These experts from the UW–Madison faculty and staff have agreed to comment on breaking news, ongoing developments and trends in their areas of expertise. If you need help arranging interviews, email the Office of Strategic Communication.
Experts on the news
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Barry Burden on: Wisconsin's 2026 Gubernatorial Primary
Wisconsin's primary is August 11. Barry Burden, Professor of Political Science and director of the Elections Research Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, has been closely following the race.
He can speak to:
• The key governor, congressional, and state legislative races to watch and why they matter beyond Wisconsin.
• What turnout, campaign messaging, and candidate coalitions reveal about voter sentiment in a critical battleground state.
• How Wisconsin's primary could offer an early indication of national political trends heading into November.
• Why Wisconsin continues to serve as a political bellwether, and what makes its elections closely watched by both parties.Recent Media:
Wisconsin Watch- July 2026
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Jonathan Temte on: Resurgence in U.S Measles Cases
With the United States reporting its highest number of measles cases in decades, public health officials are raising concerns about declining vaccination rates, growing outbreaks, and the potential loss of the nation's measles elimination status.
Jon Temte, professor of family medicine and community health at the University of Wisconsin Madison, is a physician, vaccine researcher, and former member of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. He studies immunization, vaccine policy, and infectious disease prevention.
He can speak to:
- Why the U.S. is experiencing its largest measles resurgence in decades and the factors contributing to continued transmission.
- What declining vaccination rates mean for community immunity and why outbreaks are becoming more difficult to contain.
- What's at stake if measles continues to spread, including the implications for public health and future outbreak response.
- What individuals and families should know about MMR vaccination, immunity, and protecting themselves and their communities.
Recent Media:
The New York Times- July 2026
PBS News- July 2026
