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Tony Evers Declines Third Term, Creates Open 2026 Wisconsin Governor’s Race

He cited a desire to spend more time with family after five decades in public service

Tony Evers in 2024.
FILE - Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers shakes hands with Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez at an inauguration ceremony at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, Wis., Jan. 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
FILE - Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers gives the annual State of the State address Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers at the Wisconsin Democrats 2025 Convention in 2025.

Overview

  • Evers announced on July 24 via a video on X that he will not seek a third term, marking the first open gubernatorial contest in Wisconsin in 16 years.
  • He said his decision reflects a choice to focus on his wife, children and grandchildren after fifty years in politics.
  • Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez became the first Democrat to enter the 2026 race on July 25, and other Democratic figures including Josh Kaul and David Crowley are weighing bids.
  • Republicans Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and businessman Bill Berrien have launched campaigns, and others such as U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, Eric Hovde and Tim Michels are considering bids.
  • Wisconsin’s swing-state status and razor-thin margins in recent presidential and Senate contests have elevated the national significance of next year’s governor’s race.