It’s a wide-open primary come this Aug. 11. With federal level races and Pierce County Sheriff races covered in separate articles and early in-person voting as of Tuesday, July 28, the choices for …
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It’s a wide-open primary come this Aug. 11. With federal level races and Pierce County Sheriff races covered in separate articles and early in-person voting as of Tuesday, July 28, the choices for state office are many.
A partisan primary chooses who will advance to the ballot for a given party in November. As such, voters in the Aug. 11 partisan primary will fill out a party preference, and only votes that match an individual ballot’s stated party preference will count towards vote totals for the primary. Voters unsure of a given candidate can leave that candidate’s spot blank without affecting their votes for other candidates in the party preference.
Once tallied, primary vote winners in the Aug. 11 partisan primary will then advance to represent their party on the November ballot. Candidates who are uncontested within their party in the Aug. 11 primary will advance to November automatically.
To help local voters decide who should advance to November from contested primary races, candidates were invited to fill out an election questionnaire, with the following responses. Questionnaires of prospective party opponents in contested primary races are included as well, to better cover all sides.
Starting out with the governor’s race, there are several candidates, including two Republicans, five Democrats, and one Independent. With Jamie Jo Carothers already on the November ballot as an independent write-in candidate for governor, these are the candidates for contested races in the Aug. 11 partisan primary.
Starting out the list of Republican candidates is Tom Tiffany, a 68-year-old who grew up on a dairy farm near Elmwood. Married to wife Chris with three daughters, Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics from UW-River Falls. He shared more in a questionnaire.
Name: Tom Tiffany
Age: 68
Seat/office sought: Governor
Background/education: I grew up on a dairy farm in western Wisconsin, worked my way through UW–River Falls to earn a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics, and built a small business, Wilderness Cruises, in the Northwoods with my wife, Chris, while raising our three daughters.
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation? My philosophy is that government exists to work for the people, not against them. That means focusing on its core responsibilities: keeping our communities safe, educating our kids, maintaining our roads and infrastructure, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and being a good steward of taxpayer dollars. Government should live within its means, be transparent and accountable, and get out of the way so families, workers, farmers and small businesses can succeed.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? My first action as governor will be calling a special session to end the 400-year property tax hike. Regardless of your politics, I think we can all agree that no governor should be able to raise property taxes for the next 400 years with the stroke of a pen. As we work to deliver lasting property tax relief, I will implement a statewide property tax freeze to ensure seniors on fixed incomes, working families, and young people have the certainty that they will not be taxed out of their homes.
Why pick you for this seat/office rather than your opponent(s)? Property taxes have increased at some of the fastest rates in decades, utility rates have increased over $2 billion under Gov. Evers, and it is becoming harder to afford a home, raise a family, or start a business. As governor, my priority will be making Wisconsin more affordable. I will end the 400-year property tax hike, hold the Public Service Commission accountable for rising utility rates, protect our farmland from industrial-scale wind, solar and data centers, increase health care price transparency, and root out waste, fraud and abuse in state government. My opponents want to follow Minnesota's path of bigger government, higher taxes and some even want to abolish the police. We need common-sense leadership to unlock our state's full potential.
Campaign Social Media: @TomTiffanyWI, www.TomTiffany.com
Also seeking to advance to November as a Republican is Andy Manske, a 27-year-old with an associate and bachelor's in finance. A working-class husband, Manske is employed in the medical field and has seen how inflation affects residents in his travels. He shared more in a questionnaire.
Name: Andy Manske
Age: 27
Seat/office sought: Governor of Wisconsin
Background/education: I’ve been working various jobs over the years while fighting for any upward mobility in pay. Just to see inflation kick me back. A two-time college graduate with an associate's and bachelor's in finance. Small business owner and the oldest of three children. Older brother to two sisters, I'm a loving working-class husband. I'm an uncle to a young nephew, and I want to be a father someday. Currently I work in the medical field but find myself frustrated in both work and society seeing Wisconsin citizens suffer under 40% inflation. I work in cities, rural areas and the suburbs. Something needs to change in Wisconsin.
