In Wisconsin, Evers’ retirement opens up governor’s race

July 25, 2025

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has announced he will not seek a third term, opening up a competitive race in this key battleground state. Lt. Gov.

Who is affected

Wisconsin voters and residents
Current Democratic Governor Tony Evers and his family
Potential Democratic candidates (Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Attorney General Josh Kaul, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, and others)
Declared Republican candidates (Josh Schoemann and Bill Berrier)
The Wisconsin state legislature, which has a Republican majority
Political parties attempting to control this battleground state

What action is being taken

Governor Tony Evers is declining to run for a third term to spend more time with family
Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez is actively campaigning for the Democratic nomination
Various prominent Democrats are considering entering the primary race
Republicans Josh Schoemann and Bill Berrier are running campaigns for the GOP primary

Why it matters

Wisconsin is a crucial battleground state with consistently close elections
The state has demonstrated a pattern of ticket-splitting in recent elections
This will be one of 36 governorships up for election in 2026
Wisconsin is one of five Democratic-led states won by Trump in 2024 holding gubernatorial elections in 2026
The governor will work with a state legislature that has been Republican-majority, though redistricting may give Democrats more influence

What's next

Read full article from source: The 19th