MADISON – Today, Governor Tony Evers announced that he will not seek re-election, stepping away after two successful terms as Wisconsin’s Governor.
Governor Evers led Wisconsin through one of the most consequential periods in state history. A lifelong educator and public servant, he provided steady, principled leadership during a global pandemic, an unprecedented economic recovery, and a time of deepening political division. His decision to step away marks the close of a chapter defined by public investment, civic decency, and service to Wisconsin’s future.
During his time in office, Governor Evers worked to restore balance to Wisconsin’s political system and expand opportunity for children and families. He ended more than a decade of gerrymandering by signing fair legislative maps into law, invested heavily in K-12 education, expanded broadband access to rural communities, and enacted middle-class tax relief.
In response to Governor Evers’ announcement, Senator Johnson released the following statement:
“Governor Evers never lost sight of who he was fighting for. Nowhere is that more clear than in the City of Milwaukee. After years of disinvestment, he stood up for our communities and gave us the tools to build a better future. He pushed back when Republicans brought us to the edge of fiscal collapse, directed pandemic recovery funds to our businesses and nonprofits, and recognized Milwaukee’s role as the state’s economic engine.”
“His leadership in Milwaukee reflected the same values he brought to his stand against extremism. When the gerrymandered majority passed legislation that would have taken Wisconsin backward, he used his veto pen to protect public education, reproductive freedom, and voting access. At every turn, he used his office to prevent lasting harm to the state.”
As Wisconsin looks ahead, Senator Johnson hopes the next Governor will uphold the values that guided the Evers administration and continue working to expand fairness, opportunity, and trust in government. His service has left a foundation worth building on.
