(The Center Square) – The man who ran for governor in 2014 by promising to hand out KKK hoods is running again.
Former Democrat State Rep. Brett Hulsey announced a bid for governor Wednesday.
Hulsey said he wants to “make Wisconsin better for our families.”
But it’s not Hulsey’s new campaign that is grabbing the attention.
When Hulsey ran for governor in 2014, his campaign was known more for stunts than anything else. And Hulsey himself has a history of odd behavior.
Hulsey promised to hand out Ku Klux Klan hoods at the 2014 state GOP Convention. While he didn’t hand out any hoods, he did show up at the convention in Milwaukee in a Confederate uniform. He also made headlines by inviting supporters to join him for beers and tours of farmers markets.
Hulsey also pleaded guilty in 2012 to a disorderly conduct citation after police say he pushed a 9-year-old boy off an inner tube at a Madison beach. He denied accusations that he molested the boy but did admit to taking pictures of him.
In 2013, one of the people who worked for him during his time in the legislature told police she didn’t feel safe because Hulsey brought a box cutter to the office.
Still, Hulsey managed to finish second in the 2014 Democratic Primary.
Hulsey is now the sixth Democrat to jump into the Democratic race this year. That includes Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, State Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison, State Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, and American Family Field beer vendor Ryan Strnad.
Voters will make their choice in August 2026.
