November 2026 could mark only the second time since 1982 that there would not be an incumbent Wisconsin governor running for reelection.
Governor Tony Evers will soon announce whether or not seek he will seek a third term. If he declines to run it sets the stage for a competitive Democratic primary. Here are five possible candidates for the Democratic nomination. The Primary will be held in August of 2026..
- Office: Wisconsin Attorney General (2019–present)
- Elections:
- November 6, 2018: Defeated incumbent Brad Schimel—49.4% to 48.8% . Kaul won the election by a 0.65% margin (Constitution Party candidate won 1.78% of vote).
- November 8, 2022: Narrowly re-elected with 50.6% vs. Eric Toney’s 49.3%
- Strengths: Brings a prosecutor’s legal gravitas; deep ties to Perkins Coie, a nationally-prominent Democratic law firm.
- Fundraising: Supported by established legal and Democratic donor networks.
- Challenges: Slim victory margins raise questions about his general-election viability; DC ties could be both a blessing and a curse.
- Office: Wisconsin Secretary of State (appointed March 2023); former State Treasurer (2019–2023)
- Elections:
- Aug. 14, 2018 (Primary) Victory 43.5%
- Nov 6, 2018 (General) Treasurer: Won 50.9% -46.8% over Travis Harwid
- 2022 U.S. Senate Primary: Received 8.1% after announcing withdrawal from race as the field cleared for Mandela Barnes. Months later, appointed Secretary of State by Governor Evers.
- Strengths: Combines private-sector and family wealth and social activism; has been widely backed by EMILY’s List and Chicago-based interests.
- Fundraising: Maintains deep statewide connections and a proven fundraising apparatus.
- Challenges: Slim electoral history. Financial disclosures—particularly pharmaceutical holdings—sparked criticism; current role has limited responsibility.
- Office: Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor (since January 2023); former State Assembly member
- Elections:
- Nov. 3, 2020 (13th AD) Defeated incumbent Rep. Rob Hutton by 735 votes, 50.93% – 49%
- Aug 9, 2022 (LG Primary) won with 76.4% to Peng Her’s 23.5%
- Nov.. 8, 2022, Won, alongside Governor Evers 51.7-47.8%)
- Strengths: Former nurse and CDC-trained epidemiologist with a background in public health; elevated policy platform through Evers–Rodriguez ticket.
- Fundraising: Tied to the statewide infrastructure of the Evers campaign.
- Challenges: Limited political experience. Lacks a solo electoral identity; her top‑of‑ticket appeal remains to be seen.
- Office: Milwaukee County Executive (2020–present)
- Elections:
- Aug 9, 2016 (Assembly 17th District Primary) won with 56.7% in 3-way race
- Nov 8, 2016 won, unopposed.
- Aug. and Nov. 2018 Unopposed for re-election
- April 2020: (County Exec) Claimed victory with 50.0% to Chris Larson’s 49.5%
- April 2024: Re-elected overwhelmingly with 84.5% of the vote in a mostly uncontested race
- Strengths: Milwaukee’s first Black County Executive; focused on public health, equity, and urban economic renewal.
- Fundraising: Strong local donor base; statewide infrastructure in development.
- Challenges: Limited name recognition beyond metro Milwaukee; urban-centric record may underperform in rural/suburban areas.
- Office: Dane County Executive since Nov. 13, 2024; former State senator and Assembly member
- Elections:
- Nov 6, 2018 (Assembly D-48) Won 98.2% unopposed
- August 11, 2020 (16th SD Primary) Won 76.8%
- November 3, 2020 (16th SD General) Defeated Scott Barker 73.45 -26.5%
- Nov 5, 2024 (special): Won Dane County Exec 60.9%–37.8%
- Apr 1, 2025: Won regular election 80.8%–18.8%
- Strengths: Seasoned legislator and executive; progressive leader with deep roots among unions and the important Dane County grassroots.
- Fundraising: Robust support from local and progressive donors.
- Challenges: Recognition limited outside Madison area; far left stances may pose general-election hurdles.
With Tony Evers stepping aside, Wisconsin Democrats are at a crossroads. Josh Kaul offers name ID and has won statewide twice, Sarah Godlewski brings fundraising capability, Sara Rodriguez anchors a safety-net-conscious ticket, David Crowley personifies urban leadership, and Melissa Agard channels grassroots progressivism. Their mutual challenge: expanding beyond core bases, embracing statewide diversity, and earning Wisconsin-wide credibility.
There are other potential candidates from inside and outside elective office who may consider a run, including former Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler, State Senator Kelda Helen Roys and Kevin Conroy, Chairman and CEO, Exact Sciences.
There may be a long way to go until the August Primary, but the mad scramble for early financial and organizational support has begun. Every single labor leader, liberal local official and left-leaning community activists’ voice mailbox is likely already filled and their phone has been inundated with urgent texts.
Evers’ decision will also prompt Republicans to adjust their potential campaign strategies as well.
One final note. Evers could really shake thing up and announce he’s stepping down before the campaign to replace him even begins, which would elevate Sara Rodriguez to become Wisconsin’s first female governor. While unlikely to deter a Primary challenge, such a move certainly would change the calculus for many politicos.
Whatever it may be, Evers’ decision is said to be imminent.
We will continue to follow this developing story.
