Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' decision not to seek a third term will set off a wide open race to replace him in the closely divided battleground state.

Gov. Tony Evers (D-WI) announced Thursday that he will not seek reelection and will retire from public office. His announcement ended months of speculation about whether he would seek a third term during the 2026 midterm elections. The move from Evers, 73, leaves the Democratic field wide open as to who could run for the party nomination.

Gov. Tony Evers will not seek reelection after his second term concludes next year, setting the stage for the first open race for Wisconsin's executive office in 16 years and a potentially packed Democratic primary next August.

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin Democrat Gov. Tony Evers will not be running for re-election in 2026. That leaves Whitefish Bay Resident Bill Berrien and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, both Republicans, as the two candidates who have announced they are running for the seat.

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin chairman, who on Sunday announced his bid to head the Democratic National Committee, is pitching himself as a battle-tested state party leader with a record of scoring wins in difficult territory as he aims to become the new face of his national party after the Democrats’ election loss last month.

(The Center Square) – Members of the Wisconsin Democratic Party elected Devin Remiker as chairman, positioning him to lead the party through the 2026 midterm elections.

Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republicans who control the state Legislature have reached a deal on a new two-year budget.