With one week until Election Day, Democratic Lt. Governor nominees Dr. Dale Caldwell in New Jersey and Ghazala Hashmi in Virginia are working hard to earn every vote. As the 2025 races enter their final stretch, the DLGA is already investing in the future, committing $2 million each to Nevada Assembly Majority Leader Sandra Jauregui’s newly launched Lt. Governor campaign and Wisconsin Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez’s 2026 gubernatorial bid.See more below about how Democratic lieutenant governors are leading across the country:
ROI – NJ: The Innovative Path: James Barrood talks with Dr. Dale Caldwell
“As I said in the debate, I mean, the voters I’m finding are looking for people with experience, people with empathy, and people with ethics. And if you look at Mikey and my background. There’s no question we have much more experience addressing the issues in New Jersey… When it comes to empathy, you know, my dad knew and marched with Dr. King, and I mentioned again on the debates this idea of Ubuntu – ‘I am because you are.’ We’re intricately connected in the state. So, if folks on Medicaid are losing billions of dollars because of Donald Trump – that Jack supports – that impacts all of us.”
WHSV: Meet the Candidates: Virginia Lieutenant Governor – Ghazala Hashmi
“Virginians who know what I stand for, what I have been fighting for, know that I am committed to ensuring that we have a responsible government that is taking care of Virginians, making sure that there is education opportunity, that we are focused on economic development, career and technical skills to meet the workforce demands that we have in Virginia. Look, you know, voters want serious candidates. They know that I have a legislative record. They know that I have worked on issues that impact the lives of every Virginian, whether it’s housing or healthcare, education, our environment. These are focus points that John Reid simply is not addressing.”
The Hill: Virginia Democratic lieutenant governor candidate rolls out first ad of general electionVirginia lieutenant governor candidate and state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi (D) rolled out her first ad of the general election Monday, highlighting her experienced as a mother and educator.The ad, titled “Educator,” is a part of a six-figure ad buy that is airing in media markets across the commonwealth.“Ghazala fought for guys like me, expanding apprenticeships and technical training,” said one worker who was featured in the 30-second ad. “So we can get good paying jobs, whether you go to college or not.”
KRNV: Assembly majority leader Sandra Jauregui launches campaign for Nevada lieutenant governorNevada Assembly Majority Leader Sandra Jauregui is making it official — she’s running for Lieutenant Governor, promising what she calls “a new direction” for the Silver State.In her announcement Monday, Jauregui said her campaign will center on issues she’s been fighting for over the past decade — from affordable housing and education to job creation.
WTMJ: Democratic Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez receives $2 million boost for Wisconsin governor’s raceWisconsin Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez’s campaign for governor will receive a significant financial boost as the Democratic primary field continues to grow.The Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association announced it will invest $2 million next year through an independent expenditure to support Rodriguez’s gubernatorial bid.See more below on how Democratic Lieutenant Governors are leading in the states:
DELAWARE
Delaware Online: ‘No Kings’ protests pop up around Delaware“I would say that there’s nothing more American than on June 14 and on today, that we stand up in America and declare definitively ‘no kings,'” Evans Gay said in her speech.
Delaware Public Media: Aternium receives $1 million from Delaware for hydrogen production facilityLt. Governor Kyle Evans-Gay says this is an example of the type of projects Delaware wants to support – offering new jobs and a potential boost to its energy portfolio.“The state is ready to stand behind individuals who are willing to take those risks, for the reward that it brings to our local economy, to our workforce, and beyond.” she said.
CONNECTICUT
News 12 Connecticut: Connecticut will use state reserves to fund WIC program and continue operations during shutdownLt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz says it’s important to continue the program during this time.
“It reduces food insecurity. It makes sure that moms who are nursing and pregnant have the nutrition that they need and that infants and children from low-income families have the food they need to thrive,” she says.
Connecticut Public Radio: CT observes Banned Books Week amid book censorshipattempts and new state law“We have to stand up to defend the freedom to read and learn and be our true selves without fear,” Bysiewicz said. “Books have so much to teach us, and we have to keep our minds open to new ideas and new opportunities, and to do that, we have to keep our library shelves open as well.”
MASSACHUSETTS
Daily Hampshire Gazette: Williamsburg’s hole in one: Lt. Gov. visits to announce statewide climate resiliency grants“I’d like to say we bring real adult-in-the-room energy when it comes to governing, and that means that we don’t always agree on every single issue, but we find a way to drive real consensus and deliver results for community members, and that is what people expect out of government,” Driscoll said.
WWLP: Lieutenant Governor reacts to government shutdown reaching 15 days with noresolution“We’ve got thousands of workers who are not getting paid, who have been furloughed and may not come back, so it’s frightening to think about this happening when you have one party controlling all three branches. Let’s get it done, do your job,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.
ILLINOIS
WAND News: Pritzker, IL Democrats criticize federal freezing of transit funding forChicagoLt. Governor Juliana Stratton stated that she and Pritzker will do “everything in our power” to fight to reclaim the funding. “This bipartisan-funded project is vital to our regional economy and connects Chicagoland families to jobs and opportunity. In Illinois, we will not bend the knee,” Stratton said.
