Photo: Ballotpedia
Sarah Godlewski
DemocraticSecretary of State (appointed)
ⓘ What do the party and ideology labels mean?
On the ballot, partisan candidates run under a party — in Wisconsin almost always Democratic or Republican, with the occasional third-party or independent candidate. Words like progressive, conservative, libertarian, or democratic socialist are labels people use to describe themselves, not separate parties on the ballot. A label is a starting point; each candidate's sourced positions show where they actually stand.
How we do this →What is Sarah Godlewski running for?
Sarah Godlewski is on the ballot for Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin in the August 11, 2026 Wisconsin partisan primary. 2 other candidates are on the ballot.
Also on this ballot
- Will Martin (Republican)
- David Varnam (Republican)
Who is Sarah Godlewski?
Former Wisconsin State Treasurer (2019–2023); appointed Secretary of State by Gov. Evers in 2023 after Doug La Follette's retirement; previously ran for U.S. Senate in 2022
ⓘ How do I read these campaign-finance numbers?
Individual contributions come from people; PAC (political action committee) money comes from organized groups. Cash-on-hand is what a campaign has left to spend. Money shows who is backing a campaign — it is not an endorsement by us, and more money does not mean a candidate is better.
How we do this →Top reported contributors
- Lynde B. Uihlein (Milwaukee)$10,000
- PEGGY HEDBERG (Madison)$7,500
- Barbara Karplus (Thousand Oaks)$7,000
- Anne Connor (Ridgeway)$5,000
- Wisconsin Carpenters PAC (Madison)$2,500
Show 5 more
- Ellen B. White (Madison)$2,500
- International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 7 (Hanover)$2,500
- Gregory Pfluger (Monona)$2,500
- Donna Shalala (Coral Gables)$2,000
- Operating Engineers 139 PAC (Pewaukee)$2,000
Source: WI Ethics Commission (Sunshine) · non-commercial voter education use
Top organization & PAC donors
- Wisconsin Carpenters PAC (Madison)PAC/Committee$2,500
- International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 7 (Hanover)PAC/Committee$2,500
- Operating Engineers 139 PAC (Pewaukee)PAC/Committee$2,000
- AFT Wisconsin COPE (Cottage Grove)PAC/Committee$1,000
Source: WI Ethics Commission (Sunshine) · non-commercial voter education use
Where the money comes from
| Individuals | 91% | $83,989 | 236 donors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union PACs | 2% | $2,000 | 1 donors |
| PACs & committees | 7% | $6,000 | 3 donors |
11% from donations under $200 (153 donors)
- under $200$9,229 · 153 donors
- $200–$999$18,260 · 56 donors
- $1,000 and up$56,500 · 27 donors
Individual donors only, grouped by each donor's total
76% from Wisconsin
- Wisconsin$63,480 · 194 donors
- Out of state$20,509 · 42 donors
- Unknown$0 · 0 donors
Individuals and businesses; committees excluded
Monthly fundraising
| 2026-01 | $9,166 |
|---|---|
| 2026-02 | $11,190 |
| 2026-03 | $11,044 |
| 2026-04 | $12,978 |
| 2026-05 | $12,641 |
| 2026-06 | $24,815 |
| 2026-07 | $10,155 |
Itemized contributions, filings through Aug 3, 2026 · Source: WI Ethics Commission (Sunshine)
Political ads about Sarah Godlewski
Ads a BadgerBrief editor confirmed are about Sarah Godlewski, from the Meta Ad Library. Spend is the range Meta discloses.
- Support$400–$499
UpNorthNews
Paid for by Courier Newsroom, Inc.
Wisconsin Democrats have been finding traction this year on family-based economic issues like paid family leave. Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski has been advocating for the state to adopt a paid family leave program as a way for our economy to be competitive with other states when it comes to addressing a labor shortage.
View ad on Meta ↗ - Support$0–$99
Re-elect Heidi Wegleitner for Dane County Supervisor D2
Endorsement! "Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner is a proven leader and tireless public servant with the passion and know-how to get things done. A fierce advocate for affordable housing, public transit, community health, and fair wages, Heidi has been and will be a force for working people and their families. She is the kind of dedicated local leader Wisonsin needs more of. I am proud to Support Heidi and local leaders like her. ~Sarah Godlewski, Secretary of State To support Heidi Wegleitner for re-election please donate at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/heidi-wegleitner-1
View ad on Meta ↗ - Support$0–$99
For Our Future WI
Paid for by For Our Future Action Fund
We love our Democratic Leaders across our state. Send Sec. Godlewski a Valentine and let her know we appreciate everything she does for Wisconsin!
View ad on Meta ↗ - Support$0–$99
For Our Future WI
Paid for by For Our Future Action Fund
We love our Democratic Leaders across our state. Send Sec. Godlewski a Valentine and let her know we appreciate everything she does for Wisconsin!
View ad on Meta ↗
Sources
- referenceBallotpedia
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