Marathon County nonprofit leader Yee Leng Xiong enters race for state treasurer

A Marathon County nonprofit executive and local elected official is running for state office while continuing campaigns in two local races.

Yee Leng Xiong, executive director of New Beginnings for Refugees, has announced his candidacy for Wisconsin Treasurer. He is also an incumbent candidate for both the D.C. Everest Area School District Board of Education and the Marathon County Board of Supervisors.

Xiong currently serves as treasurer for the D.C. Everest school board and represents District 19 on the county board.

The Wisconsin Treasurer is often viewed as ceremonial, Xiong said, but he argues the role plays a key part in accountability and oversight.

“The state treasurer position, often people look at that position and feel that it’s a ceremonial position, but it’s not,” Xiong said. “It’s about accountability. This position is held accountable by the Wisconsinites. It’s not accountable to the governor or the state Legislature.”

If elected state treasurer, Xiong said he would re-evaluate his local roles. For now, he plans to continue campaigning in all three races.

“I’m very passionate about the school district. I’m passionate about counties,” Xiong said. “I want to make sure that all my residents, all my constituents are taken care of, especially the students, because the most important asset that we have is our people.”

Xiong said his experience leading a nonprofit has given him a strong understanding of budgeting and financial management.

“As the state treasurer, one of my goals is to work on intentional and grassroots efforts to ensure accountability and transparency,” he said. “That includes returning money back to individuals, expanding financial literacy, and building coalitions to address the affordability crisis in Wisconsin.”

Republican incumbent John Lieber is seeking reelection as state treasurer.

On the Democratic side, Xiong faces Dylan Helmenstine, a Black Earth village trustee and school board member, and Eric Wilson, a small business owner and IT project manager, reports the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.