State senators, representatives, officials react to Gov. Evers announcement

WISCONSIN (CIVIC MEDIA) – Wisconsin senators, representatives, and officials across the state have issued statements reacting to Democratic Governor Tony Evers’ announcement that he will not seek a third term.

Read Civic Media’s instant coverage of the governor’s announcement.

Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin:

Wisconsin is lucky to have had Tony Evers leading our state. He has always put Wisconsin – and Wisconsin’s children – first, and we will continue to see those benefits for generations to come. The Governor’s commitment to every kid’s education, our teachers, and public schools will undoubtedly shape our future for the better and be a cornerstone of his legacy. His steady hand led us through a once-in-a-generation pandemic, and Wisconsin came out the other side with a strong economy, record low unemployment, and a strong sense of community that bonds us all.

Tony embodies the best of the Wisconsin way – he knows what is right and is willing to fight for it, but is level-headed, Midwestern nice, and always willing to bridge divides if it’s right for our state. The Governor faced tough headwinds to progress, but it never stopped him. I am grateful to call Tony a friend and am ‘jazzed as hell’ to see what comes next for him and Kathy. Thank you for all you have done for Wisconsin, Tony.

Democratic House Representative Mark Pocan (2nd District):

Republican House Representative Tom Tiffany (7th District):

Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski:

Governor Tony Evers has been a steady hand and a true public servant for Wisconsin. Whether it was fighting for our kids, protecting our rights, fixing the damn roads, or making life more affordable, his leadership has made a real difference in the lives of Wisconsinites.

He has governed with compassion and common sense—even in the face of relentless political opposition. And through it all, he hasn’t lost sight of what matters most: doing the right thing for the people of this state.

I want to thank Governor Evers for his leadership, along with First Lady Kathy and the entire Evers family, for their unwavering dedication and service to Wisconsin.

Democratic Senate Leader Dianne Hesselbein (District 27):

Holy Mackerel! What a career in public service Tony Evers has had and what a positive difference he has made for the people of this State, especially and always our kids. Tony Evers is Wisconsin through-and-through and his life and career have been built on the values Wisconsinites share: hard work, compassion, service to others, and family.

He has sought and found practical solutions to tough problems, worked across the aisle when he could, and, when that was not possible, he has fought hard for Democratic principals in the face of Republican extremism. In the Assembly, in the Senate, and as Democratic Leader, I have been honored to work with him both as Superintendent of Public Instruction and as Governor.  And, I am honored to call him and Kathy my friends. I wish them all the best in the next chapter of their lives.

Wisconsin GOP Chairman Brian Schimming:

Tony Evers saw the writing on the wall: Wisconsinites are fed up with far-left policies. While Wisconsin Democrats continue to lose the approval of voters, Republicans are already working on winning up and down the ballot.

DNC Chair Ken Martin:

Many of us got involved in politics to make a difference in people’s lives. From his decades-long record of successfully bringing people together to his tireless fight for working families across Wisconsin, Governor Tony Evers has certainly made a difference.

Governor Evers never shied away from standing up for what’s right. He successfully funded public schools for the next four hundred years, successfully fought to overturn Wisconsin’s abortion ban, cut taxes for working families by $1.5 billion, and secured fair legislative maps for the people of Wisconsin. Governor Evers has shown us time and again what leadership looks like, fighting for our values with bold ideas and demonstrating what is possible when you make families and kids your guiding light. 

After five decades of public service — serving as a school principal, superintendent, and eventually governor — we thank Governor Evers and his family for their service to Wisconsin and wish him nothing but the best as he heads into a well-deserved and hard-earned retirement.

Democratic Senator Kelda Roys (Madison):

I want to thank Tony Evers, not just for his two terms as governor but for his lifetime of service as an educator. I also want to thank him for something that is in short supply during these chaotic times: his abiding normalcy. At a time when chaos and division dominate the headlines, Gov. Evers has shown up every day with the steady hand of a lifelong educator who understands that governing isn’t about who can yell the loudest, it’s about making things work. 

Gov. Evers has always been correct when he says that what’s best for our kids is what’s best for Wisconsin. Thank you, Tony and Kathy, for your decades of service to our beloved state.

