First gubernatorial poll shows known names at top, but experts warn against giving it too much weight ahead of marathon campaign

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The first statewide poll of the 2026 governor's race is out.

It shows some familiar names at the top, but political experts say that's no surprise.

At this stage of the race –10 months before the primary election– this poll amounts to little more than a popularity contest. Some of the top names haven't even announced they're running, so voters are just picking names they're familiar with.

Brandon Scholz is a former Republican strategist. He told us, "Everybody wants to see a poll. I don't care if it's the first day of the campaign or the last day of the campaign, doesn't matter."

The Badger Battleground poll released by Platform Communications surveyed 500 voters to see who they support in the race for Wisconsin Governor.

Democratic strategist Sachin Chheda told us, "I think it's useful to get a sense of the starting point for this election, but there's a long marathon ahead."

Chheda said the poll shows none of the candidates have much of a profile yet.

This first poll's baseline will help show movement when the next several polls come out in the coming weeks and months.

But Scholz's advice is to not give early polls too much weight. "There are so many things we all want to know, but we're not going to get it in this poll because this is the first look."

Among Republican voters, Congressman Tom Tiffany led the pack at 30% support. Eric Hovde got 14% and others followed in single digits.

On the more crowded Democratic side, former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes led with 16%, and several others were bunched in a pack below 8%.

Both Tiffany and Barnes have statewide name recognition others are working to build.

Chheda said, "It's tough to break out of the pack, and so I do think the frontrunner starts with an advantage."

But it's very early. The candidates are just starting to build an infrastructure and campaign and advertise.

But, aside from the candidates, the poll did show the experts some important information.

Chheda feels Democratic voters will respond strongly to President Trump, and noted the economy ranked as voters' most important issue. "If the economy is strong next year it's going to help the Republicans out. And if the economy's weal, that's going to help the Democrats out. Because Republicans hold the White House."

Scholz said only after five or six polls will we see credible trends. But this poll feels like an unofficial kickoff of the campaign, one that sends a strong message to everyone running or thinking about running. "Memo to candidates: roll up your sleeves, get to work."

This poll also asked voters about political violence.

95% of respondents said they are concerned about the rise of political violence.