Story perspectives

David Varnam Wins GOP Lt. Gov. Primary Amid $111B Budget

8/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

David Varnam won Aug. 11 Republican primary for Wisconsin lieutenant governor with 55% of the vote.
Sarah Godlewski became the Democratic nominee after an uncontested primary for the Nov. 3 election.
Wisconsin’s biennial budget totals over $111 billion, a 15% increase and 46% rise since Governor Walker left office.
Varnam pledged to return funds, sell properties, shift funding to local governments and schools, and noted a $30 million saving and 120 Economic Opportunity Zones.

History

Historical Context

Wisconsin granted public-employee collective-bargaining rights in 1959, raising union coverage to 36.2% by 2010. Governor Scott Walker’s 2011 Act 10 cut most bargaining, citing a projected $3.6 billion deficit and sparking protests that led to a 2014 Supreme Court affirmation. The 2024 lieutenant-governor race between Republican David Varnam and Democrat Sarah Godlewski revives those fiscal and union debates.

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Story summary

David Varnam won Aug. 11 Republican primary for Wisconsin lieutenant governor with 55% of the vote.
Sarah Godlewski became the Democratic nominee after an uncontested primary for the Nov. 3 election.
Wisconsin’s biennial budget totals over $111 billion, a 15% increase and 46% rise since Governor Walker left office.
Varnam pledged to return funds, sell properties, shift funding to local governments and schools, and noted a $30 million saving and 120 Economic Opportunity Zones.

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