WEST ALLIS, Wis. — Former Wisconsin Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson has not ruled out another run for governor in 2026.
“I haven’t said no,” Thompson told Wisconsin’s Afternoon News on Monday at the Wisconsin State Fair. “There are a lot of good candidates and I don’t have a desire to get in the race, but the truth of the matter is I’ll wait to see what’s out there.”
For the first time since 2010, #Wisconsin will have a wide-open race for governor.
— 620 WTMJ (@620wtmj) August 5, 2025
Could former governor, Tommy Thompson make another run?!
He explained to @JohnMercure & @JuliaFello! 👇
"I haven't said no…" 👀
Podcast Pres. By @DaveDroegkamp: https://t.co/cIFEtpw4if pic.twitter.com/QhkwOXfdqs
Thompson, who is now 83-years-old, is the longest-serving governor in Wisconsin history and is the only person to be elected to the office four times.
“I’m in great physical health, my mind is sharp as hell, I’ve got things I would like to accomplish, but it’s way too early for me to make that decision,” said Thompson.
So far, there are two Republicans and one Democrat who have officially entered the 2026 governor’s race.
It’s the first time since 2010 Wisconsin’s governor’s race is open with no incumbent running.
Gov. Tony Evers announced last month he is not running for a third term.