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation? My philosophy for governing and representation stems from a servant mindset. I grew up attending churches and teach kids class. I helped raise my youngest sister as a teenager. I love to serve and want to serve higher in that governor's office, serving the kings and queens (citizens) of Wisconsin.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? Cost of living. Naturally you've seen my comment of 40% inflation. This is everything in Wisconsin. I want to fix problems across society, as I already do in my day job, once and for all for the citizens. I would address this through government modernization. I would legalize marijuana but have guidelines for law, property and the populace. I have various funding sources to achieve goals in mind.
Why pick you for this seat/office rather than your opponents? We the people deserve someone with a vision who will go all the way. I am not bought out by special pacs, millionaires, billionaires, and the established parties. My whole campaign are normal Wisconsin citizens. I don't care where you stand politically, but I represent you. I give you my phone number, 414-640-3400, and my email, manskenandy23@gmail.com. I work for you as long as I am running. On Aug. 11, cast a vote for Manske.
Shifting to the Democratic Party side of the primary, ballot there are five candidates: Mandela Barnes, Francesca Hong, Kelda Roys, Joel Brennan, and David Crowley. Two other candidates, Missy Hughes and Sara Rodriguez, have unofficially withdrawn from the race, though they will be on the primary ballot.
UPDATE July 30 - Mandela Barnes officially announced his departure from the race, though he did not endorse frontrunner Francesca Hong.
Starting with Barnes, the 39-year-old was born in Milwaukee to a proud union household. He got his start after graduating college as a community organizer before being elected to the state legislature at 25 and later becoming the first black lieutenant governor in Wisconsin history. Barnes shared more in a questionnaire.
Name: Mandela Barnes
Age: 39
Seat/office sought: Governor of Wisconsin
Background/Education? I was born in the heart of Milwaukee as the son of a proud union household. I graduated from Alabama A&M, an HBCU, and got my start as a community organizer before being elected to the state legislature at the age of 25. In 2018, I helped Tony Evers kick Scott Walker out of office to become the first Black Lieutenant Governor in Wisconsin history and the youngest in the country.
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation? Wisconsinites are living in a broken system where billionaires get richer and richer while working families are left scrambling for crumbs. And we have a president in Donald Trump who is making everything worse.
I’m running for Governor to end that rigged system by getting things done the Wisconsin Way. That means taxing the rich, freezing the rates and keeping Wisconsin safe.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? On day one as Governor, I will call a special session to expand BadgerCare and pass a public option, and I won’t stop until we get this done. Wisconsin is one of just 10 states that has yet to expand Medicaid under President Obama’s Affordable Care Act.
I will veto any state budget that does not include BadgerCare expansion. BadgerCare expansion is a critical first step to providing coverage to thousands of uninsured Wisconsinites, but we also need a public option for folks to buy into BadgerCare.
Why pick you for this seat/office rather than your opponent(s)? I’m running for Governor because Wisconsinites are working harder than ever and still can’t afford to make ends meet because we are living in a rigged system. I know it firsthand. I grew up in the heart of Milwaukee’s 53206 zip code—that’s the state’s poorest and the nation’s most incarcerated. Right now, the chaos and corruption coming out of Washington is making life harder than ever for Wisconsinites. I know I’m uniquely ready for this moment because I know what it’s like for families all across our state.
Campaign Social Media: @TheOtherMandela on all social media platforms
Also seeking the governor's spot as a Democrat is a Francesca Hong, a 37-year-old service industry worker elected a state representative in 2021. Owner of Morris Ramen from 2016 to 2024, Hong shared more in a questionnaire.
Name: Francesca Hong
Age: 37
Seat/office sought: Governor of Wisconsin
Background/education:
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation?
It’s tough to get by in 2026. The cost of living makes you feel like you’re drowning. As a renter, a wage worker, a single mom, a small business owner, and a product of Wisconsin public schools, I've lived this crisis. Rising costs, gutted public schools, and AI data centers draining our land, water, and energy aren't accidents. They're the predictable results of a political system that treats government as a junior partner to corporations and billionaire owners, not an advocate for regular people. I believe that in dangerous times, incrementalism is irresponsible — we need someone who can name the problem, design ambitious policy and organize to make it happen.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? I'm running on five big issues: AI data centers, taxing the rich, universal childcare, fully funding public schools, and fairer healthcare.