Democratic Senator Brad Pfaff (Onalaska):

I will always be grateful for my personal and professional relationship with Governor Evers. I was beyond honored to receive a phone call from him asking if I would serve in his cabinet as DATCP Secretary. Governor Evers trusted me, a farm boy from western Wisconsin, to lead our state’s agriculture department. It has been a pleasure to work with him in his cabinet and now as a state senator. 

Despite running into Republican obstruction at nearly every turn, even before he was elected, he has reached across the aisle and found ways to get things done for hardworking Wisconsinites. He understood the importance of uplifting working families, fought for our public schools and kids, and invested in the state’s transportation and water infrastructure after years of neglect. Governor Evers staunchly protected, defended, and expanded access to healthcare in our state.

Importantly, the Governor has prioritized the needs of working people over political gamesmanship. A true champion of the state, he has made it a priority to travel to every corner of it, including numerous stops in the beautiful Coulee Region. The Governor exemplified what it means to be a dedicated public servant, working in a bipartisan fashion to get things done.

Governor Evers, thank you for your unwavering commitment to the state of Wisconsin. I look forward to your continued leadership over the next 17 months.

Democratic Senator Mark Spreitzer (Beloit):

Governor Tony Evers has led a life of service – as a teacher, school administrator, State Superintendent, and Governor. Throughout his many years of service, he always put Wisconsin first, and I am sure he will continue to be a leader in our state outside of elected office, just as he has been in office.

From leading our state through the COVID-19 pandemic to supporting our public schools to fighting for fair representation in legislative maps, Governor Evers will leave a lasting legacy here in our state. I wish Governor Evers all the best in the years ahead, and I look forward to continuing to work with him and his administration for the rest of this legislative session.

Democratic Senator Jamie Wall (Green Bay):

I am grateful to Governor Tony Evers for his decades of service to the people of Wisconsin. He built his career on the core Wisconsin values of hard work and practicality, and our state is better off because of him. I wish him, his wife Kathy, and their loved ones the best in the rest of his term and a well-deserved retirement.

Democratic Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (Appleton):

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. 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.

Democratic Representative Andrew Hysell (Sun Prairie):

First and foremost, I want to thank Governor Evers for his years of service to the people of Wisconsin. I’ve been a supporter of his since the primary in 2018, and he has done an immeasurable amount of good work for the state.

Stepping aside for the good of himself, his family and the party shows true selfless leadership and underscores his commitment to doing the right thing for Wisconsin. Thank you, Governor Evers, for your years of service and leadership.

Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson:

Thank you, Governor Evers, for leading our communities Forward every day with Wisconsin pluck like a true Badger. Milwaukee County and all of Wisconsin is stronger today and better positioned for what’s ahead because of your lifelong commitment to public service. As a former MPS teacher, I am grateful we have a Teacher-Governor who understands the classroom, values our educators, and centers what matters most — students and their learning.  

Milwaukee County’s vision is for health equity, and we were fortunate to have a common-sense Governor to lead us, our families, and our neighbors through a devastating global pandemic. He has been a champion for local governments and frontline services, from public health and mental health care, to transit and aging services. His support has made it possible for counties like Milwaukee to deliver services for the people we serve.  

“Thank you, too, First Lady Evers, for your work, your sacrifices, and for lending Tony to Wisconsin. We wish the Governor and the First Lady a new chapter filled with joy, family, and continued good works.

Gubernatorial Candidate Josh Schoemann:

Our campaign has always been about aspiring for more than the Madison status quo and building a better future for all of our neighbors and ensuring they can actually afford to build their lives in Wisconsin.

Two things are certain: One, I won’t be outworked at any point between now and November 2026. And two, whatever Democrats that line up to run will be more of the same status quo but even more extreme than Gov. Evers. I look forward to contrasting my record of cutting taxes, reducing government and innovative reforms with their woke, radical agenda.

Gubernatorial Candidate Bill Berrien:

Tony Evers is too scared to run on the Madison Democrats’ record of failure. I’m going to spend the next 15 months making sure whoever the Madison liberals pick from their bench of radical career politicians learns the same lesson.