BROOKFIELD, Wis. — Freshman State Rep. Sara Rodriguez, D-Brookfield, announced Monday she will run for lieutenant governor in 2022.
Rodriguez, who has degrees in public health and nursing, flipped a long-held Republican Assembly District last year when she defeated incumbent State Rep. Rob Hutton.
“I know from growing up in and now raising my kids in Waukesha County, that there is still much more that unites us than divides us,” Rodriguez said in a press release. “We all want great schools, to fix the roads, to honor our democracy, to address climate change, to access quality healthcare, and to have the opportunity to earn an honest living.”
Rodriguez also previously served as vice-president at a Fortune 100 company and is married with two children.
“I’m passionate about public health, and I’m passionate about my community,” Rodriguez said. “I’m running for Lieutenant Governor to be a partner to Governor Tony Evers, and I look forward to the journey ahead.”
In July, current Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes announced his U.S. Senate campaign for the seat currently held by Republican Sen. Ron Johnson.
State Sen. Lena Taylor, D-Milwaukee, became the first Democrat to enter the race when she previously announced her bid for lieutenant governor in early October. Taylor's seat will be up in 2024.
State Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point, Ben Voelkel, a longtime aide to Sen. Ron Johnson, David King, who founded Milwaukee God Squad, Lancaster Mayor David Varnam, and Kyle Yudes of Eau Claire, have all announced campaigns as Republican candidates.