Overview

• Hughes, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation's former secretary and CEO, announced her Democratic campaign Monday after stepping down from WEDC earlier this month.
• She previously spent 17 years as an executive at Organic Valley and underscores that background by saying she is "not a politician."
• Her platform highlights higher wages, affordable housing, child care and health care, and strong public schools as part of a "Main Street" economy message.
• She joins a crowded Democratic lineup that includes Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys and state Rep. Francesca Hong, with Gov. Tony Evers not endorsing a successor.
• Her campaign cites work attracting companies such as Microsoft, Wisconsin's Regional Technology Hub designation, a $100 million Wisconsin Investment Fund, and small‑business programs, while Republicans Tom Tiffany and Josh Schoemann lead the GOP field after Bill Berrien exited.