2026 Wisconsin Governor Race: Democratic Secretary of State Steps Back, Considers Lt. Gov. Run

Wisconsin's Sarah Godlewski Considers Lieutenant Governor Bid

Wisconsin’s Democratic Secretary of State, Sarah Godlewski, has made it clear that she is not planning to run for governor or seek a full term in her current position. However, she is exploring the possibility of running for lieutenant governor in the upcoming election, according to an adviser.

This development comes after Democratic Governor Tony Evers announced that he will not seek a third term in the state, creating an open race for the governorship next year. Godlewski was among several Democrats mentioned as a potential candidate for the top role, but she has now shifted her focus to the second-highest position in the state government.

“She is making calls to leaders across the state and will make a final decision on a run in the coming weeks,” said adviser Scott Spector. “If she gets in this race, it will be with significant support from elected and local Democrats from across Wisconsin.”

Godlewski, who is 43 years old, was appointed by Evers as secretary of state in March 2023 following the resignation of the previous incumbent just three months into their term. Unlike in many other states, the Wisconsin secretary of state office does not oversee elections and has minimal official duties.

Prior to her current role, Godlewski served as state treasurer from 2019 to 2023. She also ran for U.S. Senate in 2022 but withdrew from the race to allow then-Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes to secure the nomination. Barnes lost the general election and is now one of several candidates considering a run for governor.

A Crowded Field of Candidates

The list of potential Democratic candidates for governor is expected to grow. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez recently announced her candidacy, while Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley has indicated he plans to take steps soon to launch a campaign. Other Democrats in the mix include Attorney General Josh Kaul, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, state Sen. Kelda Roys, and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes.

Governor Evers has not yet committed to endorsing any candidate in the primary. He told reporters in Milwaukee that he is unlikely to make an endorsement at this point.

“I’ll never say never, but I want to make sure who the rest of the candidates are before I even make that decision,” Evers said.

On the Republican side, two candidates have already announced their runs: Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and manufacturer Bill Berrien. Other Republicans considering a bid for governor include U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and state Senate President Mary Felzkowski.

Former Republican Gov. Scott Walker recently released a video stating he would not be running for the office he held from 2011 until 2019. Walker had jokingly hinted at a possible return in a post on X last week, but he clarified that he will instead focus on his work as president of the Young America’s Foundation, which aims to engage college-aged conservatives in politics.

The Broader Implications

As the 2026 Wisconsin governor’s race takes shape, the political landscape is becoming increasingly competitive. With multiple candidates vying for the Democratic nomination and a growing number of Republicans considering bids, the race is expected to be closely watched.

Godlewski’s potential move to the lieutenant governor position could signal a strategic shift in her political career. If she decides to run, she will likely draw on her experience and strong support from within the Democratic Party.

The race is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for Wisconsin’s political future, with both parties eager to gain control of the state’s executive branch. As more candidates announce their intentions, the stage is set for a dynamic and highly contested election season.