Joel Brennan

Longtime Democratic political operative, government administrator, and nonprofit executive Joel Brennan has deep ties to Democratic political insiders and corporate elites. His record reflects a tax-and-spend liberal profile, and his governing style is marked by high compensation, aggressive public spending, union favoritism, and expanded government authority. Don’t be fooled, Joel Brennan is a risky choice for Wisconsin. Let his record speak for itself:

Elitism & Conflicts of Interest

  • Highest-paid official in the Evers cabinet, earning 11% more than his predecessor
    “Republicans Criticize Democrat Evers For Paying Aides More,” Associated Press, 3/5/19
  • Later paid the legal maximum salary, exactly $1 less than Gov. Evers
    Jason Calvi, “4 Members Of Gov. Evers’ Cabinet Make $1 Less Than He Does,” Fox 6, 1/29/21
  • Brother-in-law is Kevin Conroy, CEO of Exact Sciences, a major Democratic donor and Evers transition co-chair
    Hope Karnopp, “Who Is Joel Brennan, Latest Democrat In Wisconsin Governor Race?,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 12/11/25; Mark Sommerhauser and Riley Vetterkind, “‘I’m Seeking Talent’: Tony Evers Rolls Out First Cabinet Picks,” Wisconsin State Journal , 12/20/18
  • Brennan planned to end his first day of gubernatorial campaigning at Conroy’s home
    Molly Beck and Jesse Opoien, “Democrat Joel Brennan Weights In On Trump, Act 10 And Taking The Wealthy,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 12/12/25

Budgetary Mismanagement & Audit Failures

  • Defended construction of a COVID Alternate Care Facility that treated only 170 patients before being decommissioned
    “WI Alternate Care Facility Closing As COVID-19 Hospitalizations Fall,” Fox-Milwaukee, 3/19/21
  • Oversaw 5% across-the-board spending cuts during COVID while later touting new grant programs
    “Gov. Evers Orders 5% Cut In State Spending,” WSAW, 4/29/20
  • State agencies cut $300 million, including Medicaid and UW System, under his oversight
    “Wisconsin State Agencies Cutting $300 Million,” Associated Press, 9/22/20
  • Legislative Audit Bureau found DOA failed to track state-owned residential properties, undercharging rent and ignoring IRS guidelines
    Scott Bauer, “Audit Faults Oversight Of State-Owned Residential Properties,” Associated Press, 12/6/19

Foxconn Deal & Corporate Subsidies

  • Played a key role in renegotiating the Foxconn contract, allowing up to $37.4 million in tax credits despite dramatically reduced job and facility commitments
    Molly Beck, “Foxconn Could Receive Up To $37M From State Over Next Two Years Under New Deal,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 4/23/21; Sean Ryan, “Foxconn Tax Credits Still A Wisconsin Record, But Back In Line With Previous Awards,” Milwaukee Business Journal, 4/25/21)
  • Acknowledged Foxconn never came close to fulfilling its original promises
    Molly Beck, “Foxconn Could Receive Up To $37M From State Over Next Two Years Under New Deal,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 4/23/21

Tax Increases

  • Open to raising taxes on wealthy Wisconsinites
    Hope Karnopp, “Who Is Joel Brennan, Latest Democrat In Wisconsin Governor Race?,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 12/11/25
  • Advocated sales tax increases while opposing property-tax referenda for schools
    Corrinne Hess, “GMC President Joel Brennan Wants To Focus On Education, Racial Equity And Reckless Driving,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 5/26/22; Jason Calvi, “Milwaukee Public Schools Referendum: $225M Question Faces Voters,” Fox-Milwaukee, 3/27/24

Unions & Labor

  • Said he would repeal Act 10 as governor
    Molly Beck and Jesse Opoien, “Democrat Joel Brennan Weights In On Trump, Act 10 And Taking The Wealthy,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 12/12/25

Abortion

  • Supports expanded abortion access and said he would sign legislation expanding abortion rights
    Hope Karnopp, “Who Is Joel Brennan, Latest Democrat In Wisconsin Governor Race?,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 12/11/25; Molly Beck and Jesse Opoien, “Democrat Joel Brennan Weights In On Trump, Act 10 And Taking The Wealthy,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 12/12/25

Legalized Drugs

  • Supports legalizing and taxing marijuana, directing revenue toward public health programs
    Hope Karnopp, “Who Is Joel Brennan, Latest Democrat In Wisconsin Governor Race?,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 12/11/25

Elections & Redistricting

  • Opposed Voter ID laws
    Jesse Garza, “3 Democrats Running In Senate Primary,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Nexis, 3/26/03
  • Supports partisan redistricting, blaming Republicans and Scott Walker
    Molly Beck and Jesse Opoien, “Democrat Joel Brennan Weights In On Trump, Act 10 And Taking The Wealthy,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 12/12/25

COVID Governance

  • Supported testing mandates for unvaccinated state employees
    Riley Vetterkind, “Tony Evers Administration Announces COVID-19 Testing Requirement For Unvaccinated Employees,” Wisconsin State Journal, 9/14/21
  • Criticized local governments for ending Safer-at-Home orders
    Rich Kirchen, “Gov. Evers To Soon Announce Plans To Spend $2B In Federal Relief For Small Business, Agriculture,” Milwaukee Business Journal, 5/16/20