Committee
Pete for Wisconsin
Education
Racine William Horlick High School 1977 -- UW-LaCrosse BS Finance and Economics 1983
Personal Pronouns
he/him
My three priorities: modernize public records so any citizen can find what they need without hiring a lawyer; make the office transparent by publishing documents proactively rather than waiting for formal requests; and break the two-party duopoly by advocating for ranked-choice voting and public campaign financing to open the door for third-party candidates.
I served on the Racine City Council, owned and operated a bar and music venue, and have spent my life in Wisconsin communities. I understand how the government works and how working people interact with it. I'm running without corporate money, accountable to voters, not donors.
The BCPL exists to benefit Wisconsin's public school libraries, and that mission should drive every decision. I'll ensure investment decisions are made transparently, with public board minutes that accurately reflect the board's actions, and that any proposed changes to how trust funds are distributed are vetted against the BCPL's legal obligations before they're promoted publicly. Responsible stewardship means protecting the long-term value of these assets, not treating them as a political prop.
Wisconsin's elections were better served by the Government Accountability Board, a nonpartisan body of retired judges that handled both ethics and elections without the structural deadlock built into the current WEC. The WEC's partisan, even-split design guarantees gridlock on contested questions, serving nobody except those who benefit from unresolved ambiguity. I support returning to the GAB model and will advocate for it from this office. I also support ranked-choice voting and public campaign financing so that Wisconsin voters have real choices and candidates aren't captured by the donor class before they take office.
The SOS office should be a model for open government. That means a fully searchable, machine-readable public records database, proactive disclosure of agency documents without requiring a formal records request, and a plain-language explanation of what the office actually does published prominently on its website. I'll partner with Wisconsin's public universities and nonprofit organizations to build these tools affordably and keep them accountable to the public interest, not to private vendors. Transparency matters here.
The SOS office has limited policymaking power, but a win or strong showing here sends a signal that changes everything. Voting third party is safe, it works, and Wisconsin voters aren't locked into two options they didn't ask for. Every voter who supports me makes it easier for the next person to vote their conscience in a statewide election, an assembly race, or for a congressional seat. How do you crack a duopoly no one likes? Race by race, and election by election. It starts with a third-party vote for SOS, which changes the structural barriers that keep third-party candidates off the ballot and ultimately gives voters more choices at the polls.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Committee
Cindy Werner for Secretary of State
Campaign Phone
4148750536
Education
Attended Temple University
My priorities as Wisconsin Secretary of State would be centered on transparency, civic education, and public access to government information.
One of my top priorities would be expanding civic education. Throughout my years of community service and public engagement, I have seen how many citizens want to participate in government but often lack clear information about how government functions, how laws are made, and how they can become more engaged in their communities. An informed citizenry is essential to a healthy constitutional republic. I would work to promote civic educational initiatives that help Wisconsin residents better understand their government, our state's history, and the responsibilities that accompany citizenship.
Effective management requires a long-term perspective. I support prudent investment strategies, responsible risk management, and decision-making that preserve the trust's assets while generating sustainable returns. The Board's responsibility is not only to meet today's needs but to ensure future generations continue to benefit from these resources. I also recognize the importance of strong rural communities. While maintaining the Board's fiduciary responsibility, I would support investment and lending practices that help local governments finance critical infrastructure projects that improve educational access, economic opportunity, and community growth.
My qualifications are grounded in a lifetime of public service, i.e. Army veteran.
The Wisconsin Constitution and state law establish the duties of the Wisconsin Secretary of State. Any changes to those duties should be carefully considered based on whether they improve government efficiency, transparency, and service to the public.
Regarding election responsibilities, I believe election administration should remain guided by Wisconsin law, clearly defined statutory authority, and public confidence in the process's integrity. Any proposal to expand, reduce, or modify election-related duties should be evaluated based on its ability to improve clarity, consistency, and public understanding while avoiding unnecessary duplication of responsibilities among state agencies.
One priority would be continuing to improve digital access to public records, historical documents, and business filings. Technology should make government more user-friendly while ensuring the security and integrity of official records. Modern online tools can help reduce processing times, improve customer service, and provide greater convenience for Wisconsin residents. Also, I believe the office can play a valuable role in promoting civic education and awareness of Wisconsin's history and governmental institutions. By increasing public engagement and access to information, the office can help strengthen trust in government and encourage informed citizenship.
An informed citizenry is better equipped to participate in public life, access government services, understand their rights and responsibilities, and engage constructively in their communities.
I would support civic educational efforts that help residents better understand Wisconsin's history, constitutional government, public records, and the role of state institutions. Such initiatives can benefit students, educators, communities, and citizens of all ages by providing accurate, accessible information about how government works.
Committee
JoCasta for WI
Campaign Phone
4143755876
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Personal Pronouns
She/Her
My priorities are championing working families, defending free and fair elections, and being a strong voice for the cost-of-living issues squeezing Wisconsinites: affordable child care, housing, and fully funded public schools. I served a decade in the State Assembly and two terms on the Milwaukee Common Council, where I led on affordable housing as lead sponsor of the Housing Element Plan and served on the Committee on Campaigns and Elections in the Assembly. I know how to build coalitions, navigate tough fights, and deliver results rooted in the communities I serve.
The BCPL manages over $1.3 billion in trust funds and 77,000 acres of land that support our public schools and libraries. I see this as a real responsibility, not a footnote. I will be a careful steward who protects these resources, ensures the trust funds are managed transparently and sustainably, and directs their benefits to the schools and libraries that need them most. I will also push to protect our public lands for future generations and make sure decisions are made in the open, with the public's long-term interest first.
My focus is on making sure this office serves Wisconsinites well as it stands, building on the progress already underway to deliver its services efficiently and transparently. When it comes to elections, our system is run by the Wisconsin Elections Commission and local clerks who do their jobs with integrity, and I trust that work. As Secretary of State, I would be a vocal advocate for the freedom to vote, for expanding access, and for pushing back against disinformation and efforts to make voting harder. The office may not run elections, but its platform can be used to strengthen our democracy and stand up for every eligible voter.
Secretary Godlewski has done important work to modernize this office and make it more accessible, including moving services and records online so people don't have to travel to Madison. I want to build on that progress. My vision is an office that works for people: services you can access quickly online, functions that are clear and transparent, and outreach that meets Wisconsinites where they are, including in the languages our communities speak. Transparency builds trust, and I will keep moving this office forward so people know what it does and how it serves them.
I would use this office as a platform to fight for the things working families need: affordable child care, housing relief, and fully funded public schools so communities aren't forced into constant referenda. I would be a steady advocate for protecting the freedom to vote and for managing our public trust lands to benefit schools and libraries. This office may not come with sweeping powers, but I have never waited for permission to get things done, and I will use every tool it offers to stand up for Wisconsin's working families.
