In a move that reshapes Wisconsin’s political landscape, Governor Tony Evers announced on July 24 that he will not seek a third term in office. The 73-year-old Democrat, who has served as governor since 2019, cited a desire to spend more time with his family after five decades in public service. “The only thing I love more than being your governor is being a husband, a dad, and a grandpa,” Evers said in a video message .
Evers’ decision sets the stage for Wisconsin’s first open gubernatorial race in 16 years, making the 2026 election one of the most closely watched in the country. The announcement comes at a time when Democrats are hoping to capitalize on newly redrawn legislative maps that could give them a better shot at flipping the Republican-controlled Legislature
Democratic Contenders
With Evers stepping aside, several prominent Democrats are expected to vie for the nomination:
- Josh Kaul, the current Attorney General, is widely seen as a top contender.
- Sara Rodriguez, the sitting Lieutenant Governor, brings executive experience and statewide recognition.
- Mandela Barnes, former Lieutenant Governor and 2022 U.S. Senate candidate, remains a popular figure among progressives.
- Kelda Roys, a state senator from Madison, is known for her advocacy on healthcare and reproductive rights.
- Sarah Godlewski, Secretary of State and former State Treasurer, has a strong fundraising network.
- Cavalier Johnson, Mayor of Milwaukee, and David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive, could bring urban leadership perspectives to the race.
- Ben Wikler, former chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party and a recent candidate for DNC chair, has been floated as a possible contender.
Rodriguez has officially launched her campaign, making her the first Democrat to enter the race.
Republican Field
On the Republican side, the race is also heating up:
- Josh Schoemann, Washington County Executive, has already declared his candidacy.
- Bill Berrien, a suburban Milwaukee businessman, is running on a platform of economic revitalization and conservative reform.
- Tom Tiffany, U.S. Representative from northern Wisconsin, has not officially entered the race but is considered a strong potential candidate.
- Mary Felzkowski, President of the State Senate, is also reportedly weighing a run.
- Eric Hovde and Tim Michels, both business figures who have previously run statewide, are being discussed as potential GOP candidates.
Both Schoemann and Berrien have officially entered the race, making them the first declared GOP candidates.
Both declared GOP candidates have said Evers’ decision won’t alter their campaign strategies. “It’s a wide open race, no doubt,” Schoemann said.
A Pivotal Election Ahead
The 2026 gubernatorial race is expected to be fiercely competitive, with national implications. Democrats are aiming to hold the governorship while making gains in the Legislature, and Republicans see an opportunity to reclaim the executive branch after losing it in 2018.
As the field takes shape, Wisconsin voters can expect a high-stakes, high-profile campaign season that will likely draw national attention and significant outside spending.