MADISON, WI (WSAU) — Former State Treasurer and US Senate Candidate Sarah Godlewski will be Wisconsin’s next Secretary of State after Doug La Follette retires this spring.
Governor Tony Evers announced the move on Friday, saying La Follette has informed him that he will retire after more than 40 years in the office.
“Secretary of State La Follette’s retirement leaves an incredibly important role to fill, and I want to thank him for his years of dedication to the people of Wisconsin throughout his long career,” said Gov. Evers in a press release. “In a critical position that has seen no turnover in decades, maintaining continuity with a leader who’s prepared and committed to fulfilling this office’s constitutional obligations could not be more important—and there’s no one more uniquely qualified or better suited for the job than Sarah.”
La Follette first won the seat in 1974 and was re-elected 11 times. His last day in office will be Saturday, March 18th, which is also when Godlewski will take over the role. She served as state treasurer from 2019 to 2023 when she choose not to run for re-election. Instead, she joined the Democratic primary for the US Senate seat held by Ron Johnson. Godlewski bowed out just before the August primary, leaving former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes as the nominee. Barnes ultimately lost to Johnson, who retained the seat.
“The people of Wisconsin placed their trust and faith in Sarah’s experience and values to serve as our state treasurer, and she’ll bring those same qualities to her new role as Wisconsin’s Secretary of State. Sarah will bring unparalleled leadership and vision as a tenacious advocate who’s passionate about making smart, sound financial decisions that protect our state’s future, and I’m excited to continue our work together over the next four years,” Gov. Evers said.
Godlewski will serve out the remainder of La Follette’s term, which expires in January 2027. The position is up for re-election in November 2026.
Secretary of State in Wisconsin is a constitutional office that has been held by fewer than 30 people since 1848.
