“The state of Illinois has a lower income tax rate than we do, and a flat tax. It’s almost half of what the top bracket here in Wisconsin is.”

GOP candidate for governor says income taxes are lower in Illinois than Wisconsin. Is that true?

While Wisconsin’s 2026 race for governor is getting a slow start as Democratic Gov. Tony Evers mulls whether to seek a third term, at least one Republican candidate is off and running.

That’s Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, who launched his campaign in early May with a focus on keeping young people and retirees in Wisconsin, instead of losing them to other states.

Schoemann hit on that theme during a June 2, 2025, appearance on conservative radio host Vicki McKenna’s show.

“The state of Illinois has a lower income tax rate than we do, and a flat tax,” Schoemann said. “It’s almost half of what the top bracket here in Wisconsin is.”

Income taxes are likely to stay a big topic in the race for governor.

Continue reading here: https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2025/jun/25/josh-schoemann/gop-candidate-for-governor-says-income-taxes-are-l/