AI data centers are the most existential. We're being asked to hand over our land, water, air, and money to subsidize Silicon Valley's AI usage. I'm running on a moratorium until we understand and can mitigate the risks. My policies: Control-Alt-Delete bans subsidies and requires community-approved data centers to fund public clean utilities; Labor Shift bans robo-bosses, surveillance wages, and AI layoffs while requiring worker retraining; Firewall bans algorithmic price-gouging and healthcare denials and mandates AI-content disclosure.
In addition, my “Tax the Rich” package taxes a small percentage of incomes and large corporate profits over a million dollars to fund schools — dropping property taxes for everyone by 40%.
Learn more at francescahong.com/policy.
Why pick you for this seat/office rather than your opponent(s)? I’m the only wage worker in this primary; the only candidate who personally faces issues of unaffordable rent, childcare, healthcare, and the challenges of running a small business. Since 2020 I’ve spoken to tens of thousands of people across every corner of Wisconsin, and their concerns keep coming back to a government that prioritizes billionaires and corporations over working people. I’m the only candidate with a clear set of specific, structural policies, and I’m the only candidate who’s built a coalition of thousands of volunteers — liberals, conservatives, and people tuned out of politics entirely. That’s the coalition we’ll need to win and govern a better Wisconsin.
Campaign Social Media:
Third in the list of governor candidates seeking a place on the November ballot as a Democrat is Kelda Roys. The 47-year-old grew up in rural Taylor and urban Dane counties, graduating from UW-Madison Law School before serving four years as executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin. She shared more in a questionnaire.
Name: Kelda Roys
Age: 47
Seat/office sought: Governor
Background/education: I grew up in rural Taylor and urban Dane counties, graduated from UW-Madison Law School, then served four years as executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin. Today I am a mom and stepmom of five, attorney, small business owner, and experienced legislative leader with two terms in the Assembly and two in the Senate. I’ve spent my life putting people first – never quitting on tough problems until they’re solved and working successfully across the aisle.
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation? Democrats need to stop being ambivalent about using power. This is a once-in-a-generation chance for us to move from our “goalie” era to our governing era, but only if we have our most experienced, effective leader as governor. My substantive policy knowledge, procedural know-how, bipartisan track record, collaborative and service-oriented approach, and lasting relationships will help me be a highly effective governor not afraid to tackle the hard challenges.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? I am running to deliver higher wages, lower costs and more freedom for Wisconsinites. Workers have never taken home a smaller share of the wealth they create, and one of the most important things I will do as governor will be to raise wages. I will also get us closer to universal coverage through KeldaCare, which will open up the state employee health plan to all. And, knowing the importance of public education, I will fully fund public education while bringing Wisconsin's private school voucher scheme to a responsible end.
Why pick you for this seat/office rather than your opponent(s)? My experience as a fighter and a lawmaker – courage and competence – set me apart. As the only candidate with deep knowledge of the state budget and service in both the senate and assembly, I know what needs to be done and how to make it happen politically. Most Democrats running for governor are new to politics in the last several years. But this is not a moment for a newbie or mealy-mouthed moderate. For 25 years I've helped pass legislation on challenging issues in all kinds of legislative environments. I am the consensus candidate that is ready to govern on day one, can beat Tiffany in the general, and has a path to winning the primary.
Campaign Social Media:
Facebook/IG/BS/LinkedIn: @keldaroys
Twitter / X: @keldahelenroys
Fourth on the list of governor candidates seeking a place on the November ballot as a Democrat is Joel Brennan, a 56-year-old with 10 siblings from a fifth generation Wisconsin family. Believing government should solve problems for real people rather than score points or perform for a camera, Brennan shared more in a questionnaire.
Name: Joel Brennan
Age: 56
Seat/office sought: Governor of Wisconsin
Background/Education: I grew up one of 11 kids in a fifth generation Wisconsin family. I worked five jobs to put myself through college, raised my kids here with my wife Audra, and spent 25 years solving problems in government, business and the nonprofit sector. I ran Discovery World, Wisconsin's largest science museum, for 11 years. And I served as Governor Evers' Secretary of Administration — his top cabinet official — where I helped deliver a $4 billion surplus, grew the rainy day fund to $1.7 billion, and managed Wisconsin's COVID economic recovery to assist farmers, small businesses and families across the state.
