Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez has dropped out of the governor's race after her campaign was found to be in financial disarray, including a shortfall of over $1 million and duplicated contributions. Her exit reshuffles the Democratic primary, with Gov. Tony Evers now considering backing an effort to get former candidate David Crowley to re-enter the race. The primary winner will face Republican Tom Tiffany.
Rodriguez campaign suspension
- ▪Rodriguez stated her withdrawal was to prevent her campaign's financial issues from becoming an "ongoing distraction."
- ▪Rodriguez's withdrawal came shortly after she received endorsements from former candidates David Crowley and Missy Hughes
- ▪Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez ended her gubernatorial campaign on July 17, 2026
Campaign finance discrepancies
- ▪As of July 15, 2026, the Rodriguez campaign reported a cash balance of $34,991 against $152,276 in outstanding debts
- ▪On July 13, 2026, Rodriguez told reporters that campaign expenses had not been properly documented
- ▪A January campaign finance report for the Rodriguez campaign included over $100,000 in duplicate contributions, where single donations were recorded twice
- ▪The Rodriguez campaign's financial reporting issues date back to at least January 2026
- ▪On July 12, 2026, Rodriguez fired her campaign manager after discovering her account was over $1 million short of what she believed it had
Democratic primary reshuffling
- ▪Gov. Tony Evers' decision not to seek a third term opened up the Democratic primary for governor
- ▪Prior polling showed most decided Democratic voters favored former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Rep. Francesca Hong, or Sara Rodriguez
- ▪The winner of the August 11 Democratic primary will face Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in the general election
- ▪Candidates State Sen. Kelda Roys and former Secretary Joel Brennan reported renewed interest in their campaigns following Rodriguez's issues
Crowley potential re-entry
- ▪A source close to David Crowley confirmed he is considering returning to the gubernatorial race
- ▪Gov. Tony Evers is "very seriously considering" supporting an effort to get Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley back into the primary race
- ▪Former candidate Missy Hughes publicly urged David Crowley on X to "get back in this race."
- ▪Democratic strategists are actively working to persuade David Crowley to re-enter the race
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