Evers Out: Wisconsin Braces for High-Stakes Governor’s Race in 2026

With Governor Tony Evers officially announcing he will not seek a third term, Wisconsin’s political landscape is bracing for what is expected to be one of the most closely watched gubernatorial races of the 2026 midterm cycle. In response to the news, Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August issued a statement wishing the governor well—while firmly drawing battle lines for the road ahead.

“While I wish him and his family well in retirement,” August said, “the reality is this: Wisconsin families can’t afford another four years of a progressive tax-and-spend, Madison-knows-best agenda.”

August’s remarks reflect a broader GOP sentiment that Evers’ tenure—defined in part by his aggressive use of veto power—represented a series of missed opportunities for conservative reforms. “Under a Democrat Governor,” August stated, “we have seen a pattern of vetoes that blocked common-sense conservative reforms on tax relief, controlling skyrocketing costs on families, cracking down on repeat violent offenders, and even protecting women’s sports.”

The Majority Leader also criticized what he described as a liberal tendency toward centralizing power in Madison and prioritizing “out of touch woke policies.” He argued that Wisconsin Democrats have continued to favor “more government, more bureaucracy, and more control from Madison,” over empowering parents and small businesses.

According to Politico, Evers cited family as his reason for stepping aside after two terms, stating in a social media video that while he believed he could win again, “whether I’d win or not has never been part of my calculus about running again.” Evers emphasized his decades-long career in public service, saying, “the only thing I love more than being your governor is being a husband, a dad and a grandpa.”

But Republicans see the open seat as an opportunity to redirect the state’s political trajectory. August drew a parallel between the direction Democrats have taken in Wisconsin and what he described as the broader failures of left-leaning leadership across the country. “One needs to look no further than the self-proclaimed socialist poised to become the next Mayor of New York City to see where the Democratic party wants to take Wisconsin,” he said, warning against what he called the “vision of a socialist utopia.”

The coming race promises to be both expensive and fiercely contested. On the Democratic side, a wide array of potential contenders is emerging. As Politico reported, Attorney General Josh Kaul, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Milwaukee Mayor Chevy Johnson, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, and state Sen. Kelda Roys are all seen as possible candidates. The race could turn into a high-stakes primary, where name recognition and Milwaukee media coverage may play decisive roles.

The Republican bench is also deep. Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann had already declared his candidacy prior to Evers’ announcement. U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who has teased a run, quickly posted on social media blasting what he called Evers’ “legacy of decline.” Business leaders Bill Berrien, Eric Hovde, and Tim Michels—all with prior campaign experience—have been floated as possible GOP hopefuls.

Former Governor Scott Walker, ousted by Evers in 2018, stirred speculation with a post showing a red “Make Wisconsin Great Again” hat embroidered with “45-47,” hinting at a potential return or at least vocal involvement in the race.

For Republicans like August, the campaign ahead offers a clear contrast. “Conservatives will continue to unite and fight for lower taxes, safer streets, better schools, and real freedom for Wisconsin families,” he said. “Our vision will offer our fellow Wisconsinites a stark choice between Democrats hell-bent on bringing their vision of a socialist ‘utopia’ to our great state, and Republicans who fight to keep Wisconsin a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

As the dust settles on Governor Evers’ announcement, one thing is clear: the race to lead Wisconsin is officially on, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.