Meet the candidates running for Wisconsin state treasurer

Republican State Treasurer John Leiber, seeking a second term, faces two Democratic challengers in Wisconsin’s August 11 primary election. Leiber, the sole Republican candidate, will automatically advance to the November 3 general election, while Yee Leng Xiong and Dylan Helmenstine compete for the Democratic nomination. The Office of the State Treasurer oversees Wisconsin’s unclaimed property program and manages over $1.4 billion in funds for public schools through the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands. The role also includes promoting low-interest loans for local governments and ensuring rural communities access affordable financing. Yee Leng Xiong, a member of the Governor’s Financial Literacy Council, prioritizes protecting the state’s school trust fund and expanding low-interest Trust Fund Loans for infrastructure. He previously served as a school board member, village trustee, and Marathon County supervisor, and was endorsed by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin. Xiong emphasizes transparency and returning unclaimed money to Wisconsin families. Dylan Helmenstine, appointed to the Teacher Retirement Board in 2024, focuses on government transparency and school funding reform. He proposes a digital budget dashboard to clarify property tax impacts and has experience as a school board member and local government trustee. Both candidates highlight rural-urban equity and taxpayer accountability in their platforms. The primary election takes place August 11, with Leiber’s Republican status ensuring his place in the November 3 general election. Issues like trust fund management, property taxes, and rural development will likely dominate the campaign.