It's 'Game On' as Democrats announce interest in succeeding Tony Evers as next governor

One day after Governor Tony Evers announced he would not run for re-election, Democratic candidates were already declaring their interest in the job.  This will be the first open election for Wisconsin governor since 2010.

First out of the gate was Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, who declared her candidacy on her birthday, July 25. Her campaign website and announcement video were up and running on day one.

In a statement, Rodriguez said Evers led the state with “integrity, compassion, and a deep belief in doing what’s right – even when it’s hard.” She added, “There’s still work to do to make sure every family in Wisconsin has a fair shot at a better life – and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”

Rodriguez was born and raised in the Milwaukee area.  She has degrees in public health and nursing and has worked in various health fields.  In 2020, she defeated a Republican incumbent in a close election to earn a seat in the state assembly.  She joined the Evers ticket in his second run for governor and was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor in January 2023.  Rodriguez has been an enthusiastic spokesperson for Governor Evers and other Democratic candidates.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said he is making plans to enter the race for governor as well.  He praised Evers for his support for Milwaukee. “Simply put, Milwaukee County is stronger, healthier, and better off because of the leadership and partnership of Governor Evers,” he said.

“I care deeply about the direction Wisconsin takes from here,” Crowley added. “It is more important than ever that Wisconsin continues to have strong leadership. In the weeks ahead, I will be taking steps toward entering the race for Governor. The stakes are simply too high to sit on the sidelines.” 

Crowley was born and raised in Milwaukee. He served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2017 to 2020. In 2020, at the age of 33, Crowley was sworn in as the youngest person to hold the position as Milwaukee County Executive.

The Democratic bench is deep. Other Democrats who have been mentioned as potential candidates include Attorney General Josh Kaul, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, State Senator Chris Larson, State Senator Kelda Roys, former Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler, and former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes.

In an email, WisDems Chair Devin Remiker said WisDems would remain neutral through the primary.  ”We are fortunate to have so many qualified Democrats who can defeat whoever the Republicans nominate and continue to move our state forward, and as the field develops, we will provide equal access and opportunity to engage with the Party to all candidates,” he insisted.

Outagamie Democratic Party chair Emily Tseffos said she'd like to see a candidate not hesitant to act boldly on the issues facing Wisconsin.

 “I want someone who shows up… for rural Wisconsin, for young people priced out of housing, for neighbors drowning in healthcare costs, and for communities too often ignored by politics as usual,” Tseffos said. “We need a governor who sees people’s struggles not as statistics but as urgent calls to act – and who treats public service like the honor it is, not a stepping stone.”

The Primary Election for governor and legislative races will be held on Aug. 11, 2026, with the General Election on November 3.

The spring election on April 7, 2026, will decide local nonpartisan and judicial races as well as a critical Wisconsin Supreme Court seat.