Democratic state Senator John Lehman (D-Racine) has announced he will run for Wisconsin lieutenant governor in 2014, a decision that also means he will give up the state Senate seat he won in a recall election last year. Lehman says he has decided to devote all of his energy to running for lieutenant governor instead and feels this is “the proper direction for me to go at this time.”
Lehman says he has been preparing for this moment through over two decades of public leadership, which includes offices at the local level, and in the state Assembly and Senate. Lehman says he believes he can add a wealth of experience to the ticket, regardless of who the Democratic nominee in the race for governor ends up being.
Former Trek Bicycle executive Mary Burke has already announced she is seeking the Democratic nomination in the race for governor, while state Senator Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma) continues to explore a run.
Lehman defeated Republican state Senator Van Wanggaard last year in a recall election. Wanggaard has already announced plans to seek his old seat again in 2014. Lehman, who held the seat before Wanggaard, would have likely faced a tough re-election because of changes made under redistricting.
Lehman says his 2012 recall victory is a strong asset he brings to the campaign, noting it shows he knows how to win in a race “where voter turnout, organization and inspired volunteers were key.”
Affiliate WRJN contributed to this report.