Who is Ryan Strnad? Beer Vendor Joins Wisconsin Governor’s Race

Ryan Strnad, a longtime beer vendor from Mukwonago, has officially entered the 2026 Wisconsin governor’s race as a Democrat. Strnad, who has worked three jobs for years, says his working-class background makes him different from traditional politicians.

Strnad has spent more than 25 years selling beer at American Family Field, where he has become a familiar face to Milwaukee Brewers fans. For his campaign launch, he stood at Mitchell Boulevard Park, across the street from the stadium. He says the governor’s office is where he could make “the most difference.”

“I love state politics more than anything else,” Strnad told reporters. “I can propose budgets, sign bills, veto laws, and push for workers’ rights.”

A Candidate With No Political Office Experience

Strnad has never held public office. In fact, his only previous run was in 2000 when he unsuccessfully contested for the Wisconsin Assembly as a Republican. He later switched to the Democratic Party, saying his pro-labor values align better with Democrats.

He created a PAC called “Drinks in Seats” in 2017 to support stadium vendors and labor protections.

His Campaign Priorities

If elected, Strnad says he would:

• Repeal Act 10, which restricted public-sector unions.

• End “right to work” laws that limit union power.

• Strengthen job security for workers.

• Support law enforcement while making every neighborhood “a livable one.”

• Protect abortion access for women.

• Oppose strict COVID-19 restrictions, which he says hurt working-class jobs.

• Support responsible gun rights and Wisconsin’s concealed carry law.

On the environment, Strnad says small steps like household recycling matter more than shutting down oil and gas pipelines. “That costs jobs,” he argues.

Against Party Lines

Strnad says he doesn’t fit the mold of a typical Democrat. He is openly pro-police, critical of pandemic restrictions, and favors bipartisanship. “Politics has become ‘us against them,’ and I want to change that,” he said.

His campaign slogan, “He’s one of us,” highlights his working-class lifestyle. He rents an apartment, works three jobs, and says he understands the struggles of everyday Wisconsinites.

The 2026 Democratic Field

The race to replace Gov. Tony Evers, who is retiring, is already crowded. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Sen. Kelda Roys, Attorney General Josh Kaul, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, and Rep. Francesca Hong are all considering or pursuing bids.

On the Republican side, businessman Bill Berrien is currently the only non-officeholder in the race.