Wisconsin’s 2026 Governor’s Race Blown Wide Open as Tony Evers Announces Retirement
Wisconsin’s 2026 Governor’s Race Blown Wide Open as Tony Evers Announces Retirement
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced on Thursday that he will not seek re-election in 2026, a decision that immediately opens up a highly competitive race for the state’s top office. The 73-year-old Democrat cited a desire to spend more time with his family, though he expressed confidence he would have won a third term if he had chosen to run.
Evers’ departure sets the stage for what is expected to be a wide-open contest in one of the nation’s most closely divided battleground states. His announcement follows a recent budget agreement with state Republicans, a milestone he indicated he would reach before making his re-election intentions known.
The field of potential successors is already taking shape. On the Democratic side, Attorney General Josh Kaul, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson are among those reportedly considering a bid. Republicans Josh Schoemann, Washington County Executive, and Milwaukee manufacturing CEO Bill Berrien have already launched campaigns, with businessman Eric Hovde and Tim Michels, along with U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, also weighing their options.
Evers’ decision comes amidst broader discussions within the Democratic Party about fostering new leadership. While recent polls indicated strong support among Wisconsin Democrats for Evers to run again, his exit ensures a dynamic and potentially costly primary season for both parties as they vie for control of the governorship.
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