Wisconsin’s political landscape just got a seismic shakeup as Gov. Tony Evers (D) declared he won’t seek a third term in the 2026 gubernatorial race, as The Hill reports.
In a video shared on the social media platform X on Thursday, Evers dropped the bombshell that his current term, ending in 2027, will be his last, opening the door for a heated battle in a crucial battleground state.
Evers first claimed the governor’s mansion in 2018, narrowly ousting Republican Scott Walker by just over a single percentage point. He secured reelection in 2022 with a slightly wider margin of three points. For conservatives, those tight races signal a state hungry for a return to practical, no-nonsense leadership.
Evers prioritizes family
In his announcement, Evers called serving as governor “the honor of my life.” But let’s be real—honors don’t always trump hearth and home, and his choice to step back for family time is one even the most hardened partisan can respect.
He emphasized valuing his roles as husband, father, and grandfather above all else, noting the sacrifices his family endured during five decades of public service. It’s a reminder that even in politics, personal priorities can still cut through the noise.
“That’s why, Wisconsin, I’m announcing I will not be running for a third term,” Evers stated. Admirable, sure, but it also leaves Democrats scrambling to fill a void in a state where every vote counts twice.
Democrats rally, but challenges loom
Evers isn’t packing up just yet, promising to keep grinding until 2027 with, as he put it, plans to “keep doing the right thing.” That’s a noble sentiment, though conservatives might argue the “right thing” has been more about progressive talking points than tangible results for everyday Wisconsinites.
Democrats, predictably, lined up to sing Evers’s praises after the announcement. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D) lauded him as embodying “the best of the Wisconsin way,” which sounds nice until you remember that “way” often veers left of center in their playbook.
Devin Remiker, Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair, claimed they’ll “hold [Republicans] accountable” in 2026. Accountability is a two-way street, and after years of policies that many see as out of touch, it’s Democrats who might face the tougher reckoning.
Republican hopefuls keep eye on prize
On the GOP side, the mood is optimistic, with voices like Courtney Alexander of the Republican Governors Association asserting that “Wisconsin is ready for a return to common sense leadership.” That’s not just bravado — it’s a reflection of a state weary of ideological overreach.
Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI) has hinted at a possible run, while Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann already jumped into the fray back in May. With primaries on both sides expected to get crowded, the Republican field could be a proving ground for who can best channel the state’s desire for pragmatic governance.
For Democrats, potential contenders include Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Attorney General Josh Kaul, and Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, among others. It’s a decent lineup, but in a battleground like Wisconsin, name recognition alone won’t cut it against a GOP eager to reclaim power.
Battleground state braces for 2026
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, predicted any Republican candidate would be “too extreme for Wisconsin.” That’s a tired trope — labeling conservatives as extremists while ignoring how far left the progressive agenda has drifted hardly wins over moderates.
The 2026 gubernatorial race in Wisconsin is now wide open, and with it, the chance for Republicans to steer the state back toward policies that prioritize results over rhetoric. Democrats will fight tooth and nail to hold the office, but tight past margins show this isn’t a guaranteed blue stronghold.
As both sides gear up for what promises to be a bruising primary season, one thing is clear: Wisconsinites are ready for a governor who tackles real issues without the baggage of ideological crusades. Turns out, even in politics, the pendulum swings both ways, and 2026 might just be the year it swings right.
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Author: Mae Slater
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