Sara Rodriguez drops out of race for Wisconsin governor amid campaign finance crisis

Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez is dropping out of the race for Wisconsin governor. 

Rodriguez announced the move in a video statement posted to social media on July 17. 

This follow days of constant scrutiny over inaccurate campaign finance reports which led to the dismissal of her campaign manager. 

“As we have continued to dig into our financial reports, it has become clear that there are issues that would be an ongoing distraction – not just for this campaign, but for the primary and for Wisconsin. This race is too important to Wisconsin to let that happen,” Rodriguez said in a statement. 

Rodriguez didn’t immediately endorse an opponent in the race. After David Crowley dropped out last week and Missy Hughes dropped out weeks ago, they both endorsed Rodriguez. 

A source close to Crowley told the Milwaukee Courier that the Milwaukee County Executive is “considering” getting back in the race.

But as of July 17, only four candidates remain in the race: Mandela Barnes, Francesca Hong, Joel Brennan and Kelda Roys.

Full statement from Sara Rodriguez:

I want to start by thanking my family, and every single person who showed up for this campaign over the past week. Your support has meant more than I can put into words.

As we have continued to dig into our financial reports, it has become clear that there are issues that would be an ongoing distraction – not just for this campaign, but for the primary and for Wisconsin. This race is too important to Wisconsin to let that happen.

I am deeply hurt and betrayed by what happened. As I said on Monday, part of being a leader is taking swift action, doing the right thing, and being as honest as possible when there’s a problem. 

I got into this race because I wanted what was best for Wisconsin. That hasn’t changed. And because I believe that, I cannot in good conscience allow these questions to become a cloud over an election that Democrats need to win. Wisconsin deserves better than that.

This was never just about any one race or any one candidate. This is about protecting Wisconsin from a legislature hell-bent on putting corporations over schools and insurance companies over patients. It’s about showing the rest of the country that we can win here, govern here, and fight for the middle class – and that Wisconsin will lead the way.

To everyone who showed up, knocked doors, made calls, and believed in what we were building – don’t stop. Wisconsin has always been a place of resilience, where every day citizens show up and accomplish extraordinary things. Better days are ahead because of people like you.

Let’s keep fighting. I’ll be right there with you.