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation? Government should solve real problems for real people. Not score points, not perform for the cameras — actually deliver. That means being honest about what numbers say, working with anyone willing to get something done, and being accountable when things don't go right. For the last two decades, I've run organizations, built budgets, and worked with Republicans and Democrats across Wisconsin. That's the approach I'd bring to the governor's office.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? The cost of living. Wisconsin families are getting squeezed on healthcare, housing, child care, groceries and energy bills all at once. In communities across Clark, Taylor, and Chippewa counties, that's not an abstraction — it's kitchen table math that doesn't add up. I'd address it through a first budget focused on affordability: expanding healthcare access, fixing the school funding formula, stabilizing child care, and making sure utilities and data centers pay their own way instead of passing costs to Wisconsin families.
Why pick you for this seat/office rather than your opponent(s)? As Wisconsin’s Secretary of the Department of Administration, I partnered with Gov. Evers to run the executive branch. I know where the levers are. I know how the budget works because I helped build it. I led Wisconsin out of the disastrous Foxconn contract. And for 20 years, I’ve served exclusively in executive leadership positions, meaning I am ready to get to work as governor on day one. I'm not running for the next thing on a ladder — I'm running to do this job, for every community in Wisconsin, including ones that don't always get enough attention from Madison.
Campaign Social Media:
Facebook: Brennan for Wisconsin | Instagram: @brennanforwi | X: @joeltbrennan | brennanforwi.com
The final Democratic candidate in the primary race for governor is David Crowley. Crowley did not submit a questionnaire response when asked, briefly suspending his campaign before resuming it with Gov. Tony Ever's endorsement following Sara Rodriguez's exit from the race.
Crowley maintains a website at crowleyforwi.com, detailing his story. Crowley started his journey in 2005 with Urban Underground, later joining Russ Feingold’s campaign in 2010. In 2016 he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly, and in 2017 he co-sponsored Assembly Joint Resolution, declaring that abortion is healthcare. In 2020 he made history by becoming the youngest and first Black County Executive elected in Milwaukee County history, while in 2023, he lead the passage of Wisconsin Act 12, described as a landmark bipartisan bill to increase shared revenue for municipalities across Wisconsin. Also in 2023, Crowley signed into law the largest property tax cut in Milwaukee County history, launching a campaign for governor in 2025.
Included as a declared write-in for the November ballot for governor but not the August primary is Jamie Jo Carothers. Carothers has an associate’s degree from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, with a candidate survey and more information available at Ballotpedia.
Also in view Aug. 11 is a contested race for the Republican candidacy for lieutenant governor, split between David Varnam and Will Martin. The winner of the Aug. 11 Republican primary will go on to face Democrat Sarah Godlewski in November, who is running unopposed in the Aug. 11 Democratic primary.
Republican Party
One of two Republican party candidates seeking a place on the ballot for lieutenant governor this November, David Varnam is 47 years old, serving as the former mayor of Lancaster and as a former congressional aide, among other qualifications.
Varnam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies from California Baptist University and is a pro-life, Second Amendment, conservative Republican. He shared more in a questionnaire.
Name: David Varnam
Age: 47
Seat/office sought: Lieutenant Governor
Background/education: Former Mayor of Lancaster, former Congressional Aide, former policy analyst at Focus on the Family; B.A. in Christian Studies from California Baptist University
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation? I am a pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment, Conservative Republican. Together we can be bold on lowering taxes, cutting red tape, deport criminal illegal aliens, protect the sanctity of life, and keep men out of women's sports and their bathrooms. We need to improve our education system and the opportunities it provides our children. I will work to give parents a choice and a voice in education, and work to raise test scores, standards and expectations for our students.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? We need to be bold on lowering taxes. I am tired of hearing about Florida and Texas when it comes to tax policy. We need to be a leader in the Midwest when it comes to lower taxes.
Why pick you for this seat/office rather than your opponent(s)? We can all think of politicians that said what they would do if elected, then after being elected seemed to do the opposite. When I ran for Mayor of Lancaster in 2016, I ran as a fiscal conservative. When I left office in 2022 after serving three terms, Lancaster had the lowest property taxes and lowest utility fees of any city in Grant County. I was the first Mayor of Lancaster in over 20 years to use the veto, and I used it multiple times including to veto a 40% stormwater fee increase. I broke a tie to defeat a “wheel tax.” I did what I told voters I would do.
