of enforcement activity and use of force;
Hold public meetings to share testimony and receive additional public input;
Issue public reports to ensure transparency; and
Refer potential violations of law or civil rights to appropriate state or federal authorities.

“The rule of law is sacred and no one is above the law,” Brennan added. “Wisconsin will not let Trump and ICE violate our rights and undermine our values.”

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Olivia Hwang 1/27/26 Olivia Hwang 1/27/26

Joel Brennan Statement on Tom Tiffany’s Refusal to Watch Minneapolis Video

Milwaukee, Wis. — Democratic candidate for Governor Joel Brennan today criticized Wisconsin Congressman Tom Tiffany for his failure to act following the killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis over the weekend. Congressman Tiffany, who sits on the House Judiciary Committee, has publicly acknowledged that he has not reviewed available footage of the incident widely available to the American public.

“It says a lot about Tom Tiffany that he’s refused to watch what happened to Alex Pretti, and worse that he’s gone ahead and blamed everyone except the federal agents responsible,” said Brennan. “It doesn’t matter what political party you belong to or what elected office you’re running for, we have a responsibility to stand up for what’s right and what’s wrong. If you can’t do that, you certainly aren’t up for the job of leading Wisconsin.

“As governor, I won’t stay silent when the lives and constitutional rights of our citizens are at stake,” Brennan said. “I believe in public safety, civil liberties, and a government that works for the people. That means demanding answers, not excuses, and action instead of indifference.”

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Olivia Hwang 1/6/26 Olivia Hwang 1/6/26

JOEL BRENNAN RAISES MORE THAN HALF MILLION DOLLARS IN JUST THREE WEEKS FOR GUBERNATORIAL CAMPAIGN

Impressive Haul Establishes Brennan as a Standout Candidate Earning Quick Support from Wisconsin Donors

MILWAUKEE, WI - Democrat Joel Brennan today announced raising more than $560,000 in only three weeks, an impressive result that establishes him as a standout candidate in the race for Governor. Brennan earned quick and strong support following his December launch, and built an impressive foundation for his campaign in just three weeks.

“Our campaign is laser focused on improving the lives of people across Wisconsin, and I’m humbled by the support we’ve received as we get started,” said Joel. “I’m grateful to those who’re already standing with us in this race, and I look forward to continuing to talk to folks across our state and earn their votes.”

Joel launched his campaign in early December with a focus on taking on Donald Trump and working to bring down costs for Wisconsinites. Born and raised with his 10 siblings in Wisconsin, Joel and his wife Audra raised their own kids here. Over the last 25 years, he’s worked with businesses and nonprofits solving problems and creating opportunities in Wisconsin. Joel served as CEO of Discovery World, the largest science museum in the state, expanding opportunities for thousands of students to learn about STEM and science education, and most recently as President of the Greater Milwaukee Committee.

In 2018, Governor-elect Evers appointed Joel as his top cabinet official, leading the Department of Administration. In that position Joel took on the challenge of putting Wisconsin back on firmer financial footing after eight years of mismanagement by Scott Walker and his rightwing legislature. Working with Governor Evers, Joel helped generate a nearly $4 billion dollar budget surplus and grew the state’s rainy-day fund. Joel was also a critical part of the state’s response to COVID, making sure small businesses, farmers and families across the state received the help they needed.

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Olivia Hwang 12/23/25 Olivia Hwang 12/23/25

Key takeaways from Joel Brennan’s campaign launch interview

Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | December 12, 2025

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel highlighted several key takeaways from Joel Brennan’s campaign launch interview for Governor of Wisconsin. The coverage outlined Brennan’s stated priorities, his emphasis on effective leadership, and how his background positions him for the statewide race.

Read the full story here.

Olivia Hwang 12/23/25 Olivia Hwang 12/23/25

Joel Brennan enters Wisconsin governor’s race

Joel Brennan, former top Evers aide, announces run for Wisconsin governor in 2025. Read the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel coverage here.

Olivia Hwang 12/11/25 Olivia Hwang 12/11/25

JOEL BRENNAN LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR GOVERNOR

Milwaukee, WI - Joel Brennan today launched his campaign for governor, vowing to stand up to Donald Trump while focusing on improving the lives of people across Wisconsin and moving the state forward.

“Thanks to Donald Trump’s chaos and incompetence, the numbers just aren’t adding up for Wisconsin families. Costs, like everything, are out of control, and coming from a family who had to make every dollar count, I know what that feels like,” Joel said in his announcement video. “I’ll be a Governor who will stand up to Trump’s dysfunction and be laser focused on improving the lives of people across our state. With fair maps and a Democratic governor, we can stay true to our values and deliver real and lasting change.”

Joel was born and raised with his 10 siblings in Wisconsin, and he and his wife Audra, raised their own kids here. Over the last 25 years, he’s worked with businesses and nonprofits solving problems, making progress and growing opportunities for Wisconsin. Joel served as Executive Director of Discovery World, the largest science museum in the state, expanding opportunities for thousands of students to learn about STEM, and most recently as President of the Greater Milwaukee Committee.

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