Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers won't run again in 2026 originally appeared on Bring Me The News.
Wisconsin's two-term Democratic governor has decided not to run again in the battleground state, which hasn't seen an open race for the seat since 2010, when a Republican ultimately won.
Gov. Tony Evers, 73, announced on Thursday that he won't seek re-election in 2026. Though he believes there's "no question" whether he would win again, the governor said he wants to spend more time with his family.
"Here the truth, Wisconsin: the only thing I love more than being your governor is being a husband, a dad and a grandpa," Evers said in a video announcing his decision. "I've spent 50 years in public service. I'm damn proud I devoted my entire career – and most of my life – to working for you."
Evers is a former teacher and state superintendent. He was first elected governor in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, winning by just over 1 percentage point the first time and just over 3 percentage points the second time, The Associated Press reported.
''For five decades, my family has sacrificed to give me the gift of service,'' Evers said. ''They're my world and I owe it to them to focus on doing all the things we enjoy and love doing together."
In his first race, Evers ousted two-term Republican governor and one-time presidential candidate Scott Walker, who won Wisconsin's last open gubernatorial election in 2010.
The Wisconsin Legislature has been under Republican control since 2011.
So far, two Republican candidates have tossed their hat in the ring: Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and Milwaukee manufacturing CEO Bill Berrien. More are likely to follow, including U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who's still considering a bid.
Potential candidates on the Democrat side include Attorney General Josh Kaul, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Sen. Kelda Roys, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, per AP.
Related: Gov. Tim Walz won’t announce election plans until after State Fair
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is expected to announce whether he will seek a third term next year after the State Fair. He told Axios this week that his gubernatorial plans will determine whether he runs for president in 2028.
Several challengers, all Republicans, have launched campaigns for Minnesota's seat over the past few months. They include Scott Jensen and Kendall Qualls, both of whom have unsuccessfully run against Walz.
This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
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