She is the first to enter what’s expected to be a crowded primary to replace retiring Gov. Tony Evers, who opted against running for a third term.
Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez launched her gubernatorial bid on Friday, making her the first entrant into what’s expected to be a crowded Democratic primary to replace retiring Gov. Tony Evers.
In her announcement video, Rodriguez, a former emergency room nurse and state legislator, pledged to work to expand Medicaid and give public school teachers a pay raise if elected.
“We’ve got a maniac in the White House. His tariffs are killing our farmers and his policies are hurting our kids. Next, our legislature refuses to expand Medicaid, even though 41 other states have done it,” Rodriguez said in the video. “With a Democratic governor, we can finally expand Medicaid and boost our healthcare workforce, strengthen our farms, unions, and small businesses, fund our public schools, and give teachers the raise they’ve earned. That’s the right path.”
Rodriguez’s launch video focused on biographical details, including her path from emergency room nurse, to health care executive, to state lawmaker.
Evers, who announced his retirement Thursday, unseated Republican Scott Walker in 2018 and won reelection in 2022. But the state remains a battleground, providing President Donald Trump his narrowest victory in 2024.
Wisconsin Democratic operatives listed several other potential primary contenders, including Attorney General Josh Kaul, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Sen. Kelda Roys and Milwaukee Mayor Chevy Johnson.
Republicans also expect a crowded primary. Walker posted a photo on X with a “Make Wisconsin Great Again” hat with “45-47” on the side with the comment: “Interesting.” Walker served as the 45th governor of Wisconsin. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) has also suggested he’s interested in a run. Business executive Bill Berrien is already running.
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