Governor Evers won’t seek third term

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers announced late last week that he would not seek a third term as governor of Wisconsin, throwing the 2026 race wide open and perhaps opening a window of opportunity for Republicans who no longer face the prospect of dislodging an incumbent.

In a post on X, the governor announced his decision, saying his family had sacrificed for five decades to give him the gift of service and he would now give them the time to do “all the things we enjoy and love doing together.” 

“That’s why Wisconsin, I’m announcing I won’t be running for a third term,” Evers said. “I was humbled to be your governor. This is the best job I’ve ever had. And folks, we are not done yet. There is, as always, much work to do.”

Republicans quickly thanked the governor for his service but pointed out the harm they say his policies have caused.

Northwoods U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany released a statement in that vein. Tiffany has been frequently mentioned as a possible candidate in the governor’s race next year.

“I thank Governor Evers for his years of service and wish him well as he announces his retirement,” Tiffany said. “However, he leaves behind a legacy of decline — under the ‘education governor,’ student achievement has fallen behind Mississippi, Wisconsin faces a structural deficit, and energy costs now rank second highest in the Midwest. Wisconsinites deserve better. It’s time we change course before we end up like Minnesota and Illinois.”

Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin echoed the sentiment, saying the state and its residents would continue to feel the impact of his failed policies.

“Governor Evers may be stepping aside, but the damage of his policies will linger long after he’s gone,” AFP-WI state director Megan Novak said. “From approving a 400-year property tax hike, to presiding over an education system that is failing our children, to doing nothing about skyrocketing energy prices that are crushing Wisconsin families, Evers consistently chose politics over people. Wisconsin deserves a fresh start with leadership that puts economic freedom and opportunity first. We’ll be working to make sure voters know the lasting consequences of his agenda—and the better path forward.”

In the months ahead, Novak said, AFP-WI would engage voters across the state through grassroots outreach, education campaigns, and candidate engagement to ensure Wisconsin turns the page toward a more prosperous future.

Assembly majority leader Tyler August (R-Walworth) said the reality was that Wisconsin families couldn’t afford another four years of a progressive tax-and-spend, Madison-knows-best agenda.

“Under a Democrat Governor, we have seen a pattern of vetoes that blocked common-sense conservative reforms on tax relief, controlling skyrocketing costs on families, cracking down on repeat violent offenders, and even protecting women’s sports,” August said. “Liberals have prioritized out-of-touch woke policies, more government, more bureaucracy, and more control from Madison instead of empowering parents, supporting small businesses, and protecting our communities.”

Even worse, August said, many Wisconsin Democrats don’t believe those policies are radical enough. 

“They believe more taxes and more government are the solution to every problem we face,” he said. “One needs to look no further than the self-proclaimed socialist poised to become the next mayor of New York City to see where the Democratic party wants to take Wisconsin. Democrat-run cities across our country continue to fail to address violence in their streets, cut fraud, waste, and abuse in their budgets, and hold their failing schools accountable.”

Fond farewells

Democrats, on the other hand, had fond words of praise for the now lame-duck governor.

State Representative Lee Snodgrass (D-Appleton) thanked Evers for his many years of public service, care, and commitment.

“In 2020, I was first sworn into office via Zoom in my kitchen by the governor,” Snodgrass said. “Since then it has been an honor to serve in the legislature under his leadership. Divided government, the Covid pandemic, protecting the veto, and some tough votes—we didn’t always 100 percent agree but he is a man of integrity and of genuine, deep and abiding concern for the people of Wisconsin, especially kids. I appreciate and admire his character and his hard work.”

Representative Deb Andraca (D–Whitefish Bay) thanked Evers for always doing what was best for Wisconsin. 

“Flipping my Assembly seat in 2020 was critical to saving Governor Evers’ ability to veto Republican extremism and do what’s best for Wisconsin, and I have been honored to work with the governor throughout my time in the state Assembly,” Andraca said. “Governor Evers is someone who is in person just like you see on TV: kind, straightforward, and always happy to spend time with the people of our state, especially with a soft-serve ice cream cone in hand.”

Andraca said it had been an honor to see first-hand his dedication to the state, willingness to work across the aisle, and his ability to get things done in the face of relentless Republican opposition. 

Senator Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska) said he would always be grateful for his personal and professional relationship with Evers. 

“I was beyond honored to receive a phone call from him asking if I would serve in his cabinet as DATCP secretary,” Pfaff said. “Governor Evers trusted me, a farm boy from western Wisconsin, to lead our state’s agriculture department. It has been a pleasure to work with him in his cabinet and now as a state senator.”

Despite running into Republican obstruction at nearly every turn, even before he was elected, Pfaff said Evers had reached across the aisle and found ways to get things done. 

“He understood the importance of uplifting working families, fought for our public schools and kids, and invested in the state’s transportation and water infrastructure after years of neglect,” he said. “Governor Evers staunchly protected, defended, and expanded access to healthcare in our state. Importantly, the Governor has prioritized the needs of working people over political gamesmanship.”

The focus now shifts to the open seat for governor in 2026, which is seen as pivotal. Besides Tiffany’s possible entry into the race, Republicans have two declared candidates, businessman Bill Berrien and Washington County executive Josh Schoemann.

A multitude of candidates are possible on the Democratic side, with attorney general Josh Kaul at the top of that prospective list. Also mentioned are secretary of state Sarah Godlewski, Milwaukee County executive David Crowley, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, and Milwaukee mayor Cavalier Johnson, among others.

Richard Moore is the author of “Dark State” and may be reached at richardd3d.substack.com.