Evers' will not seek re-election, bringing an end to a 50-year public service career
The two-term governor said he's ready to devote his time to being 'a husband, a dad and a grandpa.'
Gov. Tony Evers has announced he will not seek re-election, bringing an end to a 50-year career in public service.
That included, in addition to being the state’s top leader, a public school educator, public school administrator and the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Evers made the announcement in an emotional video message on July 24 that he dubbed “A Love Letter from Me to Kathy and My Family—and to You, Wisconsin.”
In the address, Evers predicted that he would win if he ran again but insisted that was not in his calculus. Instead, he said, he wanted to devote his time to being “a husband, a dad and a grandpa.”
“Governor Tony Evers has never been afraid to do what needs to be done to move Wisconsin forward, especially in tumultuous times, whether that be reaching across the aisle, tackling the needs of our state during the pandemic, or standing up to far-right extremism,” said State Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D-Appleton) in a statement. “He’s proven time and time again his commitment to supporting our public schools and communities to the benefit of the children of Wisconsin, and for that he has both my respect and gratitude. I wish him and his family all the best.”
Rep. Lee Snodgrass (D-Appleton) called it an honor to serve under Evers.
“Thank you, Governor Tony Evers, for your many years of public service, care, and commitment to the great state of Wisconsin,” Snodgrass said in a press release. “In 2020, I was first sworn into office via Zoom in my kitchen by the Governor. I appreciate and admire his character and his hard work. I wish him the time he deserves to enjoy his beloved wife, kids and grandkids and look forward to serving together for the remainder of his term.”
Emily Tseffos, Chair of the Democratic Party of Outagamie County, said she has been grateful for what she called Evers’ leadership and steady hand during his tenure.
“For the last eight years Governor Evers has been the adult in the room—and has gotten things done for the people of Wisconsin,” she said. “And I’m anxious for the next Democratic governor to build on the foundation he’s laid by prioritizing our public education system, making healthcare more affordable and accessible for Wisconsinites, investing in childcare for our young families, and protecting our land, air, and water here in Wisconsin.
“I hope he gets some rest and has some fun in this next chapter and I’m grateful for his sacrifice,” added Tseffos.
Gov. Evers made the rounds, meeting county party leaders around the state.
A Wisconsinite through and through, Governor Evers was born on November 5, 1951, and raised in Plymouth, Wisconsin. He earned his education degrees from UW-Madison. Evers began his professional career in the Tomah School District, where he served as a science teacher, media coordinator, elementary school principal, and ultimately, high school principal.
Evers went on to be superintendent of the Oakfield and Verona school districts. He continued his public service as administrator of the Cooperative Education Service Agency (CESA) in Oshkosh.
In 2001, Evers was appointed Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction. In 2009, he was elected as Superintendent of Public Instruction, serving a total of three terms. Evers won the governorship in 2018, beating two-term governor Scott Walker, and won re-election in 2022.
