Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez is the first Democrat to officially enter the race for governor. She launched her candidacy Friday, the day after Gov.

She is the first to enter what's expected to be a crowded primary to replace retiring Gov. Tony Evers, who opted against running for a third term.

Wisconsin Democratic Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, a former emergency room nurse, announced Friday that she is running for governor, the day after the incumbent decided against seeking a third term. Rodriguez is the first Democrat to officially enter the 2026 race.

Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' decision not to seek a third term will set off a wide open race to replace him in the closely divided battleground state.

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

Wisconsin's governor was well positioned to win a third term. Instead, he cleared the way for a new generation of Democrats to run. Others should take note.