My unique background as a former rural mayor, former federal policy analyst for Dr. James Dobson at Focus on the Family, and as a former housing, water, and transportation district aide to a Member of Congress sets me apart.
My endorsements include the Pro-Life Wisconsin PAC and Wisconsin Family Action PAC.
Campaign Social Media: davidvarnam.com; Facebook: DavidCVarnam; X: DVarnam
Running against Varnam for a chance at the Republican party spot for Lieutenant Governor is Will Martin. The 59-year-old with a bachelor’s degree in economics and management from Beloit College has worked for governors Tommy Thompson and Scott Walker on several economic initiatives, sharing more in a questionnaire.
Name: Will Martin
Age: 59
Seat/office sought: Office of Lt. Governor
Background/education: In addition to having earned a bachelor’s degree in economics & management from Beloit College, I am the only Lt. Governor candidate in either party with experience working for a Governor. In fact, I worked for both Gov. Tommy Thompson and Scott Walker, implementing Welfare-to-Work reforms, expanding housing affordability and homeownership, creating public-private partnerships to train hundreds for construction trades, and finalizing 120 Economic Opportunity Zones which attracted hundreds of millions of dollars in private investment in our state.
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation? I have worked in two administrations and believe it is imperative that all elected officials represent and respect all the people of Wisconsin. Representation should not be a one-way process with elected officials pronouncing programs and initiatives; I will be a Lt. Governor who listens to citizens’ challenges and hopes.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? Affordability is the most important issue to me because it is the most important for Wisconsinites. I am focused on making Wisconsin more affordable again by helping the Governor expand in-state energy production (Wisconsin consumes six times more energy than it produces) to lower utility rates; working with industry and government to build more housing and support homeownership; reducing property taxes and the reliance on that funding stream; driving growth in high-demand, higher-compensation career opportunities; and streamlining for greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness state government, which has not been reorganized since the 1990s.
Why pick you for this seat/office rather than your opponent(s)? Experience matters. As the only candidate having worked in two administrations in the Governor’s Office as well as several departments, I have experience working closely with the Governor as a reformer, saving the people of Wisconsin tens of millions of dollars as well as helping attract hundreds of millions of dollars in private investment.
Campaign Social Media:
@WillMartinWI on X, Facebook, and Instagram
Running for Lieutenant Governor as a Democrat in the August primary is Sarah Godlewski. A fifth-generation Wisconsinite, Godlewski did not return a questionnaire but maintains a campaign website at www.sarahforwisconsin.com
Describing herself as the daughter of two public school teachers and product of a union home, Godlewski described herself as a dedicated public servant and business leader “unafraid to take on the tough fights and deliver results.” More can be found on her campaign website.
Also on the Aug. 11 primary ballot for contested races is a contest for Secretary of State. With Pete Karas running unopposed for the Green Party and JoCasta Zamarripa running uncontested for the Democratic Party, four names are competing on the primary ballot for a chance as the Republican candidate this November: Cindy Werner, Brayden Myer, Jay Schroeder, and Nathan Pollnow. Zamarippa and Pollnow did not return questionnaire responses, with the other candidates below.
Running as the sole Green Party candidate Aug. 11 is Pete Karas, a 67-year-old former three-term alderman for Racine and graduate of Wm. Horlick High School with class of 1977. Following high school Karas attended UW-La Crosse for a Bachelor of Science in Economics, graduating in 1983. He shared more in a questionnaire.
Name: Pete Karas
Age: 67
Seat/office sought: Wisconsin Secretary of State
Background/Education: Former three-term Alderman, Racine - Wm. Horlick High School, Racine, 1977 - UW-Lacrosse BS Economics 1983
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation? I answer to voters, not a party. Both parties have run this state and used the power to protect their own turf. That's why it is so important to elect a third-party candidate to this office. The two major parties have proven they listen to their bosses and not to the people.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? Ballot access and election fairness. Wisconsin's system is built to keep the same two parties in charge. People feel their vote doesn't matter. I'd use this office to push ranked-choice voting and fairer ballot-access rules, and to argue publicly that more real choices on the ballot make for a stronger democratic republic. Neither party wants that conversation because the current system protects them.
