Care About Wisconsin Politics But Don’t Know Where to start? This Post Is For You.
While I work nationally in both politics and marketing, Wisconsin is home. So of course it holds a special place in my heart. Over the years, I’ve partnered with dozens of political campaigns, as well as scores of small businesses, nonprofits, bands, etc. across the Badger State.
Keeping up with Wisconsin news is essential to my work, and I’m often asked for advice on where to turn for trustworthy local coverage. To help, I’ve compiled this list of Wisconsin-focused outlets and resources — both traditional and less conventional — that you can follow to keep up with Wisconsin politics and news.
If I’ve missed anyone, let me know! I’m always on the lookout for new voices and perspectives.
Traditional Wisconsin News Outlets
First up, there are the obvious sources.
While no one outlet is going to give you everything you need, there are a bunch of outlets focused on Wisconsin politics, news and beyond.
If you’re looking to get beyond such traditional outlets, head further down this post 😊
One caveat: while a bunch of these outlets are free to read, some require subscriptions.
Cap Times
This Madison-based newspaper has been around for over 100 years. Billing itself as Wisconsin’s Progressive Newspaper, it covers local, state, and national issues with a focus on politics and culture in and around the Capitol.
UpNorth News
A digital news outlet highlighting stories across Wisconsin, UpNorthNews focuses on issues affecting everyday people, from rural communities to city centers. Known for its relatable tone, it’s a go-to source for progressive-leaning perspectives.
Wisconsin Examiner
A nonprofit, independent newsroom dedicated to in-depth reporting on Wisconsin politics and policy. The Wisconsin Examiner is part of the national States Newsroom network and delivers investigative journalism and commentary on state governance and social issues.
Wisconsin State Journal
The State Journal is Wisconsin’s second-largest newspaper, serving Madison and the surrounding areas. It provides a mix of local, state, and national news, along with investigative reporting and in-depth features.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Wisconsin’s largest newspaper, the Journal Sentinel offers comprehensive coverage of Milwaukee and the state. Known for its investigative reporting, it has won multiple Pulitzer Prizes and is a key source for breaking news, politics, and cultural commentary.
Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR)
A statewide public radio network, WPR delivers news, cultural programming, and music to listeners across Wisconsin. Known for its thoughtful, in-depth reporting and shows like “The Morning Show,” WPR is a trusted source for balanced news and analysis.
Isthmus
A free alternative newspaper based in Madison, Isthmus has been serving the community since 1976. It offers local news, opinion pieces, and coverage of arts, dining, and music scenes. In 2020, Isthmus transitioned to a nonprofit model to continue its mission of providing in-depth journalism.
Shepherd Express
An alternative weekly newspaper published in Milwaukee, Shepherd Express covers local news, politics, and cultural events. It serves as a platform for progressive voices and community engagement.
Wisconsin Watch
A nonpartisan investigative news outlet, Wisconsin Watch reports on issues affecting the state with a focus on government accountability and quality of life. It aims to inform and engage the public through in-depth journalism.
PBS Wisconsin
The state’s public broadcasting network, PBS Wisconsin offers news, educational content, and cultural programming. It provides in-depth coverage of Wisconsin’s political landscape and social issues.
Green Bay Press-Gazette
A daily newspaper serving Green Bay and northeastern Wisconsin, the Press-Gazette covers local news, sports, and community events. It’s part of the USA Today Network, providing comprehensive reporting on regional issues.
The Journal Times
Based in Racine, this daily newspaper offers coverage of local news, business, and sports focused on all things happening across southeastern Wisconsin.
Kenosha News
A daily newspaper serving Kenosha and the surrounding areas, Kenosha News provides local news, sports, and community updates. It focuses on issues pertinent to the southeastern region of the state.
Urban Milwaukee
Urban Milwaukee is an online daily focused on the city’s politics, development, and culture. It provides in-depth reporting and analysis on Milwaukee’s growth and challenges, often highlighting local government and urban planning issues.
Madison365
A nonprofit online publication dedicated to amplifying the voices of communities of color in Wisconsin, Madison365 covers news, culture, and social issues, with a focus on equity and inclusion. Its mission is to inspire community engagement through authentic storytelling.
WisPolitics.com
A nonpartisan news service covering Wisconsin politics and policy, WisPolitics.com is a go-to resource for political insiders, offering daily updates, interviews, and analysis on state and federal issues impacting Wisconsin.
The Badger Project
The Badger Project is a nonprofit watchdog journalism outlet that focuses on government accountability in Wisconsin. It produces investigative reports and explanatory journalism to help Wisconsinites better understand the workings of their state and local governments.
