STATE OF THE RACE: The Democratic field for Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race is beginning to take shape, but one fact is already clear: Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez is the candidate best positioned to take on Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany and win in the general election.
Tiffany enters this race as the likely GOP nominee, bringing with him a Washington D.C. agenda that has consistently raised costs on working families, gutted health care and Medicaid for Wisconsinites, and attacked basic freedoms. To defeat him, Democrats need a candidate with proven statewide experience, a resume to hold him accountable for his harmful positions – especially on healthcare, the resources to run a winning campaign, and the grassroots strength to unite and inspire voters across Wisconsin. Sara Rodriguez is that candidate – the clear Democratic frontrunner and the only one ready to defeat Tom Tiffany.
RESOURCES & SUPPORT: Sara Rodriguez is assembling the resources, support and statewide infrastructure needed to win in 2026 – more than any Democrat in the race – making her the most viable candidate to win the general election.
- National Endorsements: Sara has already secured the backing and historic investments from the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association and 314 Action Fund, both signaling confidence in her ability to win.
- Statewide Support: She is consolidating support and grassroots energy from local leaders across Wisconsin who know her record and trust her leadership.
- Resources to Compete: With an initial $2 million pledged investment from the DLGA and robust early fundraising totaling more than $2.5 million, Sara has the resources to build a campaign that can win both the primary and the general.
TMJ4: Democratic Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez receives $2 million boost for Wisconsin governor’s race
“We believe in Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez’s ability to positively impact Wisconsin so much that we are committing to spend $2 million on her behalf to ensure that she wins the Democratic nomination for governor,” said Kevin Holst, DLGA executive director.
WisPolitics: 314 Action Fund Endorses Sara Rodriguez for Wisconsin Governor
“Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez is leading the fight to protect and expand Medicaid, ensuring all Wisconsinites have access to affordable health care, tackling workforce shortages, and investing in public schools and child care so every family has the opportunity to thrive. As Wisconsin’s next Governor, she’ll continue to stand up and fight for Wisconsinites, backing policy with science and data every step of the way. For the last seven years, Governor Tony Evers has championed pro-science policies — and now it’s time to pass the torch to Sara to continue this work. We’re proud to endorse her and look forward to supporting Sara’s campaign.” -Shaughnessy Naughton, President of 314 Action
72-COUNTY STRATEGY: Sara has traveled to all 72 counties not once, but three times as Lieutenant Governor. Her ongoing Rolling with Rodriguez statewide tour demonstrates her commitment to showing up everywhere – from farms and factory floors to coffee shops and classrooms. No other candidate in this race can match her statewide presence and direct connection to the people of Wisconsin.
Kenosha News: Rodriguez kicks off campaign for governor in Kenosha visit Wednesday
WBAY: Lt. Gov Sara Rodriguez speaks with voters as part of a statewide campaign
Press Gazette: Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez outlines political platform in first Green Bay visit in governor’s race
WKBT: Lt. Gov. Rodriguez visits La Crosse as part of statewide governor campaign tour
WEAU: “Rolling with Rodriguez” campaign makes stop in Eau Claire
SARA’S STORY: Sara Rodriguez is not a career politician. She is a nurse, mom, and statewide leader who has dedicated her life to solving real problems for working families. She’s stepped up to lead in emergency rooms, at the CDC, in the state capitol, and across every corner of Wisconsin. Along the way, she’s made life-or-death decisions, managed multi-million dollar budgets, and led teams through real crises – not just political ones. A working mom, Sara is the daughter of a union teaching assistant and Vietnam veteran, and the granddaughter of Wisconsin dairy farmers. Her announcement video introduced voters to that record and set her apart as the only candidate who combines frontline health care expertise with executive leadership and proven statewide viability.
Sara’s candidacy offers Democrats a compelling contrast to Tom Tiffany: a public health leader who understands what families are facing at the kitchen table vs. a career politician who votes with billionaires while ripping health care away from rural Wisconsinites.
ON THE ISSUES: Sara is centering her campaign on the issues that matter most to Wisconsinites and resonate with voters across the state.
- Affordability: Too many families are working hard but still getting squeezed. Sara is running to make life more affordable for working families – tackling rising costs in health care, child care, housing, and education so every paycheck goes further.
- Health Care: As a nurse, Sara knows what’s at stake when families can’t get the care they need. She’ll protect and expand Medicaid, lower prescription drug costs, fix Wisconsin’s health care workforce shortage, and strengthen rural hospitals.
- Housing: Safe, affordable housing is the foundation for thriving families and communities. Sara will tackle Wisconsin’s housing shortage, support renters and homeowners, and work with local leaders to expand options so everyone has a roof over their head.
