Democratic nominee JoCasta Zamarripa holds the leading position in this open-seat Wisconsin secretary of state race, consistent with the shift to a Leans Democratic rating by forecasters in September. She advanced unopposed in the August primary, while Republican Jay Schroeder secured his nomination with under half the vote in a four-way contest. Recent campaign finance reports show Zamarripa maintaining a fundraising advantage, and mid-October exchanges have centered on differing visions for the office, including election oversight authority currently held by the bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission. Schroeder has emphasized returning that role to the secretary of state for greater transparency, while Zamarripa supports the existing structure and has highlighted modernization alongside broader policy advocacy. Early voting is underway ahead of the November 3 general election that also includes Green Party candidate Pete Karas.