Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski outlines plans to run for lieutenant governor

WISCONSIN (CIVIC MEDIA) – Shortly after declaring her candidacy to be Wisconsin’s next lieutenant governor in 2026, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski outlined the values that she brings to the race.

Godlewski joined Civic Media’s “Mornings with Pat Kreitlow” to talk through her recent announcement.

As several governor-hopefuls have declared their bid for the gubernatorial race, Godlewski is the first candidate to enter the lieutenant governor field. She said Gov. Tony Evers’ announcement that he will not seek a third term made her ponder if being Secretary of State is the best way she can help residents with their needs.

“For me, this work has always been about service,” said Godlewski. “And so, as I started thinking about it and talking to my family and friends, I just was like ‘look, I think the best role for me at this moment is to help the team that’s going to solve some of these critical issues, whether it’s healthcare or affordability,’ and the best way I can do that is through the lieutenant governor’s office.”

Godlewski cites her ability to understand the complex issues that affect Wisconsinites as the reason why she is suitable for the role. She said being elected is only part of the process, and there’s still much work to be done when the position is filled.

“For starters, we’ve got to talk about electability. In 2018, I actually flipped more Trump counties than the governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general,” Godlewski said. “And I really credit a lot of that in growing up right here in the Chippewa Valley, and being able to meet folks where they are, to listen and talk to them. It’s not just about winning – that’s critical – but it’s also then about getting things done.”

President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” is projected to block hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites from accessing health care and social services. Godlewski said that she aims to assist residents that are impacted by the federal government’s actions and ensure they have access to crucial programs.

“What I’m excited about for lieutenant governor is that this is, I think, a real opportunity to continue, for me, what’s always been about service, and the work that is ahead,” said Godlewski. “We are looking at what’s coming down from the Trump administration — I mean, the ‘Big Brutal Bill?’ Who’s paying for that $3.4 trillion? It’s Wisconsinites. The state’s going to be responsible for figuring out how are we covering Medicaid? How are we covering the cuts in food share?… I really look forward to being scrappy and figuring out these solutions that Wisconsinites need.”

Before Godlewski assumed the duties of Secretary of State, she served as state treasurer from 2019 to 2023, challenging the state GOP on climate change, renewable energy projects and more. As Republican candidates with no political background continue to launch their bids for state offices, Godlewski said she thinks experience is a key element to finding success at those positions.

“To me, I think what’s really important is experience in government and getting things done. You think about, if you’re hiring a CEO for a healthcare system,” Godlewski explained, “you’re not going to necessarily hire somebody who has no idea how Medicaid reimbursement works, or how Medicare reimbursement works… I think that it’s the same with when you think about executives in your government. You want someone that knows how to work with the Legislature. You want someone that knows how to write bills, or how get things done … so I do think the experience is important.”

Additional information on Godlewski’s bid for Lt. Gov. can be found on her website. Read Civic Media’s comprehensive coverage of Godlewski’s campaign announcement here.

Editor’s note: Listen in to “Mornings with Pat Kreitlow” weekdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on the Civic Media radio network.