GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – New faces have entered the race for Wisconsin governor less than 24 hours after Governor Tony Evers announced he would not seek a third term.
Democratic Lt. Governor Sarah Rodriguez announced her official candidacy Friday morning, and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley announced he’s “taking steps” for a campaign.
On the Republican side, Milwaukee businessman Bill Berrien and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann have already been campaigning for the candidacy.
Former Republican Governor Scott Walker is also drawing attention with his recent posts on social media. Governor Evers defeated Walker in the 2018 election by 1.1% of the vote.
Governor Tony Evers’ decision not to run for re-election has shaken up the political landscape across Wisconsin.
Historically, Wisconsin governors have won their re-election 74%of the time, according to Ripon College political science professor Henrik Schatzinger.
He says an election like this creates a lot of excitement and opportunity for anyone who is thinking of running.
“Now that we have an open seat, which is the first time in 16 years, it really opens up the field much more, and we have more of a toss-up in this election,” says Schatzinger.
Republicans are seeing this as an opportunity to secure the majority in every part of the state legislature.
Both the Assembly and Senate have been under Republican control since 2011.
Manitowoc County Republican Party chair Collin Braunel called Evers an “obstacle in getting things done”.
“It will give the Republican legislature a fantastic opportunity to actually do the work that they were, that the people were putting them there to do,” says Braunel.
Meanwhile, Democrats are looking to turn things in their favor. Newly drawn district maps could bring opportunities to secure a majority.
Outagamie County Democratic Party chair Emily Tseffos is advocating to let people know about the impact some policies are having on everyday people.
“If we do our job right between now and midterms, I’m pretty confident that we are going to see folks that want a change and want the kind of hurt to stop,” says Tseffos.
In 2022, Wisconsin saw its most expensive governor’s race in state history. $164 million was spent by campaigns and special interest groups.
Schatzinger says with everything up for grabs, this election will be no different.
“When you have more of a toss-up, it really attracts the highest quality candidates, on both parties, because everybody feels like they have a shot. So I think we can expect a highly competitive and wide-open field on both sides,” says Schatzinger.
“It’s a good time for the Republicans to step up, and we will be doing so,” says Braunel.
“I’m hopeful we’re going to see them be able to build upon the foundation that Governor Evers has established,” says Tseffos.
The election for the next governor happens on November 3, 2026.
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