Why pick you for this seat/office rather than your opponent(s)? This office is administrative, and not policymaking, and voters know that a vote for Pete is a vote against the two-party stranglehold. I'm not running to protect a party's grip on this office. I'm running to loosen it. My opponents are products of the two-party system. I'm the alternative to it.
Campaign Social Media:
X: @Petekaras
Facebook: @pete.karas.9
Instagram: @petekaras_wi_sos
TikTok: @votepetekaras
Starting the slate of Republican primary candidates for Secretary of State with Werner, the 66-year-old attended Temple University before joining the U.S. Army. She believes that government should be transparent and responsive to the people, sharing more in a questionnaire.
Name: Cindy Werner
Age: 66
Seat/office sought: Secretary of State
Background/education: Attended Temple University before joining the US Army
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation? Government should be transparent and responsive to the people. I believe public service is about protecting constitutional principles, providing accurate information and ensuring every Wisconsinite has confidence in their government.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? Restoring public confidence through civic education is my top priority. An informed citizenry strengthens our republic. As Secretary of State, I will expand statewide civic education initiatives, improve access to reliable election and government information, and work with community partners to help Wisconsinites better understand how their government works.
Why pick you for this seat/office rather than your opponent(s)? I bring a lifetime of public service as an Army veteran, community leader, and advocate for civic education. My focus is not on politics, but on serving the people of Wisconsin with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to making the Secretary of State's Office a trusted resource for every citizen.
Also contesting the race for Secretary of State amongst Republicans is Brayden Myer, a 21-year-old with a bachelor’s degree in political science and minors in public administration and democracy and justice studies, as well as a certificate in organizational development from UW-Green Bay.
Describing himself as a constitutional conservative, Myer shared more in a questionnaire.
Name: Brayden Myer
Age: 21
Office sought: Secretary of State
Background/education: Bachelor’s degree in political science, minors in Public Administration and Democracy & Justice Studies, and a certificate in Organizational Development from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation? I am a constitutional conservative. I believe in shrinking the size of government and using the least amount of your hard-earned money as possible. Government is meant to serve the people, not the other way around.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? As the Secretary of State is Wisconsin’s official records holder, I will work to create an easily accessible website of all these records and make them free. Operationally, the office needs to make sure it is using best practices to prioritize efficiency. It also chairs the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, which provides loans to local governments. Instead of providing loans for politically divisive projects, I will push for these loans to go toward fixing our roads. Most importantly, I will fight to abolish the Wisconsin Elections Commission and get the Secretary of State put back in charge of overseeing elections, giving voters someone to hold accountable. This will also make it easier to audit our voter rolls on a regular basis, make them free, and go to hand-counted paper ballots only.
Why pick you for this seat rather than your opponent(s)? I am equipped with both extensive schooling and experience that directly relate to this office. In high school, I dual-enrolled at UW-Green Bay, which allowed me to graduate from high school with 91 college credits. Six months later, I graduated from UW-Green Bay, being designated Magna Cum Laude, earning my bachelor’s degree in only 2 ¼ years. Through my organizations and business, I have experience in leading and managing budgets. As the only candidate who was a congressional staffer, I possess unique experience in this race. In my county, I am the Chapter Chair of our Moms for Liberty chapter. Along with that, I formed and run the Manitowoc County Patriots. Furthermore, I am a member of the National Rifle Association and Hunter Nation.
Campaign social media –
Third on the list of Republicans seeking the Secretary of State post is Jay Schroeder, a 64-year-old with an associate’s degree in applied science real estate from Fox Valley Technical College as well as a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Declaring he will change the department on day one, Schroeder shared more in a questionnaire.
Name: Jay Schroeder
Age: 64
Office/position sought: Wisconsin Secretary of State
Background/Education: Associate Degree in Applied Science Real Estate Fox Valley Technical College; bachelor’s degree in business administration - UW Stout
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation? The final reason of why I decided to run was when I uncovered the office budget increased 157% and employees from 2 to 6.
This is an insult to the taxpayers of Wisconsin.
I will change the department day one.
I am the only candidate exposing the blatant spending going on in the department.
Together we will fix it.
As I have been involved in Election Honest Integrity for over 10 years and have personally discussed the issue with President Trump in Mara Lago.
My one opponent believes voting machines are more accurate than paper ballots.
