MADISON, Wis. — Governor Tony Evers announced Thursday he will not seek a third term as Wisconsin's governor.
The governor made the announcement in a video posted to his X account Thursday.
A love letter from me to Kathy and my family—and to you, Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/VDcztZ6JPy
— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) July 24, 2025
Evers was first elected as governor in 2018, defeating incumbent Governor Scott Walker by less than 30,000 votes.
In 2022, Evers defeated Republican challenger Tim Michels to earn a second term in office - this time by more than 90,000 votes.
Watch: Tony Evers will not seek a third term as governor of Wisconsin
In Evers' absence, several younger Democrats could step forward to run in the 2026 gubernatorial race, including Attorney General Josh Kaul, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez and State Sen
. Kelda Roys, all in their 40s, and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, all under 40.
Two Republicans have already jumped into the 2026 race, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann and New Berlin business owner Bill Berrien.
Wisconsin voters are sharing mixed reactions after learning Governor Tony Evers will not seek a third term, with some expressing surprise while others see it as an opportunity for change.
When TMJ4 spoke with residents in Waukesha about the governor's announcement, many were just hearing the news for the first time.
"I just found out from you so I think that's kind of crazy news to find out walking down the street," said Titus Muzi.
Muzi reflected that it will feel strange to have new leadership after Evers' two terms in office.
"That'll be sad to see him go in that respect because I feel like he's been part of the Wisconsin zeitgeist," Muzi said.
Mike Ratner expressed satisfaction with Evers' performance during his time in office.
"I thought he did a good job and I think overall everyone can say Wisconsin stood out as a state and he did a great job when he was head of education so we'll just have to see what happens next," Ratner said.
Meanwhile, Emily Hillmer from Waukesha views the decision as a positive step toward potential change.
"I'm okay with him choosing that," Hillmer said. "Like I said, it's time for us to move on, I think it's time for a change for all of us, hopefully a good one."
With the gubernatorial race now wide open, voters are looking ahead to who might step forward as candidates.
"Kind of just hope that whoever gets in there is a good choice," Hillmer said.
This is a developing story - check back often for updates.
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