With Wisconsin’s Nov. 3 gubernatorial election approaching, Democratic nominee David Crowley and Republican nominee Tom Tiffany outlined contrasting plans on a range of issues in answers to questions from state residents. The candidates spoke at campaign events in Mauston and Germantown. Absentee voting is underway, with early in-person voting scheduled to begin Oct. 20. The candidates’ only televised debate is set for Oct. 21. On climate and extreme weather, Crowley said Wisconsin should make its 2050 climate action plan enforceable and invest in resilience against flooding and other severe weather. He argued climate change is already affecting urban areas, farmers and rural communities. Tiffany emphasized preparedness and federal disaster assistance, saying a governor should maintain communication with the White House. He cited federal approval of aid after flooding in New London and said he would ensure the state’s disaster programs are ready. The Trump administration has approved some Wisconsin disaster requests and rejected others. President Donald Trump said Oct. 7 that he would approve $17.9 million for damage from severe storms and tornadoes, according to the account. The candidates also sharply disagreed over transgender rights. Crowley said he would not seek to restrict rights held by LGBTQ+ Wisconsinites. Tiffany said public money should not fund gender-affirming care, including for adults, and said he would restrict funding to facilities providing surgeries to minors. Gov. Tony Evers has vetoed Republican bills addressing gender-affirming care, school sports participation and student names and pronouns. On two proposed 765-kilovolt transmission projects in southwestern Wisconsin, both candidates said they oppose the plans in their current form, citing concerns about farmland and private property. The BECI project is proposed to run from Crawford County to Walworth County and the Illinois border; the MariBell line would connect Marion, Minnesota, with Bell Center, Wisconsin. The state Public Service Commission will decide whether the projects can proceed. Crowley criticized the proposed routes and said existing rights-of-way should be used. Tiffany called for a pause and reassessment, pointing to potential impacts on farmland and utility costs. They differed on recreational marijuana: Crowley supports legalization, citing potential economic benefits and revenue for public safety, schools and child care. Tiffany favored a cautious approach and more research, while supporting medical marijuana under a regulated program. Both said they support renewing the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, which expired July 1 after lawmakers did not reauthorize it. The program, established in 1989, funds conservation and protection of green space and wetlands. Crowley called for full funding; Tiffany said the state should first address maintenance needs at existing properties. On volunteer fire departments, Crowley said he would build on the state-local funding changes in 2023’s Act 12 to support firefighters and emergency medical services. Tiffany said he would review certification requirements, which he said may discourage volunteers. A 2025 Wisconsin Office of Rural Health survey found about one-third of fire chiefs said their departments could not cover annual costs, and many departments lacked enough firefighters to staff trucks. The candidates also addressed tribal relations, campaign spending, local eminent domain, and Medicaid-funded care for older adults and people with disabilities. Both said a governor should work with Wisconsin’s Native nations, though Tiffany specifically raised the ongoing dispute involving road access on Lac du Flambeau tribal lands. Crowley supported restoring greater local authority over property decisions, while Tiffany said eminent domain should be used rarely, including for bike and pedestrian paths. On campaign finance, Crowley called for reform to limit the influence of wealthy donors. Campaign reports covering July 1 through Sept. 23 showed the Republican Party of Wisconsin received $29 million, nearly 95% of it from megadonors Diane Hendricks and Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein. The Democratic Party of Wisconsin was Crowley’s largest donor; its leading contributors included Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Lynde Uihlein, who each gave $1 million. Tiffany said he would discuss possible changes with lawmakers and called for a bipartisan effort. He previously voted for the 2015 state law that allowed unlimited donations to political parties. For Medicaid-funded home- and community-based services, Crowley said people should continue receiving direct care and pointed to BadgerCare expansion as a way to sustain coverage. Tiffany proposed auditing programs for waste and improving cost transparency. He cited a UW-Madison study finding Wisconsin health care expenses were 26% higher than Illinois’. The answers frame a close contest over policies with consequences for communities across Wisconsin, from disaster recovery and emergency response to health care access, conservation and the future of large energy projects.