Michels Concedes To Evers, Johnson Takes Lead Over Barnes: WI Election

WISCONSIN — Incumbent Democrat Gov. Tony Evers took a narrow lead over challenger Tim Michels as the unofficial results of Wisconsin's midterm elections filtered out into Tuesday night.

By 12:15 a.m. Republican Michels took the stage to tell his election night crowd that he called Gov. Evers to concede, according to live reports.

Meanwhile, Republican U.S. Senator Ron Johnson appeared poised to defend his seat against Democrat Lt. Gov Mandela Barnes, signaling the possibility of split or skipped tickets at the polls.

Polls closed at 8 p.m. and unofficial results continued to filter out into early Wednesday morning.

Gov. Evers sought a second term in office fueled by goals on hot-button issues such as repealing Wisconsin's law that largely criminalizes abortion care. Michels cast himself as an outsider looking to unseat Evers with heavy messaging on reducing crime.

With Evers in office, Wisconsin's government is split between a Republican-controlled legislature and a Democrat-controlled executive branch. A projected win from Michels on Tuesday could have put the Badger State firmly in Republican control.

The race for the U.S. senate was also tinged by hot-button issues — but with even more significant consequences for the rest of the nation. A final pre-election poll from the Marquette University Law School just one week ahead of Election Day found both races to be tossups.

Wisconsin Gubernatorial Election Results

Unofficial results via The New York Times. Last updated 9:22 a.m. with over 95 percent of precincts reporting.

Democrat Tony Evers (I): 1,355,409

Republican Tim Michels: 1,265,846

Wisconsin U.S. Senate Election Results

Unofficial results via The New York Times. Last updated 9:22 a.m. with 95 percent of precincts reporting.

Democrat Mandela Barnes: 1,307,296

Republican Ron Johnson (I): 1,334,670

Wisconsin Attorney General

Unofficial results via The New York Times. Last updated 9:22 a.m. with over 95 percent of precincts reporting.

Democrat Josh Kaul(I): 1,329,852

Eric Toney: 1,295,709

See also: Will WI Residents Know Midterm Election Results Before Going To Bed?

Split Tickets

Some voters may have cast a split ticket, meaning they voted for a Republican in one race but a Democrat in another.

Throughout much of the night, Evers managed to gain more votes than Barnes. Meanwhile, Johnson kept more votes than Michels.

Michels Looks To Render Tony Evers A One-Term Governor

Michels, who advertised himself as "not a politician," was endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Michels campaigned on the goal of bringing his business experience for his namesake construction company to Madison.

"He will always back the blue, back parents in public education, cut taxes, keep schools open five days a week, and ensure our elections are fair and transparent," Michels website said.

Michels outwardly spoke in support of Wisconsin's criminal ban on abortions. In September he did tell a conservative talk show host that he would sign an abortion ban with exceptions — if the Republican-controlled legislature were to write such a law.

As Evers looks for a second term he has touted accomplishments such as a law that would bring 86 percent of Wisconsin taxpayers a 15 percent cut to their income tax. Evers also pointed to the lowest unemployment rate in state history and the over 5,000 new businesses and non-profits that have opened in his term.

Evers has also outlined goals to codify abortion rights in Wisconsin. Along with Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat, Evers sued to challenge existing law that criminalizes abortion in Wisconsin. The state saw abortion become illegal after the United States Supreme Court effectively repealed Roe v. Wade.

Mandela Barnes Could Become Wisconsin's First Elected Black U.S. Senator

If U.S. Senator Ron Johnson fails to defend the seat he's held since 2010 for Republicans, Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes could become Wisconsin's first Black U.S. Senator (he would be the 12th in the nation). Should Barnes win, Wisconsin would have two Democratic U.S. Senators.

Barnes emerged early in the primaries as a frontrunner for the Democrats. Leading up to primary day, several of Barnes' competitors endorsed him after a shared goal had emerged among them: to oust Ron Johnson.

Barnes has listed several priorities. At a debate held by TMJ4 in July, he said he would end the senate filibuster to codify abortion rights and believes legalizing marijuana is "long overdue."

Meanwhile, Johnson says he is focused on growing the economy and creating jobs with pro-growth tax reform and by reducing regulations. According to his campaign website, Johnson has used his committee appointment to fight terror, secure borders, stop "sanctuary cities" and protect against cyber attacks.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.