Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski said she wants to be part of a team that delivers for Wisconsin as she officially announced she’s running for lieutenant governor
During her announcement at a labor hall on Madison’s south side Wednesday, Godlewski criticized state Republicans for blocking Medicaid expansion and said Wisconsinites want “someone who’s just going to put their head down and do the work.”
“I’m not running for this office because I need another title,” Godlewski said. “I’m running for this office because I want to be a part of a team that’s not only going to win, but it’s actually going to deliver for the state of Wisconsin.”
Godlewski said she had 27 legislative endorsements, including former Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton, who joined Godlewski at her announcement.
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Godlewski was elected state treasurer in 2018 then made an unsuccessful run for U.S. Senate four years later. Dem Gov. Tony Evers appointed her secretary of state after Dem incumbent Doug La Follette suddenly resigned shortly after being sworn in to his record 12th term.
Godlewski said she’s not running for reelection as secretary of state because there are certain struggles Wisconsinites face she can’t fix in her current role. Godlewski said she can’t change the price of housing or help nurses working two or three jobs or address similar issues she hears about while talking to Wisconsinites.
“That’s why I think this role for me is the best, being that partner that can position myself to best solve these critical challenges here in Wisconsin,” Godlewski said.
State Sen. Brad Pfaff, D-Onalaska, has also been mentioned as a possible candidate for lieutenant governor. A source close to the lawmaker said Godlewski’s announcement wouldn’t impact his calculus and in the coming weeks, and “he’ll continue to talk to allies and stakeholders about his future and how he can best champion the voices that are all too ignored in today’s Democratic Party.”
After Evers announced he wouldn’t seek a third term, Godleweski was mentioned as a possible candidate for that office. But she said today she’s not running for governor because lieutenant governor is her “best choice” and “the best role for me is part of the team.”
Godlewski said she’s not currently endorsing anyone in the governor’s race.
On the GOP side, businessman Will Martin has been exploring a run for lieutenant governor.
The WisGOP did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
