Democratic Treasurer Candidates Debate Rural Mobilization in Wisconsin

Democratic candidates Dylan Helmenstine and Yee Leng Xiong met at a candidate forum in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on July 23 to discuss their bids for the state treasurer's office. Both candidates focused on the necessity of mobilizing rural voters to help Democrats achieve a trifecta of control over the state Senate, state Assembly, and the governor's mansion.

Helmenstine, a Black Earth village board trustee and former Medicaid financial analyst, emphasized his rural upbringing as a key asset for the party's statewide vision. Xiong, a Marathon County board member, highlighted his history of mobilizing new voters and canvassing in ruby red areas of north central Wisconsin.

Both candidates proposed the creation of a public dashboard to track state spending. This platform would contrast with the approach of incumbent Republican John Leiber, who advocates for fiscal conservatism and avoiding the growth of government. The primary election is scheduled for August 11.