David Varnam
Republican
About
David Varnam is a former mayor of Lancaster, Wisconsin, serving from 2016 to 2022 after nearly three years on the city council. He previously worked as a congressional aide and as a federal policy analyst for Focus on the Family. He ran for lieutenant governor in 2022, finishing seventh in the Republican primary, and won the August 11, 2026 Republican primary over Will Martin (55.4% to 44.6% per Ballotpedia). He runs on the Nov 3 general-election ticket as Tom Tiffany's running mate.
Positions on the issues
Supports lower taxes and lower utility costs.
Supports raising school standards and test scores and supports school choice.
Opposes transgender participation in women's sports and use of women's locker rooms.
Supports directing state and local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration agencies.
Opposes abortion.
Supports gun rights.
Experience
- Mayor of Lancaster (2016-2022)
- Lancaster Common Council (nearly three years)
- Congressional aide; federal policy analyst for Focus on the Family
- 2022 Republican candidate for lieutenant governor (finished seventh of eight in primary)
- 2026 Republican nominee for lieutenant governor; running mate of Tom Tiffany
Campaign funding
Reported raising $66,529, spending $54,748, and holding $12,892 cash on hand in the July 15, 2026 WEC filing. Endorsed by Wisconsin Right to Life, Pro-Life Wisconsin Victory Fund PAC, Wisconsin Family Action PAC, and Rep. Derrick Van Orden (per Journal Sentinel candidate guide).
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