Gubernatorial Candidate Josh Schoemann Says Wisconsin is “at an Inflection Point"

Schoemann is running against Representative Tom Tiffany in the GOP primary

Republican gubernatorial candidate Josh Schoemann spoke to the College Republicans of UW-Madison on September 30th. He called for major reforms to education, housing, and the economy, urging conservatives to engage in blue areas.

Schoemann supports lowering taxes on income and property, minimizing state bureaucracy, and loosening housing restrictions to make home ownership and business start-ups within reach. He highlighted the importance of Republicans appearing in Dane and Milwaukee counties, arguing that GOP performance in the two counties is key to winning statewide elections.

Schoemann, a veteran of the Iraq War, served as a school board president in Hartford before being elected as the County Executive of Washington County. Schoemann emphasized his Christian faith and commitment to local communities.

He announced his campaign for governor of Wisconsin on May 4th, 2025, and in the first 122 days of his campaign trail, visited all 72 Wisconsin counties. During his visits, he aimed to revitalize conservative enthusiasm and explain his goal to make Wisconsin “the place to be”.

He said that many students who graduate from Wisconsin universities don’t stay in the state, and that many retirees relocate in search of lower taxes. He wants Wisconsin to be a place where citizens have the opportunity to raise families and create prosperity, and believes that the government’s job is to foster that environment.

Schoemann said Wisconsin is in a housing crisis, so his campaign emphasizes the need to expand opportunities for residents to build more small homes and increase access to affordable housing. He also wants it to be easier to start businesses in the state.

Schoemann is a strong advocate for school choice and believes that the “Wisconsin Idea” – once a message used to promote the university’s impact beyond the classroom– is on life support. Under the supervision of Jill Underly, Wisconsin State Superintendent, the state has lowered its proficiency standards in reading and math.

Schoemann cited that only nine percent of fourth graders in Milwaukee public schools scored proficient in reading, and proposes that schools need to switch to outcome-based funding to focus on the students and not the adults.

Frustrated by continual GOP losses in Wisconsin, Schoemann wants to bring a revival of conservatism back to the state. He argued that, if Republicans can secure 30 percent of votes in Dane County and 31 percent in Milwaukee County, it would be enough to flip statewide outcomes.

The candidate emphasizes that Wisconsin is at an “inflection point” and that people are more ready than ever to stand for their values. He makes it a point to show up where people disagree and meet people where they are at.

Schoemann urged students to get involved politically on campus, and that while conservative cultural change is slow, it is possible. Wisconsin citizens have a choice to make in this upcoming election, and Schoemann encourages conservatives to show up where it’s hard. He shows optimism for the future and notes that if Wisconsin conservatives can band together, “The brightest days are ahead”.

The College Republicans of UW-Madison do not endorse candidates in primary elections. Schoemann is running against Representative Tom Tiffany in the GOP primary. On the Democratic side, Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, State Senator Kelda Roys, and multiple other candidates have joined the race.