Who's running in Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district
One candidate has qualified for this contest. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
1 candidates · ballot order · Mark Pocan currently holds this seat
High confidenceHigh confidenceBacked by government records or the candidate's own official statements, with agreement across several independent sources.What would raise it: Nothing missing — this is the strongest evidence tier.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Stopping the president's broad use of tariffs.
Restoring the SNAP and Medicaid cuts in the 2025 Republican budget law and renewing Affordable Care Act tax credits.
Opposing further tax breaks for the wealthiest.
A Democratic majority in Congress to check President Trump.
Delivering federal funding to south central Wisconsin through the Appropriations Committee.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Wisconsin's 2nd District since January 2013.
Wisconsin State Assembly, 78th District, 1999–2013; Dane County Board of Supervisors from 1991.
Member of the House Appropriations Committee; chair emeritus of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and co-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus.
Secured $3.2 million for the Sun Prairie Water Pollution Control Facility in 2024.
Owns a printing business, Budget Signs & Specialties.
Won 70.1% in 2024; won the August 11, 2026 Democratic primary with about 88% over Douglas Alexander.
Arguments in favor
After 14 years in Congress and a seat on Appropriations, 'I can now affect things in a greater way' — if Democrats win the majority he would likely chair a subcommittee, and he has delivered millions to south central Wisconsin.
— Mark Pocan, Janesville Gazette candidate questionnaire
Arguments against
The incumbent does not support a constitutional amendment to impose term limits on members of Congress, and career politicians send most Farm Bill money to big agriculture companies for the campaign cash.
— Douglas Alexander, Democratic primary opponent, Hometown News candidate questionnaire
What we couldn’t verify
No Republican or other party criticism of Pocan in 2026 was found; with no opponent on the November ballot, the race drew little coverage after the primary.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
Democratic incumbent Mark Pocan is the only candidate for this seat on the November 3, 2026 ballot. No Republican, third-party or independent candidate qualified in the Wisconsin Elections Commission's June 2026 ballot-access review. Pocan's only opponent this year was Douglas Alexander, a former Navy pilot and teacher who ran on congressional term limits; Pocan beat him with about 88% in the August 11, 2026 Democratic primary, which in effect decided the seat. The district covers Dane, Green, Iowa and Lafayette counties, western Rock County and part of Sauk County, including Madison, Monroe, Dodgeville and Baraboo. Pocan won 70.1% in 2024. Voters may still write in a candidate.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A Wisconsin ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.
Your ballot is determined by your election authority, not by us. Verify your registration, precinct, and sample ballot at Wisconsin Elections Commission.