Chicago Sun Times: Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce urges support for Latinocommunities under siegeAt the chamber’s conference, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said recent federal actions “are not about safety. They are about intimidation.” They are meant to “make families and small-business owners afraid for everything they’ve built.”The federal government has attacked programs that support minority and disadvantaged business owners, but “our administration is committed to supporting Latino businesses,” Stratton said. “Illinois will not be bullied.”
KENTUCKY
WLKY: One-on-One Interview: Kentucky lieutenant governor talks advocacy, political future
“Coleman, with lived experience, has always championed for preventative care, urging women to take care of themselves and prioritize their health, especially in Kentucky, where cancer is a leading cause of death and breast cancer diagnosis rates are high.”
The Daily Independent: Seeking ‘real solutions’ to mental health hurdles: Lt. Gov. Colemanvisits Fairview for educator listening session“I always say there’s three things in public education that, if you can get it right, then you’re going to do some amazing things,” Coleman said. “Put kids first, show up for the people who show up for your kids every day, and you make sure schools have the resources they need to do what you need them to do.”
NORTH CAROLINA
NC Newsline: ‘Distraught and pissed off’: Businesses, providers soundalarm over cracks in NC child care industryLt. Governor Rachel Hunt, who co-chairs the task force on child care and early education, said lawmakers must take seriously that the industry is an essential service facing a real crisis.“We need every business, and every county commission, legislator, every branch of government to understand that and that moms and dads are not going to be able to go to work. And then we are not going to be the number one place for business,” Hunt said.
PENNSYLVANIA
Bucks County Beacon: NAACP Bucks County’s 74th Annual Freedom FundBanquet Will Highlight ‘The Fierce Urgency of NOW’The event’s keynote speaker is Pennsylvania Lt. Governor Austin Davis.“We chose Lt. Gov. Austin Davis because he embodies our theme, ‘The Fierce Urgency of Now.’ At a time when many are feeling fatigue, his presence as Pennsylvania’s first Black lieutenant governor, represents both progress and possibility,” said Adrienne King, president of the Bucks County Branch of NAACP.
PHL17: State officials urge Pennsylvanians to register to vote in upcoming election“Thegovernor and I are committed to making sure every Pennsylvania voter has the opportunity to make their voice heard and ensure that every eligible vote will be counted,” said Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis. “Our administration is working hard to protect your freedom to vote, and we appreciate the dedication of the workers and all of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties who make our elections happen.”
OREGON
Hoodline: Oregon Voter Registration Closes for Upcoming Special Election – MajorIssues Await DecisionTime’s ticking for Oregon voters eager to have a say in the local matters that directly impact their daily lives, with the voter registration deadline for the November 4, 2025, Special Election having lapsed just yesterday, October 14. This comes as a reminder from Secretary of State Tobias Read, who stressed, “Every election counts, especially right now,” according to an official website of the State of Oregon, recent press release.
RHODE ISLAND
Providence Business News: Matos: Task force to offer guidance, not dictatebusiness successionIn March, Matos announced the launch of the Rhode Island Succession Planning Task Force, a working group developed to guide the state through what’s been called the impending “silver tsunami” of retiring baby boomers.“There’s going to be a huge transfer of wealth happening in this state and in this nation in the next 15 years,” Matos said. “And many businesses are not ready for that.”
MARYLANDWJZ: Faith and community leaders gather to tackle Maryland’s opioid andoverdose issues“Government alone cannot do it, non-profits alone can’t do it. We need our faith leaders, our activists, people who will share their stories so we can remove the stigma,” Miller said. “Know that addiction is a disease, it’s not a moral failure.”
HAWAI’I KHON: Hawaiʻi HS students gain guaranteed college admissions“This initiative sends a powerful message to our young people, that they are supported, that college is within reach, and that Hawaiʻi is ready to invest in their future,” Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke said. “By removing barriers and creating a clear path to higher education, Direct2UH will help grow our local workforce, strengthen families and ensure that more of our keiki can thrive here at home.”
NEW MEXICO
Silver City Daily Press: Fort Bayard plan probes possible futuresLt. Gov. Howie Morales began the meeting by thanking the supporters of Fort Bayard for their work and talking about the importance of the project to save and reuse the historic cavalry post.“The one thing I know is we all want Fort Bayard to flourish,” Morales said. “Thank you for never giving up on the dream of what we know the potential of Fort Bayard could be.”
WASHINGTON
Okanogan Valley Gazette-Tribune: NW Washington lawmakers initiate ‘border summit’ to build stronger ties with Canadian neighborsTo everyone’s knowledge, it’s the first time Washington state legislators have met directly with Canadian provincial lawmakers at the border for an event like this. The meeting was made possible in part through the efforts of Washington Lt. Gov. Denny Heck, who helped establish the connection and encouraged cross-border cooperation.
