Tammy Baldwin, Ron Johnson, Mark Pocan and Marquette University report receipt of suspicious mail

Updated: Oct. 20, 2026

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Several more lawmakers say their offices have received suspicious mail Monday, Oct. 19.

Now, Mark Pocan, Gwen Moore, Tammy Baldwin, Ron Johnson, the Wisconsin Elections Commission and Marquette Law School have all received suspicious letters, joining a long list of political figures and election officials across the country who receive the letters. Each letter has had what appeared to be a white substance inside. Testing has been done and has shown the substance to be non-toxic.

A spokesperson confirms Congressman Mark Pocan received a piece of mail Monday similar to suspicious envelopes sent to lawmakers and officials nationwide. Pocan's office said the fire department was notified and a hazmat team responded to the downtown Madison office Monday. Initial on-site testing came back negative for several factors. The spokesperson says the envelope and contents were taken to the State Lab of Hygiene for further testing. 

Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson also shared that they had received mail with a suspicious substance inside Monday. 

“First of all, it is absolutely unacceptable to intimidate elected officials...election officials, etcetera, and I am very grateful for the rapid response we got from the local police. I am very grateful my staff in my Milwaukee office are all safe.”

Marquette University says they also received a suspicious letter intended for the Marquette Law School Poll. The university released the following statement Monday evening: 

"A letter consistent with a recent trend of similar suspicious mail across the country, was delivered to Marquette University intended for the Marquette Law School Poll. The Marquette University Police Department and the U.S. Postal Service were immediately notified, and a team from the Milwaukee Fire Department specializing in hazardous materials promptly assessed the situation. All tests conducted throughout the process were negative, and the letter was removed from the premises. We are grateful to law enforcement for their swift attention."

The FBI and US Postal Service confirmed they are investigating similar cases. The FBI said in part:

“We are working with our partners to identify the individual or individuals responsible for the letters. The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to safeguard the public and secure elections for American citizens.”

Last week, Congresswoman Gwen Moore said her office received a suspicious letter. She said political violence has no place in Wisconsin or the country. 

"I don't believe that the people who sent me my package are who they said they were," Congresswoman Moore said. "I believe that there are people who are excited by the political chaos that is going on, but it is not funny to most people."

Authorities have not identified the substance or the person responsible. No one has become ill or injured from these letters.