Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced Thursday that he won't seek a third term, setting off a scramble to replace the two-term Democrat in the battleground state’s first open race for governor in 16 years.

Gov. Tony Evers' decision not to run will make this the first wide-open race for governor in Wisconsin since 2010.

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. The move from Evers, 73, leaves the Democratic field wide open as to who could run for the party nomination.

Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Devin Remiker said he wants current Gov. Tony Evers to run for reelection in 2026.

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin Democrat Gov. Tony Evers will not be running for re-election in 2026. That leaves Whitefish Bay Resident Bill Berrien and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, both Republicans, as the two candidates who have announced they are running for the seat.

(The Center Square) – Members of the Wisconsin Democratic Party elected Devin Remiker as chairman, positioning him to lead the party through the 2026 midterm elections.

Here are the likely contenders to run for Wisconsin governor in 2026 now that Tony Evers is not seeking re-election.

Tony Evers' decision not to seek a third term as governor sets up what will almost certainly be a packed midterm election as candidates on both sides of the aisle vie for a seat in Wisconsin's executive office.