I couldn't disagree more.
Leadership demands action.
As Secretary of State I will be willing to take the issue all the way to the U.S. Supreme court if necessary.
We will eliminate voting machines, replacing with paper ballots only.
Proof of Citizenship and voter ID
Eliminate deceased people off of the voting rolls by merging Social Security system with the voting rolls.
When someone passes away their benefits stop and then their name would drop off the voting rolls.
Currently there are more deceased people on the voting rolls than alive voters.
Now Wisconsin has a voting system like Maryland, New York, Illinois and Washington DC. That will change with me as an Elected Secretary of State.
33 states have a Secretary of State in charge of elections. Wisconsin will become the 34th state.
Leadership also means leading as I have challenged the Democrat and Green Party to a series of debates around Wisconsin. To date they have refused.
Today I have been endorsed by Pro-Life Wisconsin and am expecting a national retired veterans organization to do the same.
Why pick you for this seat rather than your opponent(s)? My Democrat opponent should not be pushing her agenda as a self-professed lesbian Latina, Planned Parenthood employee who is openly challenging I.C.E. as a city of Milwaukee alderperson. She needs to focus on the office and cleaning up corrupt elections and not her bedroom activities. We deserve better in Wisconsin with clean honest elections.
Campaign Social Media?
info@jayforwisconsin
web: jayforwisconsin.com
Fourth on the list of those seeking the Secretary of State post as a Republican is Nate Pollnow. Pollnow did not submit a questionnaire response but maintains a campaign website at natepollnow.com. Describing his decision to run as stemming from the belief that government is not trustworthy, Pollnow is a farmer who says he seeks accountability and pledges to create “a public registry of every rule, pardon, and enacted law - searchable, free, and presented in a way that a regular person can understand.” Readers can learn more at www.natepollnow.com.
Running unopposed as a Democrat in the Aug. 11 primary is JoCasta Zamarripa, a lifelong Milwaukee and proud daughter of the city’s south side. Zamarripa’s accomplishments include serving 10 years in the state assembly, now in her second term as Alderperson for Milwaukee’s Eighth District.
Zamarripa did not complete a questionnaire when asked, maintaining a campaign website at www.votejocasta.com. With several endorsements from several state and federal lawmakers as well as the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, Zamarippa cites the cost of living, housing affordability, access to affordable child care, a “state that works,” public lands as public goods, and a better future for every community among issues dear to her.
Also on the ballot Aug. 11 is Wisconsin State Treasurer. With incumbent John Leiber running unopposed as a Republican in the August primary, Democratic Party voters will have two candidates to decide from for who Lieber will face in November: Dylan Helmenstine and Yee Leng Xiong.
Staring with Helmenstine, the 27-year-old candidate for state treasurer touts his qualifications as including elected local office, a master’s degree in public affairs and bachelor’s degree in economics, as well as being a governor’s appointee to the Teacher’s Retirement Board of Wisconsin. Believing that progress comes from bringing people together around shared values and common goals, Helmenstine shared more in a questionnaire.
Name: Dylan Helmenstine
Age: 27
Seat/office sought: Wisconsin State Treasurer
Campaign Social Media: @dylanforwi
Background/Education:
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation? Progress comes from bringing people together around our shared values and common goals. That requires us to improve transparency, accountability and accessibility at all levels of government. In doing so, we can rebuild trust and use public power for the public good.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? Through its stewardship of public trust funds, the office of the Wisconsin State Treasurer supports the State of Wisconsin in meeting its constitutional duty to fund public education. That means protecting and growing the $1.6 billion Common School Trust Fund. I’ll also work with local leaders to bring real transparency to property tax bills. Wisconsinites deserve to know how tax dollars are being diverted into an unaccountable private voucher system.
Why pick you for this seat/office rather than your opponent(s)? Voters should elect me to be the State Treasurer because I have the plan, energy and experience to put the office back to work for the people of Wisconsin.
I have seen how our systems are not built for us. Instead, they are made to be controlled by consultants, special interests and corporations. As State Treasurer, I will fight to use Public Power for the Public Good. I will defend public education, safeguard Wisconsin’s trust funds, and bring government transparency into the 21st century.
