(The Center Square) – The beer man is out.
Democrat Ryan Strnad announced that he is dropping out of the Democratic primary for governor.
“I, Ryan Strnad, citing low poll numbers and the inability to raise large sums of dollars needed to compete with the sophisticated group candidates in the Democratic primary, have decided to leave the 2026 WI gubernatorial election effective immediately,” he wrote in an announcement.
Strnad was always a longshot candidate at best. He spends his summer selling beer in the stands at Brewer games, and he’d never run for office.
In fact, Strnad said he wants to focus more on his job as a beer vendor at American Family Field, though he’s not ruling out another run for office.
“I will put my focus on some newly arising labor issues affecting the vendors at American Family Field and contemplate a run for Waukesha County Executive (provided Paul Farrow chooses against a reelection),” he added.
Strnad said he is tossing his support behind Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in the crowded race for governor on the Democratic side next year.
“I am happy to endorse Milwaukee County Executive, David Crowley for the 2026 WI gubernatorial race!,” he wrote. “David is a proven leader who has earned my respect after getting to know him over the last several months!”
Strnad’s exit leaves six other candidates, including Crowley in the race.
There are also rumors that two other Democrats, former Department of Administration secretary Joel Brennan and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes might jump-in as well.
There are two Republicans in the race, Northwoods Congressman Tom Tiffany and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann.
Voters will make their choice in the primary in August.
