Tony Evers announces he won't seek third term in Wisconsin

In a significant political development, Tony Evers, the Democratic governor of Wisconsin, publicly announced his decision not to seek a third term for the 2026 election. This announcement marks the first time in 16 years that there will be an open race for the governorship in Wisconsin, a state often labeled as a battleground in national politics. Evers, who has served since 2019 and previously held the position of state superintendent of education for a decade, expressed the desire to focus more on his family after a tenure marked by a contentious relationship with a Republican-controlled legislature. His decision has notable implications, as Democrats hope to regain control while implementing newly redrawn election maps that are perceived to be more favorable to their party. Wisconsin has been under Republican control in the legislature since 2011, leading to tensions between Evers and Republican lawmakers over various policies and legislative agendas. Evers's conflict with the Republican majority escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic when he enacted measures such as closing schools and issuing a statewide mask mandate, provoking significant backlash from Republican leaders. Despite the partisan strife, Evers successfully collaborated with Republicans on the latest state budget, focusing on tax cuts and funding for education, however, many of his broader proposals faced resistance and were often blocked by his opposition. Evers’s decision not to run again is viewed as an opportunity for new Democratic candidates to emerge for the upcoming election. Potential candidates from the Democratic side include Attorney General Josh Kaul, Lt. Gov. Sarah Rodriguez, and Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, among others. On the Republican front, individuals such as Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann are already campaigning. The dynamics of the upcoming election could be pivotal, especially if Democrats manage to leverage the new electoral maps to their advantage. The political landscape remains charged, with both parties gearing up for a highly contested election cycle in the face of Evers's departure. The last open race for governor occurred in 2010 when Evers’s predecessor, Democratic incumbent Jim Doyle, similarly chose not to seek re-election. The reaction to Evers's announcement has been mixed, with some supporters expressing disappointment as they believed he could still enact further changes and initiatives with a Democratic-controlled legislature, had he chosen to run. However, Evers’s focus on family and a desire to step back from the political arena resonate with many as practical and understandable in weighing personal versus public commitments. With Evers stepping aside, the stage is set for dynamic political maneuverings ahead, making the next governor's race one to watch closely in Wisconsin.