MADISON, Wis. — Governor Tony Evers announces he will not seek a third term as governor.
The pre-recorded announcement was made on his social media on July 24, 2025.
A love letter from me to Kathy and my family—and to you, Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/VDcztZ6JPy
— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) July 24, 2025
“Would I win if I ran a sixth time? Of course. No question about that. But whether I’d win or not has never been part of my calculus about running again,” Governor Evers said in the video. “Here’s the truth: Wisconsin, the only thing I love more than being your governor is being a husband, a dad, and a grandpa.”
Evers was first elected as governor in November 2018, after defeating then incumbent Governor Scott Walker. He won reelection in 2022, defeating business man Tim Michels.
The governor had previously said he would make the decision to run again after the state biennial budget was signed.
“Tony embodies the best of the Wisconsin way – 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,” said Wisconsin Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin in a statement Thursday. “The Governor faced tough headwinds to progress, but it never stopped him. I am grateful to call Tony a friend and am ‘jazzed as hell’ to see what comes next for him and Kathy. Thank you for all you have done for Wisconsin, Tony.”
As for candidates in the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial election, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and businessman Bill Berrien have officially entered the race.
READ MORE: Wisconsin Republican compares himself to Trump as he launches his bid for governor
No Democrats have officially announced a run for office, but Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said on WTMJ’s Point Taken he would one day take a shot at winning the position.
“I think one day I will run for governor, I don’t know if that’s going to happen in the immediate future,” said Mayor Johnson Thursday before Governor Evers announced his decision.
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