New WI Poll Shows Affordability Top Issue, Socialism NOT Popular

Benjamin Yount : Aug 5, 2026
The Center Square

"When we ask 'What is the main thing that would help you in your affordability'...the main thing is food costs. [But] lower taxes is number two." -IRG's Chris Reader.

[TheCenterSquare.com] There are no surprises at the top of the latest poll in Wisconsin's race for governor, but there are some new insights that show what matters to voters. (Image: iStock)

The Institute for Reforming Government released its latest poll Thursday. The poll shows that affordability is far and away the most important issue for Wisconsin voters.

"Eighty-two percent of voters call inflation and the cost of living 'very important' from the provided issues, and 38% name it their single most important issue—more than double the next-highest answer," the poll states.

But it goes further than that according to IRG's Chris Reader.

"When we ask 'What is the main thing that would help you in your affordability' ... the main thing is food costs," Reader explained. "[But] lower taxes is number two."

Reader said the cost of housing is also quickly becoming a huge concern.

"There is a differentiation of 'What is the biggest affordability topic by age.' And we're starting to see young, 18-34-year-old voters, moving housing back up," Reader said. "That's their number one issue."

The poll's other top headline is a general, statewide lack of support for socialism and Democratic Socialist candidates.

"[The] free market economy has a net +48 favorability with voters, outperforming every party and ideology brand tested, left or right," the poll states. "A Democratic Socialists of America affiliation costs a candidate a net 18 points statewide—and that penalty nearly triples among independents, to – 52.5."

However, Reader said young voters, particularly Democrat voters, support the idea of socialism.

The poll also shows that 73% of voters want to eliminate Wisconsin's personal income tax by 2030, and another 48% want to see state spending cut.

The poll did ask voters about the candidates in the race, including hypothetical head-to-head matchups.

Democrat frontrunner Francesca Hong has the narrowest lead over Republican candidate Tom Tiffany. She beats him in the IRG poll 44%-43%. Tiffany also trails the second and third place Democrats. The poll says David Crowley has a 46%-43% lead, and Mandela Barnes has a 47%-42% lead. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here