Gov. Evers will not seek a third term in Wisconsin and opens the door to a competitive election in 2026

Tony Evers announced he will not seek a third term in 2026. The Democratic governor of Wisconsin announced his decision through a video posted on his social media, stating that at 73, he wants to spend more time with his family. His decision opens the door to a competitive election in a state where Donald Trump won in 2024.

Evers was first elected in 2018 after surprisingly defeating Scott Walker. Four years later, he defeated Trump-backed candidate Tim Michels, increasing his margin of advantage. Since Wisconsin does not have term limits, there was speculation that the incumbent might run again to increase the chances of a Democratic victory.

The Plymouth native opted to step aside, thus shaping this election as one of the most highly rated of the upcoming election year.

"I promised you when I ran for this office that I’d always work to do the right thing, that I’d always give it to you straight, and that I’d always try to be a governor for all of Wisconsin. And I work every day to keep those promises. That’ll never change. Here’s the truth, Wisconsin: The only thing I love more than being your governor is being a husband, a dad, and a grandpa," the Democrat said in the announcement video.

“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. And from Plymouth to Baraboo, Tomah to Oshkosh, Verona to Madison, and everywhere in between, Kathy and my family supported me all the way. (...) For five decades, my family has sacrificed to give me the gift of service. They’re my world, and I owe it to them to focus on doing all the things we enjoy and love doing together," he added.

Looking ahead to 2026, these are the states with Democratic governors but that Trump won in 2024: Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Kansas and Michigan.

Wisconsin's likely gubernatorial candidates

With Evers' retirement, both parties will have open primaries next year. On the Democratic side, the top contenders are former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, local Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, and Sara Rodriguez, the current lieutenant governor.

On the Republican side, speculation surrounds the candidacy of Eric Hovde, the businessman who lost to Senator Tammy Baldwin by just 0.8 points in 2024. Other options include former Congressman Tom Tiffany and Mary Felzkowski, president of the local Senate. However, an eventual return of former Governor Walker, the current president of Young America's Foundation, is not ruled out.

Businessman Bill Berrien has already announced his candidacy and even started running his first political ads in the state.