Who’s Running

This page highlights candidates in key Madison-area races for the April 7, 2026 Spring Election, with a focus on races most relevant to UW–Madison students.

Important: Your exact ballot depends on your address. To see every race and candidate you can vote for, check MyVote Wisconsin.

Photo by mohamed_hassan from PxHere

District 8 — Madison Common Council (Campus District)

Bobby Gronert vs. Ellen Zhang

District 8 represents much of the UW–Madison campus and surrounding neighborhoods, making it one of the most student-centered districts in Madison.

Both candidates are UW–Madison students and have centered their campaigns on issues like housing affordability, transit access, and student representation in city government.

  • Bobby Gronert has emphasized student organizing and advocacy in his campaign, including involvement in campus political groups.
  • Ellen Zhang has focused on public transit, housing affordability, and food access for students.

Read coverage and candidate info:

Madison School Board (MMSD)

These are citywide races, meaning all Madison voters will see them on their ballot.

Seat 6

  • Daniella Molle
  • Blair Mosner Feltham

Seat 7

  • Dana Colussi-Lynde
  • Nicki Vander Meulen

School board candidates have debated issues including school funding, the achievement gap, and district policy decisions.

Read coverage and voter guides:

Wisconsin Supreme Court (Statewide)

  • Chris Taylor
  • Maria Lazar

This statewide race will shape major legal decisions in Wisconsin.

Learn more:

Other Madison Common Council races

Even-numbered districts are up for election in 2026. Many of these races are uncontested.

Contested races

  • District 8: Bobby Gronert vs. Ellen Zhang
  • District 14: Kate Blood vs. Noah Lieberman
  • District 20: Barbara Harrington-McKinney vs. Islam Khilji

Uncontested races

  • District 2 — William Ochowicz
  • District 4 — Mike Verveer
  • District 6 — Davy Mayer
  • District 10 — Yannette Figueroa Cole
  • District 12 — Julia Matthews
  • District 16 — Sean O’Brien
  • District 18 — Carmella Glenn

See full candidate filings:
City of Madison Clerk — Candidate Filings

Dane County races

Depending on where you live, your ballot may also include:

  • Dane County Board of Supervisors
  • Dane County Circuit Court

These vary by district. Check your ballot for details.

How to research candidates

Sources

City of Madison Clerk · MyVote Wisconsin · Wisconsin Elections Commission ·BadgersVote · LWV Dane County · Ballotpedia · Isthmus · Cap Times