Latest news with #TonyEvers
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Who is Sara Rodriguez, the first Democrat to jump into Wisconsin governor's race?
The 2026 race for Wisconsin governor has its first declared Democratic candidate: Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez. Rodriguez announced her campaign less than 24 hours after Democratic Gov. Tony Evers said he wouldn't seek a third term. Other Democrats are likely to jump in, including Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. In an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Rodriguez said she's seeking office to help families navigate economic pressures. "I'm a daughter of a veteran and a union member, and I can see within Wisconsin how families are being squeezed. They are having a difficult time being able to make ends meet, and they need somebody who can lead the state, who can fight for them — just everyday working families," she said. Here's what to know about Rodriguez, the first Democrat to launch a run for governor: What is Sara Rodriguez's political experience? Rodriguez entered politics in 2020 and said she decided to run for office because of Republican lawmakers' handling of the pandemic. She flipped a Republican Assembly seat in Brookfield and served one term. As a state lawmaker, she authored legislation to require face masks in public during the pandemic, implement ranked choice voting and automatically register eligible voters, among other bills. She ran and was elected lieutenant governor in 2022, replacing former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, who left office and unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate that year. Lieutenant governors are second in line for the governorship, but the office has few official duties. She chairs a governor's task force on the state's health care workforce. More: Some in GOP criticize Bill Berrien over past support for ranked choice voting. What is it? What did Sara Rodriguez do before politics? Rodriguez has a background in health care. She worked as a registered nurse and for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Epidemic Intelligence Service, according to her campaign website. She also worked as vice president of population health and integrated care management for Advocate Aurora Health before starting a health care consulting business in 2020, according to her LinkedIn profile. What is Sara Rodriguez's platform? In her campaign launch video, Rodriguez expressed priorities like expanding Medicaid, boosting the health care workforce, funding public schools and giving teachers raises. Rodriguez told the Journal Sentinel she supports overturning Act 10, legalizing and regulating marijuana, and lifting restrictions on abortion access — currently capped at 20 weeks in Wisconsin — but maintaining restrictions in the third trimester. How old is Sara Rodriguez? Rodriguez is 50. Who is in Sara Rodriguez's family? Rodriguez and her husband, Baltazar, have two children and a dog named Chico. Her husband is a first-generation immigrant from Mexico, according to her campaign website. Where did Sara Rodriguez go to college? Rodriguez has a bachelor's degree in neuroscience from Illinois Wesleyan University and master's degrees in public health and nursing from Johns Hopkins University, according to her LinkedIn. Where is Sara Rodriguez from? Rodriguez grew up in Brookfield and lives there now. She's a graduate of Brookfield East High School, according to her official bio. What has Sara Rodriguez said about Trump? In her campaign launch video, Rodriguez referred to Trump as a "maniac in the White House." "His tariffs are killing our farmers, and his policies are hurting our kids," she said. What are Republicans saying about Sara Rodriguez? Bill Berrien, who's running for governor as a Republican, said Rodriguez is "the very embodiment of Tony Evers and the Madison Democrats' failed record over the last six years." "Wisconsin cannot afford to have a continuation of the Evers' policies that kept us stuck in reverse. It doesn't matter whether it's Sara Rodriguez or another one of the radical left Democrats that decide to enter this race, one thing is for certain: I plan to win," Berrien said in a statement. Who else is running for governor in Wisconsin? Rodriguez is the only Democrat to officially launch a campaign, though others have expressed interest and are likely to join the race. On the Republican side, two candidates have declared runs: Berrien and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann. Others could launch bids, including U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany. More: At a campaign event for gubernatorial candidate Josh Schoemann, tremors of 2020 still echo This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Who is Sara Rodriguez, Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor?
