MILWAUKEE — Former Republican Governor Scott Walker will not be entering Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race in 2026.
Walker made the announcement Sunday on his X account. In the video, he said this does not mean he will never run again.
Republicans in the race so far include Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and businessman Bill Berrien.
Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez was the first Democrat to enter the race.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley appears to be planning his own bid for Governor.
“In the weeks ahead, I will be taking steps toward entering the race for Governor. The stakes are simply too high to sit on the sidelines,” Crowley said in an email following Governor Evers’ decision not to run again. “Governor Evers has laid a strong foundation. I believe it’s our responsibility to build on that progress—and I look forward to engaging in that conversation with the people of Wisconsin.”
Other potential Democratic candidates include Attorney General Josh Kaul, former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, state Senator Kelda Roys and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. None of those four have formally announced whether they are running or not.
Former Milwaukee mayoral candidate Dr. David King first announced July 14th he would run for Governor as an independent candidate, and re-affirmed plans to run on his social media pages Thursday.
It’s the first time since 2010 Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race is open with no incumbent running. Gov. Tony Evers announced Thursday he is not seeking a third term.
