Gov. Tony Evers says the decision whether to run for a 3rd term is coming in a 'couple weeks'
Four days after he signed the budget in the early morning hours of July 3, the Democratic governor said his decision is coming soon and expects to announce in a "couple weeks."
'To me, there's two options. Thank God there's not 10," Evers on July 7 said when asked about the probability he will decide to seek reelection, after touring a Head Start provider in Milwaukee to highlight the budget's investments in child care.
More: 55% in Marquette poll say Gov. Tony Evers should not seek a third term, but Dem support is high
While Wisconsin governors are not term-limited, only former Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson has been elected more than twice. Republican Gov. Scott Walker lost to Evers when he sought a third term in 2018.
Top legislative Republican Speaker Robin Vos said Evers would make up his own mind but he hopes to see a Republican governor elected in 2026.
"I think Wisconsin would certainly be better served with a Republican governor who wants to work to enact and carry out the laws that we have passed as opposed to spending so much time fighting against what we are trying to do," Vos said.
More: Gilbert: Should Gov. Tony Evers run for a third term? Here are his political pluses and minuses
So far, only one Republican has officially launched a campaign for governor: Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann.
Others are considering joining the race, including Whitefish Bay businessman and Navy SEAL veteran Bill Berrien. Republican sources previously said Tim Michels and Eric Hovde, former Republican candidates for governor and U.S. Senate, are also considering bids.
If Evers, who is 73, decides against running, Attorney General Josh Kaul, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez are among the potential Democratic contenders.
Ana Kleiber of the Journal Sentinel contributed.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Tony Evers says decision on running again coming in a 'couple weeks'
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