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Evers sounds off on gubernatorial race days after announcing he won't run
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – Governor Tony Evers said that a crowded democratic primary in the governor's race will only make the winning candidate stronger, although he said it's unlikely he'll endorse a candidate during the primary. Evers sounded off on a gubernatorial race that he no longer will be a part of during a stop at Frio Mexican Treats in Appleton Monday afternoon. He announced last week that he won't run for a third term, reiterating to reporters Monday that a major factor in his decision was his desire to spend more time with his family. Local 5 News asked Evers if he's worried that the Democrats lost their best opportunity to win the governor's office when he decided to not run for a third term. 'I think I changed the way things are working in the state of Wisconsin (changed the perception) that we can't have a Democratic governor,' Evers said. 'I got things done, things accomplished in a bipartisan way as much as possible. Do I think that I would have won, sure, but I think the best candidate out of the primary will do just as good as I could do.' Evers said deciding to not run for governor was the most difficult decision he's ever had to make. Lieutenant governor Sara Rodriguez and Milwaukee County executive David Crowley have already launched their campaigns for governor on the Democratic ticket. Chicago Cubs Icon Ryne Sandberg dead at 65 'I went through a primary and there were 20 candidates going through the democratic primary and that made me a better candidate,' Evers told reporters. Governor Evers was at Frio Mexican Treats as part of a series of 'Ice Cream Town Halls' that coincide with national ice cream month. In Appleton, he met with community leaders to talk about the state budget, answer questions, and connect how what happens in Madison impacts people in the Fox Valley. Republican candidates for governor also spoke with Local 5 News about the landscape of the gubernatorial race now that Evers is out. 'Little disappointed because I wanted to run against Governor Evers,' said Republican gubernatorial candidate Josh Schoemann. 'I think the contrast of what I've done in Washington County in the last six years compared with what he's done. The candidates that are coming out are even more extreme so that contrast will be even more bold as well.' Schoemann is the Washington County executive and a military veteran. He launched his campaign for governor back in May. Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Thomas inducted into Wisconsin Athletics Hall of Fame 'I am the only candidate in this race or who is talking about joining this race who has proven I can win a primary and a general election,' Schoemann said. 'I have proven here in Washington County that I can bring voters of all stripes out to vote for me. I think that reflects well into the general election in 2026. People have shown in the first 90 days of the race that I'm the candidate they want to see.' Businessman and former Navy Seal Bill Berrien told Local 5 News that all of the potential Democratic candidates are in the 'same mold' as Evers and that in the past six years under Evers leadership the state has gone in the wrong direction. '(If I'm governor I will bring the) philosophy of my company where we say hire for attitude, train for skill,' Berrien said. 'More value created, more value captured. If we can extend that philosophy across the state, we can create an environment of prosperity for everyone.' Former Republican governor Scott Walker said over the weekend he will not run for governor again. Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski said she won't run for governor, but would consider running as lieutenant governor on a democratic ticket. While taking questions from reporters Monday in Appleton, Evers reaffirmed his commitment to closing the Green Bay Correctional Institution in Allouez. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Race for Wisconsin governor; Evers talks decision, Rodriguez launches bid
The Brief Gov. Tony Evers is shaking up the 2026 ballot after he announced last week that he will not be running for reelection. Evers said he went back and forth and finally made his decision the day before he announced. He also noted that right now, he is not endorsing in the 2026 race to replace him. MILWAUKEE - 2026: You decide. Evers makes a choice What we know Gov. Tony Evers is shaking up the 2026 ballot after he announced last week that he will not be running for reelection. The governor of the purple state visited Purple Door Ice Cream in Milwaukee on Monday, July 28. Evers answered questions for the first time since his announcement. Evers said he went back and forth and finally made his decision the day before he announced. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android "That was a hard one. I thought about it a lot and didn't make up my mind until, I'd say, the day before I made the announcement," he said. "It was just difficult. I have a family, and my great spouse Kathy. It's hard to be part of that family if you're governor." He also noted that right now, he is not endorsing in the 2026 race to replace him. "I'll never say never, but I want to make sure who the rest of the candidates are, before I even make that decision," Evers said. "If there's somebody who really needs support and I want them to win, I might get in." Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez's campaign posted her launch video on July 17, a week before Evers bowed out. However, it was posted privately, and finally went public on Friday. Evers said he let her know the day of his announcement. "It was just at the same time I let my cabinet members know, the day of," Evers said. "So the idea from what you said that there was already done the day before or whatever, you'll have to ask her why that happened." So, FOX6 News asked. A Rodriguez campaign spokesperson replied: "Governors are supposed to be prepared for anything. Sara was ready to hit the ground running if Governor Evers decided not to seek re-election. The video was uploaded in advance because she and her team were prepared. Sara was informed of the governor's decision the day of his announcement." Race to 2026 Big picture view The marathon to election day 2026 starts with a sprint. "Instead of the situation with an incumbent who already has the name recognition, against the challenger who has to build that up, here we're going to see two sides starting at equal levels of obscurity and their campaigns will