Sarah Godlewski
Wisconsin secretary of state
Democrat
Madison
Elected Experience
Wisconsin secretary of state (2023-present); Wisconsin state treasurer (2019-2023)
Q&A with the Candidate
Why should voters elect you as lieutenant governor?
I'm the daughter of two public school teachers, raised in a union family, and I worked my way through college believing in the Wisconsin promise: if you work hard and play by the rules, you can build a good life. I've spent my career fighting to keep that promise alive. As state treasurer, I delivered record-breaking investments in public schools, created a foreclosure prevention fund, and overturned a gag order on climate change. I flipped Trump counties and outperformed statewide Democrats because I showed up everywhere, listened, and fought for working families.Today, too many Wisconsinites are working harder than ever while Republicans put billionaires and special interests first. I'm running because Wisconsin families deserve a fighter, and that's exactly what I'll be.
How would you make the lieutenant governor’s office more visible and effective?
The lieutenant governor's office is only as effective as the person holding it. I've spent my career proving that underestimated offices can deliver meaningful results. As state treasurer, I created Wisconsin's first Treasurer Taxpayer Transparency Report and launched a program to help families achieve homeownership. I've worked in local government, state government, and one of the largest bureaucracies in the world — the federal government. At every level, I've learned that success comes from showing up, building relationships, and finding ways to get things done. As lieutenant governor, I'll bring that same approach to every corner of Wisconsin, serving as a direct link between the governor and the people we serve while fighting every day for working families.
What expertise would you bring to the lieutenant governor’s office and how would it help Wisconsinites?
I bring a unique combination of economic, executive, and coalition-building experience to the lieutenant governor's office. Before serving as state treasurer and secretary of state, I worked in microfinance, helping entrepreneurs and small business owners access capital and create opportunity. As state treasurer and secretary of state, I've managed statewide offices, navigated complex challenges, and delivered results for Wisconsin families. I chaired a $1.6 billion public trust fund and invested in Wisconsin communities to support local projects, create jobs, and strengthen our economy. As lieutenant governor, I'll bring that same approach —showing up, listening, and finding common ground to expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and ensure government works for all Wisconsinites.
What is your favorite fun Wisconsin history fact?
I'm proud to call Eau Claire home. Here's something even many locals don't know: there were once three Eau Claires! Before March 1872 there were three separate villages: West Eau Claire, East Eau Claire, and North Eau Claire. They decided to join together to reduce competition, combine resources, and build a stronger future. I've always loved that story because it reflects a value that still defines Wisconsin today: we're stronger when we work together. Whether it's neighbors helping neighbors or communities coming together to solve problems, that spirit of cooperation has helped Wisconsin thrive for generations, and it's one of the things that makes me proud to call Wisconsin home.