Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers will not seek reelection

Source: Politico

07/24/2025 01:29 PM EDT
Updated: 07/24/2025 02:15 PM EDT


Democrat Tony Evers will not seek a third term as governor of Wisconsin, he announced Thursday. His decision sets up yet another competitive gubernatorial race for 2026, with Democrats also seeking to defend seats in swing states including Michigan and Pennsylvania.

In a video posted to social media Thursday afternoon, Evers said there was “no question” about whether he would win if he ran again, adding that “whether I’d win or not has never been part of my calculus about running again.” The two-term governor cited his hope to spend more time with his family as his motivation for not seeking reelection.

“Here’s the truth: Wisconsin, the only thing I love more than being your governor is being a husband, a dad and a grandpa,” Evers said. “I spent 50 years in public service. I’m damn proud I devoted my entire career — and most of my life — to working for you.”

Wisconsin is poised to be one of the headline gubernatorial elections next year, with statewide top-of-the-ticket races perennially close over the last decade. Both parties anticipated Wisconsin being one of the biggest governor’s races on the map — which also includes states like Nevada, Minnesota and Georgia — even before Evers’ retirement.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/24/tony-evers-wisconsin-2026-00474526