Full Breakdown
JoCasta Zamarripa Makes Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants Her Top Priority in Wisconsin Secretary-of-State Race
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Democratic candidate JoCasta Zamarripa announced that her “number one priority” is to see the governor sign legislation granting driver’s licenses to undocumented Wisconsinites. In a televised interview on October 15, 2026, Zamarripa said she is confident that David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive and Democratic gubernatorial nominee, would support the measure if elected governor. The statement has become a focal point of the November 3 statewide secretary-of-state election, in which Zamarripa faces Republican nominee Jay Schroeder.
Background & Context
Zamarripa, a Milwaukee alderman and former state representative, first introduced a similar bill in the Wisconsin Assembly in 2015. The proposal would have allowed people without a Social Security number to obtain driver’s licenses, framing the change as a public-safety and economic-development measure. Wisconsin currently requires proof of legal presence for a standard driver’s license. The state’s Department of Transportation issues licenses, while the secretary-of-state oversees official records and state trust funds.
Official Statements & Responses
- She noted Crowley’s past legislative support for the idea and expressed confidence they would discuss the plan soon.
- Jay Schroeder framed his campaign around expanding the secretary-of-state’s role in election administration, arguing that Wisconsin should follow the 33 states that already task the office with elections. He said the existing system “worked” during the 2020 presidential election.
- David Crowley has publicly backed driver’s licenses for undocumented residents, comparing immigration enforcement to “catching fugitive slaves.”
- Tom Tiffany, the Republican candidate for governor, criticized the proposal, stating that “a vote to give Democrats power is a vote to put illegal aliens over Wisconsinites.” He also linked the policy to broader Democratic positions on in-state tuition for non-citizens.
Criticism & Opposition
Republican opponents argue that the licensing plan prioritizes non-citizens over legal residents. Tiffany highlighted a recent criminal case in Fond du Lac County, where an undocumented driver was charged after allegedly running over a woman with Down syndrome, using the incident to question the safety rationale behind the proposal.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the secretary-of-state’s authority over driver’s licenses. Some commentary suggests the office could directly issue licenses, while the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is the agency responsible for licensing. The discrepancy underscores a gap in public understanding of which branch would need to enact the change.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have to make sure we’re digitizing as much of the records as possible,” — Zamarripa
- “If you Google or check anything out, you see Jay Schroeder, all it is is election integrity,” — Jay Schroeder
- “So if 33 states are doing it, and they have less problems, that’s what we should do,” — Jay Schroeder
- “It concerns me that my Republican opponent wants to bring it into the secretary of state’s office, I believe, to dismantle it and certainly to undermine our elections,” — Zamarripa
- “David Crowley and every Democrat in Wisconsin supports giving illegal aliens driver’s licenses and free in-state college tuition,” — Tom Tiffany
What’s Next
Voters will decide the secretary-of-state race on November 3, when Zamarripa and Schroeder appear on the ballot. The outcome will determine whether the office’s platform can be used to advance the driver-license initiative, pending legislative action and gubernatorial support.