MADISON, WI—Since announcing her candidacy for Governor, Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez is building strong early momentum with endorsements from state legislators, local elected officials, and community leaders from every corner of Wisconsin.

"I’m incredibly honored to earn the support of leaders across Wisconsin – from Waukesha to La Crosse and Madison to Green Bay – who know firsthand the kind of leadership Wisconsin communities need,” said Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez. “From our smallest towns to our biggest cities, we need a Governor who shows up, listens, and gets things done. I’m proud to stand with these leaders as we fight to make life better for neighbors in every corner of the state.”

Supporters emphasized Rodriguez’s record of leadership inside and outside of politics and her ability to connect with communities across Wisconsin:

Rep. Joan Fitzgerald (Assembly District 46): “As a former public school teacher, I know what it means to fight for our public schools – and so does Sara Rodriguez. She understands that investing in our kids, our teachers, and our classrooms is how we build a stronger future. She’ll fight for educators, fund our schools, and make sure every child has the chance to succeed. I’m proud to support a leader who truly puts public education first.”

Rep. Maureen McCarville (Assembly District 42): “I’ve served Wisconsin as a union leader, a member of the National Guard, a legislator, and a local official – and I can tell you, Sara Rodriguez is the real deal. She shows up for working people, respects labor, and understands that unions built Wisconsin’s middle class. She listens to local voices, supports our Guard members and veterans, and brings steady, solutions-driven leadership to every challenge. She’ll be a Governor who puts people first and delivers results.”

Former State Sen. Janis Ringhand (Senate District 15): "Sara has managed budgets bigger than many state agencies and led teams through real crises, not just political ones. She’s exactly the kind of steady, experienced leader we need in the Governor’s Office."

Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (Assembly District 8): “Sara Rodriguez is a fighter and will work hard for working families and communities like mine in Milwaukee. She understands the challenges we face – rising costs, access to health care, housing – and she brings thoughtful solutions. Sara knows that every Wisconsinite deserves a fair shot, no matter their zip code. I’m proud to support her for Governor because I know she’ll show up for Milwaukee and for every corner of our state.”

Former State Rep. Gary Hebl (Assembly District 46): “During my time in the legislature, I worked alongside Sara Rodriguez and saw firsthand her commitment to making health care work better for everyone. She’s smart, strategic, and she always puts Wisconsin families first. I trust her to protect access, lower costs, and put care within reach for every community in our state.”

Sen. Bob Wirch (Senate District 22): “Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez has the right combination of leadership from the front lines of being a healthcare worker, and understanding the dynamics of the legislative and executive branch. Sara knows how to achieve consensus, and I am confident she will lead us to victory in 2026!”

Rep. Ben DeSmidt (Assembly District 65): “As a small business owner, I know how important it is to have leaders who understand Main Street. Sara knows small businesses drive local economies, create jobs, and strengthen our communities. She’ll expand opportunity and build an economy that works for everyone – not just the big guys. Sara won’t just talk about growing Wisconsin’s economy – she’ll get it done.”

Former State Rep. Beth Meyers (Assembly District 74): "Sara Rodriguez understands what it means to serve – and she does it with integrity, intelligence, and grit. She shows up, listens, and works hard for every corner of our state, bringing the same energy and respect to the people of Northern Wisconsin as she does Milwaukee or Madison. She’s earned my trust – and she’ll earn yours."

State legislators endorsing Rodriguez’s campaign include:

• Rep. Joan Fitzgerald (Assembly District 46)

• Rep. Ben DeSmidt (Assembly District 65)

• Rep. Andrew Hysell (Assembly District 48)

• Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (Assembly District 8)

• Rep. Maureen McCarville (Assembly District 42)

• Sen. Bob Wirch (Senate District 22)

• Janis Ringhand, Rock County Supervisor and former Member of State Senate (Senate District 15)

• Beth Meyers, former Member of State Assembly (Assembly District 74)

• Gary Hebl, former Member of State Assembly (Assembly District 46)

Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez was the first Democratic candidate to launch a campaign for governor to succeed Governor Tony Evers, releasing an announcement video that highlighted her roots in Wisconsin and experience as a statewide official, public health leader, nurse, and former small business owner. 

A registered nurse with master’s degrees in public health and nursing from Johns Hopkins University, Sara previously served as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer at the CDC and as an executive in both public and private healthcare systems. She founded her own small business, was a vice president at a Fortune 100 company, and led population health strategy at one of the largest healthcare systems in the Midwest. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2020, flipping a suburban Milwaukee seat. She now serves as Wisconsin’s 46th Lieutenant Governor, elected in 2022 alongside Governor Tony Evers. 

Learn more at www.saraforwi.com. Download the campaign’s candidate media kit here. 

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