Scott Jennings, a Republican strategist, recently articulated the stakes for the GOP during an appearance on CNN’s "State of the Union." He expressed apprehension regarding the implications of losing future elections, emphasizing the need for the party to remain vigilant to prevent a shift in power to the Democrats. Jennings outlined a scenario where a Democratic victory could lead to significant changes, including the potential for a second impeachment of former President Donald Trump, the elimination of the filibuster, the expansion of the Supreme Court, and the granting of statehood to Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. He characterized these potential outcomes as detrimental to the Republican agenda and urged the party to counteract what he views as a coordinated effort by Democrats to reshape the political landscape.

In the context of immigration policy, Jennings raised concerns about possible reforms that could facilitate citizenship for a large number of individuals, highlighting the urgency for the Republican Party to deliver on its commitments as midterm elections approach.

In Wisconsin, Democrat Mandela Barnes has officially entered the race for governor, following his tenure as lieutenant governor and a narrow defeat in the 2022 U.S. Senate race. His candidacy positions him as a significant contender in a competitive primary, which includes several lesser-known individuals without established support networks. Wisconsin's political landscape is notably divided, having elected President Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2024, while also supporting President Joe Biden in 2020, with each election decided by margins of less than one percentage point.

In his campaign launch video, Barnes highlighted his father's union background and criticized Trump for fostering "distraction and chaos to avoid accountability." He addressed economic issues, focusing on tax policies that favor the wealthy and the rising costs faced by working-class individuals. To attract independent and swing voters, Barnes adopts a moderate economic stance, stating, "It isn’t about left or right, it isn’t about who can yell the loudest. It’s about whether people can afford to live in the state they call home."

Despite his recognition, Barnes faces skepticism from some within the Democratic Party due to his previous Senate campaign loss to Republican incumbent Ron Johnson. The Milwaukee Courier has suggested that it may be time for a new candidate, citing concerns about Barnes' past defeat. He lost the Senate race by approximately 27,000 votes, or 1 percentage point, but has since established a voter turnout initiative called Power to the Polls, which he claims has strengthened his position for the upcoming governor's race. He also leads a political action committee.

Barnes joins a crowded field that includes the current lieutenant governor, Sara Rodriguez, and other state lawmakers and local officials. The leading Republican candidate is U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has labeled Barnes as a "dangerous far-left extremist" and predicts that voters will reject him again in 2026. The governor's race is significant as it presents opportunities for Democrats to regain control of the state legislature, aided by newly drawn electoral maps that are more favorable to their party. The primary election is scheduled for August, with the general election to follow in November.