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2w ago

Tony Evers Declines Third Term, Opens First Wisconsin Governor Race in 16 Years

His decision creates a wide-open contest with leading candidates across parties poised for competitive 2026 primaries.

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.
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Overview

  • Tony Evers announced he will not seek a third term in 2026, ending his tenure and launching Wisconsin’s first open governor’s race in 16 years.
  • He cited a desire to spend more time with his family after finalizing the state’s new budget deal with Republicans earlier this month.
  • Potential Democratic contenders include Attorney General Josh Kaul, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and County Executive David Crowley.
  • On the Republican side, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and businessman Bill Berrien have already kicked off campaigns while other prominent figures consider bids.
  • The open seat will shape party control of the legislature and stands among five Trump-won states with a 2026 Democratic governorship on the ballot.