The race for Wisconsin State Treasurer has garnered attention as two Democratic contenders vie to invigorate rural voter turnout in the upcoming election. The primary winner will challenge incumbent John Leiber, the sole Republican in a Wisconsin constitutional office, in the fall.
Dylan Helmenstine, a trustee for Black Earth’s village board, and Yee Leng Xiong, a Marathon County board member, presented their cases at a Democratic candidate forum in La Crosse. This event was organized by the Young Democrats of Wisconsin and the 3rd Congressional District Democrats of Wisconsin.
Both candidates highlighted their respective experiences in managing budgets for local governments and school districts, alongside their roles on state committees appointed by the governor. Helmenstine emphasized his background as a financial analyst for Wisconsin’s Medicaid programs and his management of the state’s PPE warehouse during the pandemic. Raised in a small Dane County village, he asserted his unique connection to rural communities as a Democratic candidate.
“I think it’s really important that as we go forward as a party, that we have somebody who has that experience talking across Wisconsin about democratic values and leading forward, to make sure we are bringing everybody along in our vision for a Wisconsin that’s moving forward,” Helmenstine stated.
Xiong, on the other hand, spoke about his electoral successes in a predominantly Republican area of north central Wisconsin. He recounted his narrow loss in the 2024 state Assembly race, framing it as a valuable learning experience. “I was able to bring out groups of individuals that have never actually voted before or have never actually canvassed before,” Xiong said. “What we want to do more than ever is bring out these individuals that are tired of what’s happening nationally, tired of what’s happening statewide, and bringing them together to actually make change.”
Both candidates are optimistic about not only energizing voters for the treasurer’s race but also aiding Democrats in securing the governor’s office, state Assembly, and state Senate. They envision a more proactive state treasurer’s office and criticized the current office holder for a lack of action.
Leiber, known for his fiscal conservatism, has committed to fulfilling his duties without expanding government. In contrast, the Democratic hopefuls proposed a public dashboard to enhance transparency in state spending. Helmenstine plans to use the dashboard to highlight educational funding allocations, while Xiong aims to shed light on per diem payments to officials, positioning the treasurer as an “independent fiscal watchdog.”
