#wispolitics

Think you saw a lot of political ads in 2022? Brace yourself. A new projection says Wisconsin election ad spending this fall could be double what it was four years ago — and more of it will follow voters onto streaming services and phones.

As Wisconsin weighs competing data center bills, lawmakers, utilities and local leaders are debating whether massive new projects could strengthen the grid, accelerate renewables — and protect ratepayers from higher energy costs.

Utility rate increases approved in recent years are emerging as a key political issue in Wisconsin, as rising household energy costs intersect with regulatory decisions, long-term infrastructure investments and the run-up to the 2026 elections.

After a media report on educator misconduct, lawmakers unanimously approved an audit of DPI. Jill Underly calls the uproar political. Republicans say it’s about accountability.