Evers Declines Third Term, Opening Wisconsin Governor’s Race

Battleground State Sees Power Shift as Key Democrat Steps Aside

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced Thursday he will not seek a third term, triggering an open race for the state’s highest office for the first time in 16 years. The two-term Democrat’s decision sets the stage for a high-stakes contest in a pivotal battleground state.

A Political Landscape in Flux

Evers’ departure creates an opening for both parties, with Democrats aiming to capitalize on newly drawn legislative maps considered more favorable to them. Control of the State Legislature has been held by Republicans since 2011. The upcoming gubernatorial election is seen as crucial for Democrats seeking to gain legislative control and target congressional seats nationwide.

The governor, aged 73, cited a desire to focus on his family after five decades of public service. In a video announcement, Evers expressed deep pride in his career, stating, “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.”

A Crowded Field Emerges

The announcement immediately sparked speculation about potential successors. On the Democratic side, potential candidates include Attorney General Josh Kaul, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Sen. Kelda Roys, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.

Republicans have already entered the race, with Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and Milwaukee businessman Bill Berrien announcing their candidacies. U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and state Senate President Mary Felzkowski are also reportedly considering runs. Berrien reacted to Evers’ decision by stating the governor is “too scared to run” on a “record of failure,” while Schoemann indicated that Evers’ exit would not alter his campaign strategy, calling it “a wide open race, no doubt.”

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers won’t seek a third term. The two-term Democrat’s decision opens up the race in the battleground state for the first time in 16 years. https://t.co/j0tY35N09W

— Associated Press (@AP) March 19, 2024

Tiffany commented that Evers “leaves behind a legacy of decline” and that “it’s time we change course,” though he stopped short of confirming his own candidacy. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, pledged to maintain Democratic control of the governorship, asserting that any Republican primary winner would be “too extreme for Wisconsin.”

A Look Back at Wisconsin Governor Races

The last open gubernatorial race in Wisconsin was in 2010, when incumbent Democrat Jim Doyle chose not to run for a third term. Republican Scott Walker won that election, serving two terms before being unseated by Evers in 2018. Notably, Walker posted an image of a “Make Wisconsin Great Again” hat, hinting at a potential return, though he later removed a winking emoji that suggested he was joking.

Tommy Thompson remains the only Wisconsin governor elected to a third four-year term, serving from 1987 to 2001 before resigning during his fourth term. Evers won his initial election by a narrow margin of just over 1%, and his re-election in 2022 by just over 3%.

Governor Evers’ Tenure and Clashes

Evers, a former state superintendent of education and teacher, has often found himself at odds with the Republican-controlled Legislature. His tenure has been marked by contentious relations, including a “lame-duck” session by Republicans before he took office aimed at curbing his powers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his decisions, such as statewide mask mandates and attempts to delay elections, drew criticism.

Republicans notably rejected 21 of his appointees and blocked key proposals like Medicaid expansion and marijuana legalization. Evers, in turn, utilized his veto power to counter Republican priorities, including stricter voting laws and expanded school voucher programs. However, he did collaborate with Republicans on the recent state budget, which included tax cuts and increased funding for special education and the University of Wisconsin system. He also worked with the GOP to secure funding for stadium repairs for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Evers was instrumental in the redrawing of Wisconsin’s legislative maps, a process mandated by the state Supreme Court after liberals gained a majority. The new maps, replacing heavily gerrymandered Republican maps, are credited with helping Democrats gain seats in the last election, fostering optimism for winning legislative control.

The “Folksy” Governor

Evers cultivated an image as a down-to-earth leader, often using Midwestern colloquialisms and mild profanity. This persona stood in contrast to more polarizing political figures. U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan described him as “the most quintessential Wisconsin politician I’ve ever seen.” Evers himself once embraced the label of “boring,” remarking after his 2022 reelection, “As it turns out, boring wins.”