In a ‘Love Letter to Wisconsin,’ Tony Evers explains why he won’t run for governor again

The announcement from Wisconsin’s two-term chief executive triggers wide-open 2026 primaries in both parties.

Tony Evers, who defeated Scott Walker to become Wisconsin’s governor in 2018, announced on Thursday that he will not seek a third term in office next year. The news is likely to open the floodgates for candidates — Democrat and Republican alike — interested in running for an open seat and winning the state’s highest office.

Evers released a statement shortly after noon, titled “A Love Letter from Me to Kathy and My Family—and to You, Wisconsin.” In it, the governor said he was confident he would win a third term if he sought it, but has decided to retire after 50 years in public service.

“Here’s the truth: Wisconsin, the only thing I love more than being your governor is being a husband, a dad, and a grandpa,” he wrote. “Marrying Kathy is the greatest accomplishment of my life because it gave me a lifetime with her, three amazing kids, and nine incredible grandkids. For five decades, my family has sacrificed to give me the gift of service. They’re my world. And I owe it to them to focus on doing all the things we enjoy and love doing together. It’s why, Wisconsin, I’m announcing that I will not be running for a third term.”

Evers was the mild-mannered foil to frustrated Republicans whose control of the Legislature only extended to the limits of the governor’s veto pen. He frequently blocked GOP efforts to restrict voting accessibility, increase gun availability, limit reproductive rights, and strengthen private school vouchers at the expense of public education. 

On the Democratic side, potential candidates to succeed Evers include state Attorney General Josh Kaul, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, former state party chairman Ben Wikler, state Sens. Kelda Roys and Chris Larson, and perhaps others who would face off in August of next year.

When Evers first ran for governor in 2018, there were a dozen Democrats hoping to win the party’s primary and take on Walker, who was seeking a third term. 

On the Republican side, businessman Bill Berrien and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann have already announced candidacies. With Evers stepping aside, several others will likely soon express public interest in running in the gubernatorial primary in August of next year. US Rep. Tom Tiffany and state Senate President Mary Felzkowski have not discouraged talk of their interest in the job.

The reactions were immediate and heartfelt from fellow Democrats:

“It’s been an honor to be your partner these last few years,” said Rodriguez. “Thank you for your strength of character, your steady leadership in uncertain times, and for giving it everything you had.”

“He didn’t govern for headlines—he governed with heart,” said Godlewski. “We’re a better state because of Tony. And I’m better for having had the chance to serve alongside him.”

“Tony embodies the best of the Wisconsin way,” said Sen. Tammy Baldwin. “He knows what is right and is willing to fight for it, but is level-headed, Midwestern nice, and always willing to bridge divides if it’s right for our state.”

Interviewed by UpNorthNews, Baldwin said she is not interested in trading her Washington, DC, job for a chance at becoming governor.

On the Republican side, former Gov. Walker took advantage of a numerical coincidence to tease a potential effort to win back his old job. Just as President Donald Trump is listed as both the 45th and 47th chief executive, Walker was Wisconsin’s 45th governor. He tweeted a photo of a Trump-inspired hat with a similar “45-47” design that said “Make Wisconsin Great Again.”

Evers, who served as state Superintendent of Public Instruction for ten years prior to becoming governor, went undefeated in five statewide elections. He closed his announcement with heartfelt gratitude and promised to run all the way through the finish line.

“I’m so humbled to be your governor,” he noted. “This is the best job I’ve ever had. And folks, we are not done yet. There is, as always, much work to do. And, Wisconsin, I’ll be working just as hard as I have for the last six years to keep doing the right thing and deliver for you.”

His term ends in early January 2027.

“So, let’s get back to work,” he concluded. “Forward, for you and for Wisconsin, always.”