Cindy Werner
Strategic partnerships director for a nonprofit organization
Republican
Milwaukee
Elected Experience
None
Q&A with the Candidate
Why should voters elect you as Secretary of State?
Wisconsin voters deserve a Secretary of State who is committed to transparency and public service. As an Army veteran, community leader, educator, and former and present school board member, I have spent my life helping people understand government and become active participants in their communities. I believe the office should serve as a trusted resource that connects citizens with their government while preserving Wisconsin’s history and civic traditions. My focus will be on civic education, public accessibility, and ensuring that every Wisconsinite can easily access information about their state government. I will bring practical leadership and a servant’s heart to the office while working to strengthen public confidence in our institutions.
What expertise would you bring to the Secretary of State’s office and how would it help Wisconsinites?
My experience spans military service, education, nonprofit leadership, business, and community engagement. I have worked with civic organizations, educators, elected officials, and community leaders to develop programs that promote constitutional literacy, civic participation, and leadership development. As a former and current school board member, I understand the importance of making government information accessible and understandable. As a veteran, I value service. As a nonprofit leader, I have experience building partnerships and managing initiatives that serve diverse communities. These experiences would help me modernize public outreach, expand civic education resources, preserve Wisconsin’s historical records, and ensure the secretary of state’s office remains responsive and accessible to all Wisconsinites.
Should the Secretary of State be given more or fewer responsibilities? Explain.
The responsibilities of the secretary of state should be determined by what best serves Wisconsin citizens. I believe the office can play a larger role in civic education, historical preservation, public engagement, and making government information more accessible to the public. Any expansion of responsibilities should be done thoughtfully and transparently through the legislative process. My priority is not expanding government for its own sake, but ensuring that the office provides meaningful value to taxpayers. Wisconsin has a rich history and a strong tradition of civic involvement. The secretary of state can help strengthen both by serving as a trusted resource that connects citizens to their government and encourages informed participation in our constitutional republic.
What is your favorite fun Wisconsin history fact?
One of my favorite Wisconsin history stories is that of Joshua Glover. Glover escaped slavery and settled in Wisconsin, but in 1854, he was captured under the federal Fugitive Slave Act and jailed in Milwaukee. Thousands of Wisconsinites rallied to his defense, broke him out of jail, and helped him reach freedom in Canada. The event became a defining moment in Wisconsin history and demonstrated the courage of ordinary citizens who stood up for liberty and justice. What inspires me most is that Joshua Glover never gave up fighting for his freedom and dignity. His story reminds us that perseverance, principle, and courage can change history and help move a society toward greater freedom for all.