Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez (D) announced on Friday that she’s launching a bid to succeed Gov. Tony Evers (D) next year, one day after the governor announced he would not be seeking a third term.
“Look, we’ve got a real shot at flipping the state legislature and with a Democratic governor, we can finally expand Medicaid and boost our healthcare workforce,” Rodriguez said in her launch video.
“We can strengthen our farms, unions and small businesses, fund our public schools and give teachers the raise they’ve earned,” she continued. “That’s the right path, and it’s what you and your family deserve.”
Rodriguez is one of the first major Democrats to wade into next year’s gubernatorial race. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said on Friday that he “will be taking steps toward entering the race for Governor,” according to Spectrum News 1. Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes has told news outlets he’s considering a bid, too.
Businessowner Bill Berrien and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann had already launched campaigns on the Republican side before Evers’ announcement.
The open seat is likely to pave the way for a crowded field on both the Democratic and Republican sides.
Wisconsin state Senate President Mary Felzkowski and Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) are considering running on the GOP side, according to The Associated Press.
Wisconsin is seen as a top pickup opportunity for Republicans, though President Trump won the state by less than a percentage point last year.
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report election handicapper rates the Wisconsin seat as a “toss up.”
