Wisconsin voters will elect a new governor and lieutenant governor on Nov. 3.
Republican David Varnam defeated Will Martin in the Aug. 11 primary. Sarah Godlewski is the Democratic nominee.
In Wisconsin, voters cast separate ballots for governor and lieutenant governor in the primary. The winning gubernatorial and lieutenant governor candidates from each party are paired together and run on a single ticket in the Nov. 3 election. Varnum will join gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany on the Republican ticket, and Godlewski will be Democrat David Crowley's running mate.
Below is information about the office of lieutenant governor, followed by profiles of the candidates appearing on the ballot.
What does Wisconsin's lieutenant governor do?
The lieutenant governor is the second-highest elected official in Wisconsin's executive branch. The person elected to that post becomes first in the line of succession, if the governor dies, resigns, is removed from office, or is unable to serve. In some situations, the lieutenant governor serves as acting governor until the governor can resume their duties.
Unlike many statewide offices, the lieutenant governor's day-to-day responsibilities are not extensively defined in state law. The governor may assign the lieutenant governor to lead initiatives, represent the administration, or serve on state boards, commissions or task forces. Because of this, the role often varies depending on the priorities of each governor's administration.
Meet the candidates
WUWM sent a questionnaire to the candidates. Their responses below may be edited for length and clarity.
Sarah Godlewski (Democrat)
Current occupation: Secretary of State
What experiences have prepared you for the role of lieutenant governor?
I bring a combination of public, private, and national security experience. Before entering politics, I worked for the Pentagon. I later co-founded MaSaImpact, an investment firm focused on clean energy and women-owned businesses.
As state treasurer, I managed a $1.6 billion public trust fund, delivered a record-breaking $65 million distribution to public schools, and created a foreclosure prevention fund. As secretary of state, I modernized the state government to improve service delivery.
I've led in tough environments, flipped Trump counties, and delivered results. That's exactly what Wisconsin needs in a lieutenant governor.
What would your top priorities be if elected, and how would you work to address them?
My top priorities are affordability, housing and health care. Too many Wisconsin families are working harder than ever and still falling behind while Republicans hand out tax breaks to billionaires and corporations. I'll fight to make corporations pay their fair share, expand affordable childcare, increase housing supply, and protect and expand health care access.
As lieutenant governor, I'll travel to every corner of the state, listen to families, and bring their concerns directly to the governor's office. I'll also build coalitions across labor, business and community organizations. Wisconsin's promise of working hard and getting ahead must be real for every family.
How would you approach working with the governor, including when your views on an issue differ?
As lieutenant governor, my job is to strengthen and advance the shared mission of standing up for working people. When we differ on an issue, I'll do what I've always done: speak honestly, cite the facts, and work together toward the best possible outcome for Wisconsinites.
I've navigated complex environments: the Pentagon, the Legislature, and statewide office, and I know how to disagree constructively while keeping the work moving forward.
Affordability is the top concern identified by voters in WUWM's election survey. How would you address the rising cost of living?
Affordability is personal for me. I grew up in a union family that believed hard work should lead to a good life, but that promise is slipping away for too many Wisconsinites.
I'll fight to make corporations pay their fair share, expand childcare access, bring down housing costs, and protect health care coverage. As state treasurer, I delivered results with limited resources. As lieutenant governor, I'll bring that same determination to making Wisconsin affordable for every working family.
Notable endorsements
- U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin
- U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan
- State Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin
- State Sen. Mark Spreitzer
- State Rep. Angelito Tenorio
- Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson
- Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway
- Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich
- La Crosse Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey
- Sheboygan Mayor Ryan Sorenson
- Superior Mayor Jim Paine
- Middleton Mayor Emily Kuhn
- Washburn Mayor Mary Motiff
- Fair Wisconsin
David Varnam (Republican)
Current occupation: Stay-at-home dad; former mayor; former congressional aide; former policy analyst at Focus on the Family
What experiences have prepared you for the role of lieutenant governor?
When I ran for mayor of Lancaster in 2016, I promised to be a fiscal conservative. After serving three terms, Lancaster had the lowest property taxes and utility fees in Grant County, and I broke a tie vote to defeat a wheel tax.
My experience as a rural mayor, federal policy analyst, and congressional aide gives me the background to serve Wisconsin.
What would your top priorities be if elected, and how would you work to address them?
I want to lower taxes, cut government regulations, defend the Second Amendment, shrink the size of government, protect the sanctity of life, and keep men out of women's sports and bathrooms.
I also want to improve education by giving parents more choice and a stronger voice while raising standards and student achievement.
How would you approach working with the governor, including when your views on an issue differ?
I hope to work alongside Congressman Tom Tiffany (a GOP candidate for governor) to make Wisconsin a leader in the Midwest. I believe my experience will allow me to advise the governor and help communicate the administration's accomplishments across Wisconsin.
Affordability is the top concern identified by voters in WUWM's election survey. How would you address the rising cost of living?
Wisconsin needs to be bold about lowering taxes. I'm tired of hearing about Texas and Florida leading on tax policy. Wisconsin should become the Midwest leader in lower taxes.
Notable endorsements
- Wisconsin Family Action PAC
- Pro-Life Wisconsin Victory Fund PAC
Support for WUWM's Voter Guide is provided by Milwaukee Turners.
