Governor Evers Will Not Seek Re-Election
Wisconsin’s Democratic Governor Tony Evers has announced he won’t run for re-election next year.
In a video posted on X, Evers expressed that serving as governor has been “the honor of [his] life.” He reflected on the importance of family, noting that while he values his governor role, being a husband, father, and grandfather holds even greater significance. He acknowledged the personal sacrifices his family has made throughout his public service career and feels it’s time to devote more moments to them—sharing experiences they treasure as a family.
“That’s why, Wisconsin, I’m announcing I will not be running for a third term,” he stated. He added that he would continue to work hard for the state, emphasizing, “So let’s get to work.”
Evers first took office in 2018, defeating then-Governor Scott Walker by a narrow margin. He secured re-election in 2022 by a slightly wider gap.
Republicans have argued that “America’s Dairyland” shouldn’t rely on Democratic leadership and are calling for a shift back to GOP governance in the state.
GOP Senator Mary Felzkowski expressed her optimism about their chances in the upcoming gubernatorial race, insisting, “We are going to win this race. We have the right message and the right candidates.”
Former Governor Scott Walker commented on Evers’ decision, suggesting, “It’s a new chapter for Wisconsin. We have an opportunity to lead again.”
Senator Roger Roth, while acknowledging Evers’ contributions, asserted the necessity for a new direction in leadership.
On the Democratic side, potential candidates to succeed Evers include Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Attorney General Josh Kaul, and Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski. For Republicans, likely contenders are Rep. Tom Tiffany and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann.
The political landscape in Wisconsin remains competitive, showing traits of both red and blue states. In the recent presidential election, Donald Trump claimed victory in Wisconsin, narrowly defeating Democrat Kamala Harris. This was a shift from the 2020 election, where Joe Biden had carried the state.