The Daily Cardinal
One of the oldest student newspapers in the country, The Daily Cardinal has been a cornerstone of journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Madison since 1892. While run by students, its coverage extends beyond campus, offering insights into Madison and Wisconsin politics, culture, and community issues. The Cardinal is known for fostering future journalists while keeping its readers informed with a fresh, youthful perspective.
Fun fact: I used to serve on the board of the nonprofit that oversees The Daily Cardinal. The publication is a hell of an organization run entirely by college students!
Less Traditional Wisconsin News and Political News Sources
The Recombobulation Area
Named after Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport’s famous area where you can stop on put back on your shoes and belts following security, this award-winning newsletter is a must follow for anyone who cares about Wisconsin politics. While it’s a newsletter first, Shafer also shares podcast episodes, turns over the channel to guest contributors and hosts in-person live events.
It’s run by Dan Shafer, a veteran Milwaukee journalist and it covers Milwaukee and Wisconsin politics and news with a clear understanding that its readers are smart but don’t necessarily know everything about politics. It does great breakdowns of important stories and offers some of the best breakdowns of Wisconsin legislative elections you’ll find anywhere.
In 2024, Shafer and The Recombobulation Area joined Civic Media. At the time of this writing, the look and feel of the newsletter hasn’t changed. We’ll see if that changes.
If it’s relevant to you, Jula Louis-Dreyfus is a fan!
Civic Media
Since we mentioned Civic Media above, it makes sense to talk about them next.
Civic Media is a radio network that launched in 2022, primarily covering Wisconsin. Founded by tech entrepreneur Sage Weil and veteran radio host Mike Crute, the network aims to provide a platform for pro-democracy programming and local news. It has rapidly expanded to include 20 radio stations, reaching approximately 2.6 million residents across the state.
Put simply — Civic Media is aiming to be Wisconsin’s progressive response to conservative talk radio.
Tone Madison
Tone Madison is a journalist-owned publication based in Madison, Wisconsin. It describes itself as “Madison’s fiercely independent voice on culture and politics.”
It covers music, film and the like, but also weighs heavily into news and politics.
Lots of very smart hot takes you likely won’t see anywhere else.
MU Law Poll
If you care about polls and Wisconsin politics, the MU Law Poll should definitely be on your radar.
MU stands for Marquette University, and they are the pre-eminent pollsters here in Wisconsin.
They tweet out their polls line by line (frustratingly they STILL don’t know how to thread them making it a bit hard to follow lol) but they offer amazing insight into what Wisconsinites are thinking about politics and government.
You can also check out their website breakdowns if you aren’t on Twitter (or just prefer not to login to your old account):
John Nichols
John Nichols is a national correspondent for The Nation and one of Wisconsin’s most prominent progressive voices. He regularly writes about Wisconsin politics, history, and social movements. Nichols is a must-follow for anyone passionate about progressive politics and Wisconsin’s role in the larger political landscape.
Wisconsin-Focused Content Creators
Check Out My TikTok!
I’m no journalist. But I do regularly share content about Wisconsin politics on my TikTok.
I post once a day (give or take). About half of my content covers Wisconsin politics, the rest is focused on national politics.
As Goes Wisconsin
As Goes Wisconsin was founded by Kristen Brey, a writer, actress, comedian and content creator, with the goal of using humor and content to pull back the curtain on Wisconsin news and politics.
Brey hosts a radio show that’s part of the Civic Media network, but also still creates videos and other content.
Ben Wikler
Ben Wikler is chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party (and at the time of this writing, is actively campaigning to become chair of the Democratic National Committee).
Along with being a hard-working organizer helping democrats flip and hold seats throughout Wisconsin, he’s also a very talented digital creator.
He regularly creates content on Twitter (and now Bluesky) breaking down important stories related to Wisconsin politics.
He does round-ups of candidates you should be following, breakdowns of stories, and so much more. A must-follow for anyone interested in Wisconsin politics.
Motherhood For Good
Kate Duffy runs a very smart and detailed Instagram account, focused on “Building out the ✨Political Power of Moms ✨”
Great for moms and non-moms alike, this account regularly does deep dives into whats happening in Wisconsin and beyond.
My Bluesky Wisconsin List
If you, like so many, have left Twitter for Bluesky, check out this Bluesky list I built.
It’s still small, but I’m adding all Wisconsin-focused accounts I can find to it.
If you don’t know how lists work, you can subscribe, and then just see content shared by folks who have been added to the list. It can be a great way to jump in and see what’s happening in Wisconsin politics.
Any accounts I should add to my Bluesky list? Ping me here or on Bluesky directly. I’m looking to keep it growing!
Ready to Follow Wisconsin Politics
I hope this list is helpful!
Anyone else you think should be on it? Have any questions? Just want to talk Wisconsin politics?
Running for office? Considering it? Know someone who is?
Learn more about how my team and I can help you win the internet!
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