Kaul and Toney Clash Over Crime Data in Wisconsin AG Rematch

Wisconsin voters will decide on Tuesday who leads the state Department of Justice in a rematch between incumbent Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul and Republican challenger Eric Toney. Both candidates are using crime statistics to define their public safety records.

FBI data from 2019 to 2025 shows that violent crime increased by approximately 20% in Fond du Lac County, Toney’s district, while decreasing by about 17% statewide. Kaul argued that Wisconsin recorded its lowest number of violent crimes since 2011 under his tenure. He noted that Fond du Lac experienced its second-highest violent crime count in decades during the same period. Toney countered that domestic violence is a primary driver of the county’s statistical increase. He also stated that murder rates rose by more than 30% while Kaul held office.

Statewide murder statistics recorded a 40% increase last year compared to 2019 levels. The total number of homicides peaked in 2021 during the pandemic and has declined annually since that high point. The broader homicide category rose by roughly 25% between 2019 and 2025 before falling 28% from its 2021 peak. Marc Levin, chief policy counsel for the Council on Criminal Justice, said that assigning causation to a specific district attorney or attorney general is difficult. He explained that the attorney general’s role focuses more on civil law than criminal enforcement, meaning statewide trends may not directly reflect the office holder's impact.

The state crime labs represent one area where the attorney general has direct operational control. A 2024 nonpartisan legislative audit found that turnaround times for evidence analysis rose by nearly 50% between 2019 and 2023. During that same period, the volume of assignments dropped by 13%. Kaul attributed the longer wait times to improved DNA analysis methods that allow for more precise results. He cited the ability to identify drugs like fentanyl at lower quantities as an example of this precision. He also stated that the legislature has not provided the necessary investment for the labs. Toney described increasing lab efficiency as a top priority and said he would implement formal performance metrics for analysts. He accused Kaul of blaming the legislature for resource gaps while failing to use the funding that was provided.

Beyond the labs, Kaul cited changes to sexual assault kit laws and funding for the Office of School Safety. He also noted that his office has joined more than 60 lawsuits against the Trump administration. Toney highlighted a 75% rise in felony filings in Fond du Lac County since 2012. He said domestic violence filings in his district more than doubled and that he holds the support of more than 80% of the state’s sheriffs. Both candidates maintain that their respective records demonstrate the best approach to keeping Wisconsinites safe.