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Governor Tony Evers Announces He Won't Seek Third Term, Launching Open Race for Governor in Wisconsin

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In a surprise move, Governor Tony Evers announced that he will not seek a third term in office, effectively launching the first open race for governor in Wisconsin since 2010. Evers, who was elected to the office in 2018, citing his love for his family as the reason for his decision. "Wisconsin, the only thing I love more than being your governor is being a husband, a dad, and a grandpa," Evers said in a two-minute video statement. "For five decades, my family has sacrificed to give me the gift of service. They're my world. And I owe it to them to focus on doing all the things we enjoy and love doing together."

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Tony Evers will not seek a third term in office, citing his love for his family as the reason for his decision.
  • Evers' decision launches the first open race for governor in Wisconsin since 2010.
  • Evers has been elected to the office twice, first in 2018 and again in 2020.
  • During his time in office, Evers has worked with Republican and Democratic lawmakers to write four state budgets, using his partial veto power extensively at times.
  • Evers has also signed new, fairer legislative maps into law.
  • Evers' legacy includes his commitment to public education, his work with teachers and schools, and his steady hand during the pandemic.
  • Democrats are now considering potential candidates to replace Evers, including Attorney General Josh Kaul, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.
  • Republicans have already launched their campaigns, with Washington Co. Executive Josh Schoemann and Whitefish Bay businessman Bill Berrien running for governor.

Statistics:

  • Evers has served as Governor of Wisconsin for seven years since 2018.
  • Evers has written and signed four state budgets during his time in office.
  • Evers has used his partial veto power extensively, vetoing Republican bills that would have harmed Wisconsinites.
  • Evers has also signed new, fairer legislative maps into law.
  • The Republican Party of Wisconsin has struggled to win statewide elections in recent years, with the party's candidates losing the last three state Supreme Court races, the last two governor's races, the last two state superintendent races, and the last U.S. Senate race.
  • The Democratic Party of Wisconsin has stated that they will continue the work of ensuring the will of the people is the law of the land.

Sources:

  • Baylor Spears, photo by Wisconsin Examiner.
  • Associated Press, @sbauerAP on Twitter.
  • Wisconsin Examiner, @WisconsinExaminer on Twitter.
  • Josh Schoemann, statement on Facebook.
  • Bill Berrien, statement on Facebook.
  • Robin Vos, statement on Facebook.
  • Brian Schimming, statement on Facebook.
  • Wisconsin Examiner, "Gov. Evers Signs Budget with 51 Partial Vetoes".
  • Wisconsin Examiner, "Rep. Robyn Vining Calling for an Inclusive and Accessible WI Launches Campaign for Suburban SD-5".
  • Wisconsin Examiner, "Interesting" Scott Walker, statement on Facebook.
  • Robin Vos, statement on Facebook.
  • Wisconsin Examiner, "Governor Evers Signs Budget with 51 Partial Vetoes".

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