Joel Brennan

Joel Brennan (born 1970) is an American businessman and politician who was the 18th secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration from 2019 to 2022, under Governor Tony Evers. He is the president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee and was a candidate in the Democratic primary for governor of Wisconsin in the 2026 election.

Early life and education Joel Brennan was born and raised in Wisconsin. He is one of 11 children. He attended Marquette University High School and graduated magna cum laude from Marquette University with a bachelor's degree in English. He later earned a master's degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. Brennan and his wife, Audra, have two children.

Career Early in his career, Brennan managed campaigns for former Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett and led the Milwaukee Redevelopment Authority under Barrett. He worked in government relations at Miller Brewing Company and served as a vice president at the Greater Milwaukee Convention & Visitors Bureau.

In December 2018, Governor-elect Tony Evers nominated Brennan as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration. He was confirmed unanimously by the Wisconsin State Senate in October 2019. As secretary, Brennan oversaw state budget negotiations with the Republican-controlled Legislature and was the lead state official in renegotiating the state's contract with Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Foxconn, reducing the maximum state tax credit exposure from $2.85 billion to $80 million.

In late 2021, Brennan announced he was leaving the Evers administration to become president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, a Milwaukee business and civic organization. In his first campaign finance report covering July through December 2025, Brennan raised $566,212, ranking third among Democratic candidates in the race behind David Crowley and Sara Rodriguez. Brennan ultimately placed fourth in the primary, behind Crowley, Francesca Hong, and Kelda Roys.

Electoral history

Wisconsin Senate (2003)

Wisconsin governor (2026)