Democratic Gov. Tony Evers of Wisconsin will not seek a third term in 2026, creating the first open race for governor in the battleground state in 16 years

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.

Will he or won’t he? That’s what insiders are asking these days about Gov. Tony Evers’ decision on whether to run for a third four-year term next year.