Wisconsin's political landscape just got a major shakeup with Democratic Gov. Tony Evers announcing he won't seek a third term in 2026, opening the door to a fiercely contested race in this battleground state.
According to AP News, Evers shared his decision in a video message, emphasizing his pride in 50 years of public service. He stated it’s time to prioritize family, saying, “They’re my world and I owe it to them to focus on doing all the things we enjoy and love doing together.”
While his choice to step aside might be framed as personal, it’s hard to ignore the brutal political gridlock he’s faced, often clashing with a Republican-controlled Legislature since 2011. Let’s not pretend this wasn’t a factor in bowing out after two hard-fought terms.
The race to replace Evers is already shaping up to be a slugfest, with no incumbent to anchor either party. Democrats like Attorney General Josh Kaul, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson are among potential candidates, while Republicans have Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and businessman Bill Berrien already in the mix.
Republican voices are quick to pounce, with Berrien claiming Evers is “too scared to run” on a supposed “record of failure.” But such sharp words gloss over the reality that Evers navigated a polarized state with veto power as his shield, often halting policies many Wisconsinites might have found extreme.
Then there’s U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who criticized Evers for a “legacy of decline” without committing to a run. Such rhetoric sounds tough, but it sidesteps the messy truth of governing a divided state where compromise is rarer than a quiet day in Madison.
Evers’ tenure was defined by friction, starting before he even took office when Republicans pushed laws in a lame-duck session to curb his authority. His decisions during the COVID-19 crisis, like closing schools and mandating masks, further fueled GOP opposition.
The Legislature broke norms by rejecting 21 of his appointees and stonewalling proposals on Medicaid expansion, marijuana legalization, and education funding. Yet, Evers held his ground, using vetoes to block tighter voting rules and expanded gun rights.
Despite the battles, there were moments of cooperation, like the recent state budget with $1.5 billion in tax cuts and increased funding for schools and local governments. Even so, these wins felt more like uneasy truces than genuine partnerships.
Evers also played a key role in reshaping Wisconsin’s legislative maps, pushing for new boundaries after the state Supreme Court’s liberal majority took hold in 2023. The old maps, widely seen as heavily gerrymandered, were replaced with lines more favorable to Democrats.
This shift already helped Democrats gain seats last November, fueling optimism for taking control of at least one chamber next year. It’s a legacy point for Evers, though critics might argue it’s more about partisan advantage than fairness.
The governor waited until after signing the state budget to announce his exit, perhaps ensuring one last mark on policy before stepping back. His timing suggests a calculated move, not just a sudden personal epiphany.
Known for his down-to-earth style, Evers often peppered speeches with mild oaths and Midwestern phrases like “holy mackerel,” earning a reputation as quintessentially Wisconsin. Democratic U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan called him the “most quintessential Wisconsin politician” he’s ever seen.
After his 2022 reelection, Evers embraced being called boring, quipping, “As it turns out, boring wins.” But in a state as politically charged as this one, boring was often a quiet strength against louder, more divisive forces.
As the first open governor’s race in 16 years looms, Evers leaves a mixed record of resilience and roadblocks. Whether his successor can bridge Wisconsin’s deep divides or simply inherit the same trench warfare remains the million-dollar question.
