Gov. Tony Evers of Wisconsin is headed for the exits at the end of his term next year.
The soft-spoken 73-year-old Democrat said after winning five straight statewide elections and spending more than five decades in public office that it’s time to focus on his wife, Kathy, and his family.
“Here is the truth, Wisconsin: The only thing I like being more than being your governor is being a husband, a dad and grandpa,” Mr. Evers said in a video announcement. “I spent 50 years in public service. I am damn proud I devoted my entire career and most of my life working for you.
“It’s why, Wisconsin, I am announcing that I will not be running for a third term. I am so humbled to be your governor. This is the best job I’ve ever had, and folks, we are not done yet.”
Wisconsin has become a perennial battleground state in presidential elections. As a result, both national parties have focused more on the statewide races.
President Biden carried the state in the 2020 election. President Trump won it in 2016 and 2024.
Democrats emerged victorious in a race for the state Supreme Court this year, an election they framed as a referendum on the opening weeks of Mr. Trump’s second term and Elon Musk, whom the president tasked with leading the Department of Government Efficiency’s cost-cutting efforts.
Mr. Evers’ decision opens the door for another major political battle next year.
The Republican Governors Association celebrated the news.
“For eight years, Tony Evers has let the worst elements of the Democrat Party run roughshod over state government, and now the same out-of-touch liberals who want to call mothers ’inseminated persons’ will line up to replace him,” said Courtney Alexander, spokeswoman for the RGA. “While Gov. Evers failed Wisconsin families by offering nothing more than folksy euphemisms to deal with problems facing the state, that pales in comparison to the Democrat hopefuls lining up to replace him who will not shy away from their intentions to take the state backward.”
Mr. Evers defeated Republican Gov. Scott Walker in the high-profile 2018 gubernatorial race and was reelected in 2022.
Before getting elected governor, Mr. Evers served as state superintendent of instruction.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.