I grew up in rural Wisconsin and live in the same small town. After earning my degrees, I returned to my hometown to serve my community. I was elected to the school board, the village board, and served as president of my local EMS district. I was also a National Guard citizen commander during the COVID-19 pandemic to help ensure frontline workers had the PPE they needed. Professionally, I have worked as a Wisconsin Medicaid auditor and financial analyst, building tools to help improve accountability and track public dollars.
Also seeking the post of Wisconsin State Treasurer as a Democrat is Yee Leng Xiong, a 32-year-old born and raised in Wausau as the son of refugees who fled persecution. Xiong graduated from D.C. Everest High School and has spent his career in public service, including in local elected office and as Executive Director of the Hmong American Center. Xiong shared more in a questionnaire.
Name: Yee Leng Xiong
Age: 32
Seat/office sought: Wisconsin State Treasurer
Background/education: Born and raised in Wausau, the son of refugees who fled persecution, Yee graduated from D.C. Everest Senior High School and has spent his career in public service. He is a Marathon County Supervisor (since 2016), Treasurer of the D.C. Everest School Board (first Hmong American elected to the board), and a former Village of Weston Trustee. As Executive Director of the Hmong American Center, he rescued the organization from closure and grew its budget to $1.9 million. Gov. Evers appointed him to the Financial Literacy Council.
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation? I learned early that freedom comes with responsibility: give back and leave things better than you found them. In government, that means treating every taxpayer dollar with respect. Public officials are stewards, not owners, of the public's money. And the Treasurer does not answer to the Governor or the Legislature, but directly to the people. My job is to be an independent watchdog, to push for transparency and to speak up when the numbers don't add up.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? Protecting and growing Wisconsin's Common School Fund, more than $1.3 billion that belongs to our kids, not politicians or special interests. As a school board treasurer, I've seen firsthand how these investment decisions reach the classroom. I'll push for smart, transparent investment strategies that protect the principal while delivering strong returns, and I'll make sure the Trust Fund Loan program keeps working for small towns and rural communities fixing roads and building fire stations without raising taxes.
Why pick you for this seat/office rather than your opponent(s)? This office isn't ceremonial, and it depends entirely on who is sitting in the chair. I'm the only candidate in this race who has managed public budgets at every level: school board, county government, village finance, and a nonprofit I brought back from the brink of closure. I've made the tough calls about what gets funded, always with taxpayers in mind. I'll be ready on day one to do the job.
Campaign Social Media:
Website: www.yeeforwi.vote
Facebook: @yeeforwi
Instagram: @yeeforwi
X: @yeeforwi
Also running for Wisconsin State Treasurer as the incumbent is John Leiber, a 48-year-old who holds Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in history from UW Parkside. Running unopposed on the Republican primary ticket, Leiber shared more in a questionnaire.
Name: John Leiber
Age: 48
Seat/office sought: Wisconsin State Treasurer (incumbent)
Background/education: JD University of Wisconsin Law School, BA in History from UW Parkside.
What is your basic philosophy for governing/representation? I believe in small government. I don't make promises I can't keep and I don't look for ways to expand the power of my office. Instead, I seek to continue to do my job well and provide value for every Wisconsinite. Most of this work does not make the news, but it is important and it needs to be done right. The State Treasurer oversees a $1.6 billion fund, and experience matters when investing the people's money. Serving the public is an honor and I take very seriously the trust that has been placed in me.
What is the most important issue to you and why? How would you address it? The top priority for my second term is to continue growing money from our state investments and turning over record breaking amounts to our schools. The money that the Common School Fund earns is distributed to schools across the state, and this money helps prevent your property taxes from being even higher. If the fund does not perform well, school districts would have to raise taxes to make up the difference in funding. It is vitally important to have a State Treasurer who understands the job and remains committed to smart financial management, otherwise we may all end up paying more in taxes.
Why pick you for this seat/office rather than your opponent(s)? As State Treasurer, I focus on the existing duties of the job, not issues unrelated to the office. I believe that every elected official should do the job they were elected to do, and not use their office as a stepping stone to higher office. This office already has clear responsibilities and trying to gain more power is counterproductive. I oversee and help grow a $1.6 billion trust fund. My efforts deliver results within the existing powers and duties of the office.
Campaign Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeiberForTreasurer
Campaign page: https://www.leiberfortreasurer.com/