- Child Care: Sara will invest in child care providers, expand affordable options for families, and make sure early childhood educators are paid what they deserve. She’ll fight to make child care a priority in our state budget so families aren’t forced to choose between keeping their jobs and caring for their kids.
- Education: The daughter of a union teaching assistant, Sara will fully fund our public schools, raise teacher pay, and make sure every child has the resources they need to succeed, no matter their zip code.
- Rights and Freedoms: Sara will stand up to Trump and MAGA extremists, defending reproductive freedom, voting rights, and the right of workers to organize. She’ll work to strengthen protections in law so that no politician can roll them back.
BOTTOM LINE: Sara Rodriguez has the story, the record, the resources, and the statewide strategy to defeat Tom Tiffany and win the Governor’s office in 2026. She is the clear Democratic frontrunner and the strongest candidate to keep Wisconsin moving forward.
WISCONSIN ENDORSEMENTS
State Legislators:
- Rep. Joan Fitzgerald, Assembly District 46
- Rep. Ben DeSmidt, Assembly District 65
- Rep. Andrew Hysell, Assembly District 48
- Rep. Maureen McCarville, Assembly District 42
- Rep. Christine Sinicki, Assembly District 20
- Rep. Karen Kirsch, Assembly District 7
- Sen. Bob Wirch, Senate District 22
- Janis Ringhand, Rock County Supervisor and former Member of State Senate District 15
- Beth Meyers, former Member of State Assembly, Assembly District 74)
- Gary Hebl, former Member of State Assembly, Assembly District 46)
“I’ve served Wisconsin as a union leader, a member of the National Guard, a legislator, and a local official – and I can tell you, Sara Rodriguez is the real deal. She shows up for working people, respects labor, and understands that unions built Wisconsin’s middle class. She listens to local voices, supports our Guard members and veterans, and brings steady, solutions-driven leadership to every challenge. She’ll be a Governor who puts people first and delivers results.” -Rep. Maureen McCarville, Assembly District 42
“As a former public school teacher, I know what it means to fight for our public schools – and so does Sara Rodriguez. She understands that investing in our kids, our teachers, and our classrooms is how we build a stronger future. She’ll fight for educators, fund our schools, and make sure every child has the chance to succeed. I’m proud to support a leader who truly puts public education first.” – Rep. Joan Fitzgerald, Assembly District 46
“As a small business owner, I know how important it is to have leaders who understand Main Street. Sara knows small businesses drive local economies, create jobs, and strengthen our communities. She’ll expand opportunity and build an economy that works for everyone – not just the big guys. Sara won’t just talk about growing Wisconsin’s economy – she’ll get it done.” Rep. Ben DeSmidt, Assembly District 65
Community Leaders:
- Tia Johnson, Beloit School Board Member
- Sara Monty, Brookfield Common Council Alder
- Michael Hallquist, Brookfield Common Council Alder
- Tom Dewane, Brown County Board Supervisor
- Tom Friberg, Brown County Board Supervisor
- Emily Voight, Calumet County Board Supervisor
- Charles Bomar, Chippewa County Board Supervisor
- Adam Gallagher, Dane County Treasurer
- Larry Mboga, Eau Claire City Council Alder
- Mary Wacker, Elmbrook School Board Treasurer
- Ruth Dyson, Kenosha Common Council Alder
- Kenny Harper, Kenosha Common Council Alder
- Rollin Pizzala, Kenosha Common Council Alder
- Andres Gama, Kenosha County Board Supervisor
- Sarah Kirby, Kenosha County Board Supervisor
- Dr. Todd Alan Price, Kenosha School Board Member
- Lisa Weston, La Crosse Common Council Alder
- Aron Newberry, La Crosse Common Council Alder
- Peggy Isola, La Crosse County Board Supervisor
- Will Ochowicz, Madison Common Council Alder
- Regina Vidaver, Madison Common Council President
- Nicki Vander Meulen, Madison Metropolitan School District Board Member
- Chris Voll, Marathon County Supervisor
- Abigail Pickard, Menomonie City Council Alder
- Israel Ramón, Milwaukee County Register of Deeds
- Karl Buelow, Oshkosh Common Council Alder
- Joshua Pettis, Mayor of Osseo
- Jayme Heiser, Outagamie County Board Supervisor
- Dave Homan, Rock County Supervisor
- Alicia Halvenslaben, Waukesha Common Council Alder
- Diane Voit, Waukesha School Board Member
- Jane Rusch, Wausau School Board Member
“As an Alderman, I value leaders who respect local voices and work with us to solve problems. Sara Rodriguez is exactly that kind of leader. She listens, she builds consensus, and she gets results. I’m confident she’ll be a governor who keeps local communities at the table and delivers for the people of Wisconsin.” -Michael Hallquist, Brookfield Common Council Member
Learn more at www.saraforwi.com. Download the campaign’s candidate media kit here.