introduce themselves first and foremost," Marquette Law School Poll Director Charles Franklin said. "Organizing behind the scenes takes an enormous amount of time and effort. And fundraising takes time and effort," University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Professor Emeritus Mordecai Lee said. "So, I think for the candidates, the sooner they get going, the better it is for them, although that's no guarantee they will win the primary." SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News Rodriguez reportedly shot several versions of the announcement video, including one if Evers decided to run again. In Wisconsin, the governor and lieutenant governor candidates run by themselves in the primary, and then whoever the party voters pick are joined together for the general election. Evers said he is not afraid of being a lame duck. He said there are many legislative things he and Republican Legislature leaders are willing to talk about. Other names in the hat Dig deeper Republicans Bill Berrien and Josh Schoemann have also launched their campaigns. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said he will run, although the official launch will be later. Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes told FOX6 he is considering a run, as are State Sen. Kelda Roys and State Sen. Chris Larson. Attorney General Josh Kaul said he has no comment on whether he will run. U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who represents Wisconsin's 7th District, told FOX6 News the odds of him running are "probably better than 50/50." The Source The information in this post was collected and produced by FOX6 News. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker declines another campaign
Former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) is passing on a 2026 gubernatorial campaign after speculation that he could make a run for his old job. 'I'm not going to be a candidate for governor in 2026,' Walker said in a video posted Sunday to social platform X, thanking supporters who encouraged him to run again. After Democratic Gov. Tony Evers announced last week he would not seek reelection, the Republican had shared a series of recent posts that appeared to tease a potential run, including wishlists of action items he thinks the Badger State's next leader should tackle and a message about his tenure as the state's 45th governor. He had also posted an image of a 'Make America Great Again' hat that appeared to emphasize President Trump's roles as the 45th and 47th commander in chief, prompting questions about whether Walker would try to return as Wisconsin's 47th governor. Evers, who ousted Walker in 2018 by just more than 1 point, said he expects he would win if he ran for another term — but his exit tees up a competitive open race in the key battleground state. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez (D) entered the race last week, and other Democrats are expected to crowd in. Among the names being floated are Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, state Attorney General Josh Kaul and Sarah Godlewski, Wisconsin secretary of state. On the Republican side, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and suburban Milwaukee businessman Bill Berrien have announced bids. Walker in his video announcement pledged to put focus on reaching young voters through the conservative nonprofit Young America's Foundation, of which he serves as president. 'To win in this state, we've got to do better with younger voters. When I last successfully ran for reelection, we took 47 percent of the vote of people age 18-29. Eight years later, the Republican running for governor took just 30 percent of the vote with that group,' he said. And though he dashed ideas about a 2026 run, he didn't rule out future ambitions. 'I'm not going to be a candidate, at least not next year. That doesn't mean I'll never run again,' Walker said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
2 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski mulls lieutenant governor bid
Wisconsin's Democratic Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski doesn't plan to run for governor or for a full term in her current position, but she is considering running for lieutenant governor next year, an adviser said Monday. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers announced Thursday that he won't seek a third term in the battleground state, creating an open race next year. Godlewski was one of several Democrats mentioned as a possible contender. But on Monday, Godlewski made it clear that she is instead looking into running for the state's No. 2 role, instead of governor or secretary of state. "She is making calls to leaders across the state and will make a final decision on a run in the coming weeks," adviser Scott Spector said. "If she gets in this race, it will be with significant support from elected and local Democrats from across Wisconsin." Godlewski, 43, was appointed by Evers as secretary of state in March 2023 after the incumbent resigned less than three months into his term. Unlike in most states, the office does not run elections in Wisconsin and has almost no offical duties. Godlewski previously ran for U.S. Senate in 2022 but lost in the Democratic primary. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez announced her candidacy for governor on Friday, and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said he plans to take steps soon to mount a run. Other Democrats considering a run include Attorney General Josh Kaul, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and state Sen. Kelda Roys. Evers told reporters in Milwaukee on Monday that he was unlikely to endorse anyone in the primary. "I'll never say never, but I want to make sure who the rest of the candidates are before I even make that decision," Evers said. There are two announced candidates on the Republican side: Washington County Executive Josh Shoemann and manufacturer Bill Berrien. Other Republicans considering running for governor include U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and state Senate President Mary Felzkowski, Former Republican Gov. Scott Walker released a video on Sunday saying he would not be running for the office he held from 2011 until 2019. Walker had jokingly hinted that he might consider a run in a post on X last week, but on Sunday said he would instead be focused on his work as president of the Young America's Foundation, which tries to get college-aged conservatives involved in politics. NOTE: The original airdate of the video attached to this article is July 24, 2025.
