Governor Tony Evers announced that he will not run for a third term, prompting a flood of reaction from both sides of the aisle. Some Republicans tell Local 5 News that they feel like they have a better chance of winning back the governor’s office with Evers out of the race.

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.

Democrat Tony Evers will not seek a third term as governor of Wisconsin, he announced Thursday. His decision sets up yet another competitive gubernatorial race for 2026, with Democrats also seeking to defend seats in swing states including Michigan and Pennsylvania.