Who's running in Wisconsin's 4th congressional district
3 candidates are on the ballot. 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.
3 candidates · ballot order · Gwen Moore currently holds this seat
Medium confidenceMedium confidenceThe candidate's stated positions and basic record are documented, but coverage is thin — often little independent reporting, or criticism from only one side.What would raise it: More independent reporting, a documented voting record, or published criticism from a named opponent would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Improving economic and employment conditions in low-income communities.
Curbing predatory lending, and backing small business aid and affordable housing.
Federal funding for domestic violence survivors, community banks and lead paint removal in Milwaukee Public Schools.
Support for foster youth.
Opposing aggressive ICE tactics and what her campaign calls abuses by the Trump administration.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Wisconsin's 4th District since January 2005.
Former Wisconsin state senator and assemblywoman; worked for the City of Milwaukee and the state on housing and social services.
Ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee; formerly on Financial Services and Budget.
On July 15, 2026 voted for an amendment that would have suspended all funding for Israel for a year.
At a March 2026 district party convention said there is no genocide in Gaza while arguing against a 'Block the Bombs' resolution.
Won the August 11, 2026 Democratic primary with about 72% over Amy Donahue.
Arguments in favor
'Congresswoman Moore uses her position on the prestigious Ways and Means Committee to champion and defend her community from cruel Republican cuts' and 'will remain a powerful voice against the abuses and corruption of the Trump administration while lifting up the priorities of Milwaukee.'
— Gwen Moore campaign spokesperson, to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Arguments against
Constituents should ask what Moore has done with her seniority — 'How has that influence and power helped you as a constituent? What have you seen?' — and she was unresponsive when activists pushed for limits on weapons exports to Israel.
— Amy Donahue, Democratic primary opponent, to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
What we couldn’t verify
Moore did not answer WUWM's 2026 candidate questionnaire.
No Republican or NRCC criticism of Moore in 2026 could be found.
Whether the candidates will debate had not been reported.
Republican nominee for the 4th District in the last four general elections, winning less than 23% each time.
Won the August 11, 2026 Republican primary with about 81% over Purnima Nath.
Had not filed an FEC financial report this cycle as of the primary, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Has not held elected office.
Arguments in favor
He is 'running for political office not to complain about the situation, but to get involved and make the changes needed' — including stopping school districts from spending 'excessive amounts of money on educational methods that have been proven to fail urban communities.'
— Tim Rogers campaign website, quoted by WUWM
Arguments against
He has won less than 23% of the vote in each of his four previous general elections against Moore, and his campaign had not filed a financial report with the FEC this cycle.
— Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporting
What we couldn’t verify
Rogers did not answer WUWM's 2026 candidate questionnaire or respond to the Journal Sentinel.
No criticism of Rogers by Moore's campaign or Democratic groups could be found.
His positions beyond his website's priorities were not found.
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.
Wisconsin held its partisan primary on August 11, 2026. Three candidates are on the ballot: Democratic incumbent Gwen Moore, who beat democratic socialist Amy Donahue with about 72%; Republican Tim Rogers, who beat Purnima Nath with about 81% in a rematch of the 2024 primary; and independent Arthur Burks. The Wisconsin Elections Commission approved Burks's nomination papers in June 2026 and denied a second independent, Robert R. Raymond. The district covers most of Milwaukee County, including the City of Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, West Allis and the North Shore suburbs. It has been solidly Democratic for decades; its Cook Partisan Voter Index is D+26. Candidates are listed Democrat first, following Wisconsin's rule of ordering parties by their share of the last governor's race, then independents; this order is assumed, not confirmed from a sample ballot.
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.