Democratic State Senator Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) announced on Thursday that she will suspend her campaign for Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor.

According to a statement provided by Taylor, she believes she may serve best in a separate position to have a “direct impact on the concerns of constituents.”

Specifically, Taylor, who was the first Democrat to enter the race, claimed to focus her attention on the state’s redistricting process.

“With deliberate thought and prayer, I have decided to suspend my candidacy for Lt. Governor. During the last several months, I have spent a great deal of time addressing the issue of redistricting. While working to ensure fair legislative maps and to maintain and improve existing representation for communities of color, I have questioned the best use of my legislative experience and skills,” she said in a statement posted to Twitter.

“The office of Lt. Governor offers a wide platform to raise awareness about many issues. However, as a hands-on, boots on the ground legislator, I want to be positioned to have a direct impact on the concerns of constituents. As I contemplate my options, I want to thank those who have supported my campaign for Lt. Governor.”

On the Democratic side, State Representatives David Bowen (D -Milwaukee) and Sara Rodriguez (D-Brookfield) remain in the primary competition.

Rodriguez has drawn endorsements from Former Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton and multiple members of the state legislature.

The winner of the Democratic primary will take on a Republican from the highly contested GOP primary in November 2022.

On the Republican side, seven individuals have announced their candidacy for the role: businessman David King, State Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point), Senator Ron Johnson’s former staff member Ben Voelkel, former congressional candidate Cindy Werner, entertainer Kyle Yudes, Lancaster Mayor David Varnam, and former Scott Walker aid Will Martin.

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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Wisconsin State Capitol” by QuartierLatin1968 CC BY-SA 3.0.