Only declared Democratic candidate quickly building broad coalition of support ahead of 2026 election
MADISON, WI—Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez, the only declared Democratic candidate for Governor of Wisconsin, today announced her second wave of endorsements from community leaders across the state. The list includes local elected officials, school board members, and county leaders from every corner of Wisconsin, underscoring Rodriguez’s growing grassroots momentum just weeks after entering the race.
“I’m honored to have the support of leaders who are working every day to strengthen their communities,” said Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez. “They understand the challenges facing Wisconsinites because they see them up close – from our schools to our city councils to our county boards. As Governor, I’ll partner with leaders at every level to make life more affordable, protect our freedoms, and build a Wisconsin that works for everyone.”
Endorsers praised Rodriguez’s record of leadership and commitment to listening to communities:
Regina Vidaver, Madison Common Council President: “As a kindred spirit public health professional, I am thrilled to endorse Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez. Her expertise in leading high level executive teams, and her experience as Lt. Governor, sets her apart as a candidate. Winning a purple district in Waukesha when she was in the Assembly shows her pragmatic, common sense approaches can meet the needs of everyone across Wisconsin.”
Emily Voight, Calumet County Board Supervisor: “As a county supervisor, and mom of autistic children, I have seen first hand how prior-authorization delays and health care worker shortages hurt seniors, parents and small businesses. Sara will hold insurers accountable, grow Wisconsin’s healthcare workforce, fund community health, and put parents – not paperwork first.”
Israel Ramón, Milwaukee County Register of Deeds: “Every day my office records the milestones of people’s lives – buying a home, getting married, starting a family, or building generational wealth by establishing businesses. Sara Rodriguez will make those milestones possible for more families by focusing on affordable child care, supporting quality education for all of our children, and making sure we have safe and thriving neighborhoods. She knows how to work across the aisle to bring people together to get things done. Milwaukee County can count on her – and so can Wisconsin.”
Joshua Pettis, Mayor of Osseo: “I support leaders who show up, listen, and stay accessible to the people they serve, regardless of whether they’re Republican or Democrat. Sara Rodriguez understands the challenges small rural communities like Osseo face – from the growing concern of rural hospitals closing, to the shortage of affordable housing, to the need for critical infrastructure investments and the funding to make them happen. Her medical background gives her a deep understanding of how vital our healthcare facilities are, and she brings that same commitment to ensuring every community in Wisconsin has the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive.”
Kenny Harper, Kenosha Common Council Member: “As a Common Council member and small business owner in Kenosha, I know how much local economies depend on strong partnerships with the state. Sara Rodriguez understands that funding our communities means funding opportunity—and she’ll deliver. She’ll be a governor who invests in people and builds a Wisconsin where everyone can get ahead.”
Dr. Todd Alan Price, Kenosha School Board Member: “Sara Rodriguez has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the well-being of our families and shows up to fully fund our public schools. She will walk with us, stand for those who serve, and with her leadership in healthcare, drive our state in a healthy direction. Wisconsin needs a Governor who will uphold the Wisconsin Idea, and steer our state forward, not backward. I enthusiastically climb on the bus and endorse Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez for Governor! Forward with Sara!”
Charles Bomar, Chippewa County Supervisor: “Sara Rodriguez for Governor, I’m all in. Sara is kind and thoughtful about the issues at hand. She has the deep professional experiences necessary to bring meaningful solutions to all citizens of Wisconsin, rural to urban. Most importantly she understands healthcare from the bottom up. As a former nurse and business owner she’s been on the front lines delivering heath care to those who needed it most.”
Adam Gallagher, Dane County Treasurer: “Sara Rodriguez has proven bipartisan support in both the Wisconsin State Legislature and the Lieutenant Governor’s Office. Her devoted passion for the best interests of Wisconsin shines every time you visit with her about topics that truly impact everyone personally.”
Aron Newberry, La Crosse Common Council Member: “Sara Rodriguez gets it…everything is connected. Public health, the economy, infrastructure, education. She approaches problems with the kind of disciplined, evidence-based thinking Wisconsin needs, and she listens before she acts.”
Sarah Kirby, Kenosha County Supervisor: “Sara understands the challenges our communities are facing when it comes to housing and providing crucial health services. She also understands the financial challenges our County Human Services Departments are facing and will fight to make sure we can continue to provide the necessary services that Kenosha County residents deserve.”
Dave Homan, Rock County Supervisor: “I first met Sara Rodriguez two years ago, and that initial conversation told me everything I needed to know about her leadership. She listened, she understood, and she cared about our priorities. Sara’s consistently shown up with that same commitment to partnership ever since. That sincerity and focus are exactly what we need in our next governor.”
Diane Voit, Waukesha School Board Member: “Our kids deserve the best education we can give them – great teachers, small class sizes, and safe, adequately funded schools. Sara Rodriguez shares that vision and has the drive to make it a reality. She understands that strong public schools are the foundation of thriving communities, and she’ll fight every day to deliver for students across Wisconsin.”
Michael Hallquist, Brookfield Common Council 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.”
Nicki Vander Meulen, Madison Metropolitan School District Board Member: “Sara is a dynamic leader who is honest, sincere and a champion for public education. Sara will continue to fight for all Wisconsinites.”
Mary Wacker, Elmbrook School Board Member: “I know first-hand that Sara Rodriguez’s commitment to public education is rooted in her own public-school experience in the Elmbrook Schools, where I had the privilege of teaching her more than 30 years ago. Since that time, Sara has continued to earn my respect as a medical professional, a public servant, and a Wisconsin resident who understands the importance of dependable healthcare and great public schools. The safety and prosperity of every family in every part of our state is reliant on those fundamental rights. I know Sara takes our constitutional commitment to ensuring the success of public schools seriously. My children and grandchildren deserve a leader who understands that public education matters to all of us. Please join me in voting for Sara Rodriguez as the next Governor of Wisconsin.”
The following community leaders have endorsed Sara Rodriguez for Governor:
- 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
- Mary Wacker – Elmbrook School Board Treasurer
- Kenny Harper – Kenosha Common Council Alder
- 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
- Israel Ramón– Milwaukee County Register of Deeds
- 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
Last week Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez’s campaign announced its first round of endorsements from state legislators. Rodriguez was the first Democratic candidate to launch a campaign for governor to succeed Governor Tony Evers, releasing an announcement video that highlighted her roots in Wisconsin and experience as a statewide official, public health leader, nurse, and former small business owner.
A registered nurse with master’s degrees in public health and nursing from Johns Hopkins University, Sara Rodriguez previously served as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer at the CDC and as an executive in both public and private healthcare systems. She founded her own small business, was a vice president at a Fortune 100 company, and led population health strategy at one of the largest healthcare systems in the Midwest. Rodriguez was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2020, flipping a suburban Milwaukee seat. She now serves as Wisconsin’s 46th Lieutenant Governor, elected in 2022 alongside Governor Tony Evers.
Learn more at www.saraforwi.com. Download the campaign’s candidate media kit here.
