Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers Announces He Will Not Seek Third Term in 2026
Democratic Governor Tony Evers will not seek a third term in Wisconsin's 2026 gubernatorial race, opening the state's first open contest in 16 years and shifting the political landscape.
Dem Swing State Governor Calls It Quits
Daily Caller
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announces he will not run for third term
Washington Examiner
NEW: Wisconsin Democrat Gov Tony Evers will not seek reelection
The Post Millennial
Overview
- Democratic Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin announced he will not seek a third term in 2026, creating the state's first open gubernatorial race in 16 years. This decision significantly alters the political landscape.
- Evers, 73, cited a desire to focus on his family after 50 years of public service, despite his confidence in winning re-election if he had chosen to run again.
- His tenure saw frequent clashes with the Republican-controlled Legislature, where he used broad veto powers to block conservative priorities and faced criticism for COVID-19 measures.
- The 2026 election will be impacted by new legislative maps, pushed by Evers and ordered by the state Supreme Court, which are expected to favor Democrats in their quest for legislative control.
- The open contest has already drawn Republican candidates, with more expected from both parties, leading Sabato’s Crystal Ball to reclassify the Wisconsin gubernatorial race as a 'Toss-up'.
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Analysis
"Evers announced Thursday that he will not seek a third term in 2026, creating the first open race for governor in the battleground state in 16 years."
CBS News"Evers has drawn the ire of President Donald Trump’s administration, and his tenure has been marked by his often contentious relationship with the Legislature."
ABC News"Evers’ decision to forgo another bid is expected to result in competitive primaries for both parties."
NBC NewsArticles (11)
FAQ
Governor Tony Evers decided not to seek a third term in 2026 to focus on his family after 50 years of public service, despite being confident he would win if he ran again.
Evers' decision creates the first open gubernatorial race in Wisconsin in 16 years, making the 2026 election highly competitive and more uncertain, with the race now classified as a 'Toss-up'.
The newly redrawn legislative maps, pushed by Evers and ordered by the state Supreme Court, are expected to favor Democrats in their effort to gain legislative control in Wisconsin in 2026.
Potential Democratic candidates include Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, Mayor of Milwaukee Cavalier Johnson, Attorney General Josh Kaul, Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, among others.
Evers faced frequent clashes with the Republican-controlled Legislature, which used a lame-duck session to weaken his powers. He also faced criticism for COVID-19 measures and had an often contentious relationship with the Legislature.
History
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