Milwaukee-area activist, stadium vendor Ryan Strnad launches bid for governor

MUKWONAGO, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – American Family Field vendor and Milwaukee-area native Ryan Strnad has announced his bid for the 2026 Wisconsin gubernatorial race.

Strnad declared for next year’s election as a Democrat. According to his campaign website, he was a member of the Republican Party before becoming a Democrat in 2001. In his agenda, he believes women should have the right to abortion, and he promises to improve the state’s working class and prioritize environmental health.

The gubernatorial candidate currently works as a beer vendor at American Family Field, the home of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team. He founded “Drinks In The Seats” in 2017, an action committee that ensures stadium vendors are fairly compensated for their work.

“I’m running for governor of Wisconsin because I feel obligated to lead our state! Moving here to Muskego in 1975, I established roots that I am proud of,” Strnad said in a statement. “I may’ve even served YOU at the stadium where I’ve gotten politically involved and worked there since 1988. I also have jobs elsewhere. I am one of us! I ask for your vote.”

Strnad is the fourth candidate to declare for the governor’s race, and the second from the Democratic Party. Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez joined the race in late July soon after Governor Tony Evers announced that he will not seek a third term. Strnad will also run against Republican candidates Josh Schoemann and Bill Berrien.

The candidate pool is expected to grow as other officials prepare to launch their campaigns – Democratic State Senator shared on Civic Media’s “The Todd Allbaugh Show” that she is “pretty likely” to join the gubernatorial race.