Your Daily Guide

All the Latest Results From Election Day

🗳️ David Crowley is Wisconsin’s Next Governor: In the closely-watched race for the governor’s seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, Democratic candidate David Crowley bested Republican Tom Tiffany Tuesday by a margin of 54.1% to 45.9% with over 95% of the votes in. Crowley will become Wisconsin’s first Black governor, and Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski will become Lieutenant Governor.

• In the race for Attorney General, Democratic incumbent Josh Kaul beat Republican challenger Eric Toney 54.7% to 45.3% in a rematch of the 2022 race.
• Democrat Yee Leng Xiong won the race for state Treasurer, becoming the first Hmong American to win statewide office in Wisconsin, and Democrat JoCasta Zamarripa was elected secretary of state, completing a Democratic sweep of statewide offices. [WPR, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]

🏳️‍⚧️ Martinez-Rutherford Wins Seat in New Dem Majority: Democratic Assembly candidate Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford won her race to represent the 76th District over Republican Nina Chat. Her victory makes her the first openly transgender person to serve in the Wisconsin state Legislature.

• In other Madison-area legislative districts, Democratic incumbents Renuka Mayadev, Shelia Stubbs, and Lisa Subeck all easily won re-election. Wisconsin Democrats overall flipped both the state Senate and the Assembly, giving them a legislative trifecta for the first time in nearly two decades. [Daily Cardinal, WPR]

⛔ Split Decision on Constitutional Amendments: Voters split on three GOP-backed constitutional amendments on the ballot. They voted against a measure to prohibit the closing of places of worship during public health emergencies. But they approved one to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion policies at state and government agencies. As of Wednesday morning, results are too close to call on the proposed amendment to limit the governor’s partial veto power. [WPR]

⬆️ Turnout is High in Dane County: Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell’s office said that 79.1% of eligible voters in the county, or 313,218 voters, cast their votes in Tuesday’s election. For context, this is pretty on par with voter turnout in the 2022 midterm elections. [Dane County]

🏈 Netflix Movie Recreates 1940s Camp Randall: The new Netflix movie “The Mosquito Bowl” features a depiction of a football game at Camp Randall in the 1940s. The movie, now in theaters and premiering on Netflix Nov. 25, is inspired by the true story of four college football stars – including Badgers Dave Schreiner and Bob Bauman – who go from the gridiron to the battlefield during World War II. [UW-Madison News]

💰 Cuts to Reading Project, Sheriff Would Fund Housing: Dane County Board leaders are proposing to increase funding for housing and homeless services. But to pay for it, the county would cut $55,000 from the Madison Reading Project and freeze two vacant positions in the sheriff’s department for a year. The budget and the amendments go before the full county board Wednesday night. [🔒WSJ]

🍸 Madison’s Namesake Restaurant To Close: After 26 years, the owners of Madison’s on King Street announced on Instagram that the restaurant will close Nov. 15. The lively spot is known for its wings, weekend brunch, and bottomless mimosas. [Instagram]

🎄 Get Ready For Holiday Lights at Olin Park: With the holiday season almost upon us, electricians and other workers are busy building the elaborate light displays for the annual Holiday Fantasy in Lights display at Olin Park.

• The free event, organized by NECA Madison and IBEW Local 159, kicks off Nov. 14 and runs through Dec. 31. Organizers say there are several new displays this year, and for the first time you just might see one sponsored by your favorite local newsletter/podcast! [WKOW]

🛍️ Luna’s Groceries Asks For Help: Facing financial pressures and broken refrigeration units in need of repair, the owner of Luna’s Groceries on Park Street has launched a $60,000 GoFundMe to stay open. Mariam Nunez said she will have to close the store, which she opened in 2023 to build community in the neighborhood, if she doesn’t make the goal. [GoFundMe, 🎧 City Cast Madison]