Democrat Tony Evers’ decision not to seek a third term sets up something unusual in this political era — a truly “open” race for governor.

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

Wisconsin’s Democratic governor, Tony Evers, announced Thursday that he will not seek a third term in 2026, creating the first open race for governor in the battleground state in 16 years.