In a video message released Thursday, Gov. Tony Evers, the 46th governor of the state of Wisconsin, announced he would not run for reelection in 2026.
Evers, first elected governor in 2018 and reelected in 2022, had said he would make a decision on whether to run again after the new state budget was signed into law.
In a highly personal announcement, Evers said he made a family decision not to run.
“Here’s the truth: Wisconsin, the only thing I love more than being your governor is being a husband, a dad, and a grandpa,” he said.
“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, (wife) Kathy and my family supported me all the way.
“Marrying Kathy is the greatest accomplishment of my life because it gave me a lifetime with her, three amazing kids, and nine incredible grandkids. 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.
“It’s why, Wisconsin, I’m announcing that I will not be running for a third term.”
With the 2025-27 budget signed in early July, it took Evers three weeks to announce his decision not to seek a third term. Both major parties likely will have several candidates vying to fill the now open seat in the 2026 gubernatorial election.
Even before Evers’ announcement, Republicans Josh Schoemann, the Washington County Executive, and manufacturing CEO Bill Berrien, who patterns himself after President Donald Trump, launched their candidacies.
On the Democratic Party side, Attorney General Josh Kaul, Lieutenant Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and state Sen. Kelda Roys have been named as possible contenders.
50 years of service
Evers, a 50-year public servant and lifelong Wisconsinite who grew up in Plymouth, served during some challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among the initiatives established to help the business community through that period was the Mainstreet Bounce Back grant program.
In early July, a Wisconsin Public Radio report about lackluster fundraising raised some doubt that he would seek another term.
In his announcement, Evers said being governor was the best job he ever had.
“You know, I was a scrawny kid with glasses who grew up scraping mold off of cheese,” he said. “I never dreamed I’d end upgovernor of Wisconsin. But here I am.
“For the last six years, you’ve welcomed me into your churches, businesses, classrooms, farms, hospitals, and communities. I cherish every moment — every tour, visit, high five, question, and selfie,” he said. “It’s the honor of my life to be able to give back to the state that raised me.
“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.
Evers also reminded state residents that he’s still got 18 months to serve as governor.
“There is, as always, much work to do,” he said. “And Wisconsin, I’ll be working just as hard as I have for the last six years to keep doing the right thing and deliver for you.”
Tributes to Evers began shortly after the announcement.
“Wisconsin is lucky to have had Tony Evers leading our state. He has always put Wisconsin – and Wisconsin’s children – first, and we will continue to see those benefits for generations to come,” Sen. Tammy Baldwin said in a statement.
“The governor’s commitment to every kid’s education, our teachers, and public schools will undoubtedly shape our future for the better and be a cornerstone of his legacy. His steady hand led us through a once-in-a-generation pandemic, and Wisconsin came out the other side with a strong economy, record low unemployment, and a strong sense of community that bonds us all.”
“Governor Tony Evers is one of the most successful governors in our history because he has always done the right thing for the people of Wisconsin. Whether it’s investing in our kids and strengthening public education, defending our fundamental rights and freedoms, or fixing the damn roads, his steady leadership has been instrumental in transforming our state and moving us forward,” WisDems Chair Devin Remiker said in a statement.
“While Republican candidates rush to embrace the most extreme elements of their party and face another divisive and bitter primary battle, we will be prepared to hold them accountable and ensure Wisconsin elects a Democratic governor in 2026.”
The Main Street Alliance, an organization of small businesses, praised his leadership during the pandemic.
“When Main Street Alliance expanded to Wisconsin in August 2020, small business owners across the state were navigating the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the organization said. “It was a time of deep uncertainty and fear for entrepreneurs from Ashland to Racine, as they wondered what the future would hold.
“Gov. Tony Evers was there to support those businesses. On a per capita basis, more was spent to provide grant support and stabilization dollars than in any state in the country.”
