Speculation on Lt. Governor Race in WI
Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski has publicly ruled out a 2026 gubernatorial run and confirmed that she does not plan to seek a full term as secretary of state. However, she is actively exploring a bid for lieutenant governor, consulting with party leaders and evaluating her options in the Democratic field AP Newsdairylandsentinel.comWikipedia.
With Governor Tony Evers announcing he won’t seek a third term, the governor’s race is officially open—an opportunity that already prompted Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez to formally enter the governor’s contest, becoming the first major Democrat to declare AP NewsTMJ4 NewsWLUK.
🎯 What Godlewski’s potential run would mean:
- If Godlewski officially jumps into the lieutenant governor race, she’d likely be the first major Democrat to do so, staking an early claim to the position.
- Her résumé includes terms as state treasurer (2019–2023) and her appointment as secretary of state in 2023, and she’s backed by a strong network of party activists and donors .
- By opting to aim for the #2 spot instead of #1, she avoids competing against Rodriguez, Crowley, Kaul, Johnson, Roys, and others who may join the governor’s contest.
✅ Bottom line:
Godlewski is not running for governor or seeking a full term in her current office—but her formation of a Lt. Gov. campaign would make her the first significant Democratic candidate to enter the lieutenant governor field, positioning her early in the 2026 race for Wisconsin’s No. 2 chair.
The Rest is Speculation:
Meanwhile, Melissa Agard, recently elected Dane County Executive, formerly served in the State Senate and was its Minority Leader. With Gov. Tony Evers stepping aside, I think that Agard might also eye a statewide run, but a Lt. Gov. campaign could be a more strategic positioning if the gubernatorial field crowds.
On the Republican side, a handful of early contenders are lining up for governor and potentially lieutenant governor roles, setting up a competitive race across the ticket.
