Democratic Gov. Tony Evers of Wisconsin will not seek a third term in 2026, creating the first open race for governor in the battleground state in 16 years.

The decision is likely to invite a wide-open race for the Democratic nomination in a battleground state the party hopes to control.

Gov. Tony Evers (D-WI) announced Thursday that he will not seek reelection and will retire from public office. His announcement ended months of speculation about whether he would seek a third term during the 2026 midterm elections.