MADISON, Wis. — Governor Tony Evers will leave public office next year after eight years, he announced. Evers, age 73, said he plans to spend more time with family. He has been in elected office since 2009, first as state education superintendent, then as governor. “For five decades my family has sacrificed,” he said. “They gave me the gift of service. They’re my world, and I owe to them to focus on doing all the things we enjoy and love doing together.” Were he to be re-elected in 2026, Evers would have become the first Democratic governor elected to three four-year terms. Former Gov. Tommy Thompson, a Republican, was elected to four terms. Thompson was the only Wisconsin governor to serve more than two four-year terms. Evers’ electoral record:
> 1993: Lost a bid to be state school superintendent to John Benson.
> 2009: Defeated Rose Fernandez 57% to 43% yo be state school superintendent.
> 2013: Won re-election as state schools superintendent 61% to 39% over challenger Don Pridemore.
> 2017: Won re-election as state schools superintendent 70% to 30% over challenger Lowell Holtz.
> 2018: Defeated incumbent Republican Scott Walker 49% to 48% to be governor.
> 2022: Won re-election as governor 51% to 48% over Republican Tim Michels.
Evers. A Democrat. Governor since 2018. Earlier a principal in Tomah, a superintendent in Oakfield.