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Tony Evers Files Paperwork To Run For Governor

DPI Superintendent Becomes Latest Democrat To Consider Challenging Walker

By
Tony Evers
wistechcolleges (CC-BY-ND)

Wisconsin state Superintendent Tony Evers has registered a committee that would let him run for governor as a Democrat.

Evers, who won three statewide elections as Wisconsin’s top education official, first hinted he might enter the governor’s race about two weeks ago. In a statement released Friday, he said he looked forward to making a final decision on the race in the near future.

“As I continue talking with voters about the future of our state, this is the next logical (step) for me to take,” Evers said in a written statement. “My record of public service and leadership on behalf of Wisconsin families, kids and educators brings a unique and different choice for voters. One that I believe provides a compelling alternative to the status quo.”

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While Evers has always enjoyed the support of Democrats, his previous runs for office have been low-turnout, nonpartisan contests.

Still, Evers’ landslide victory in April’s election was seen as a bright spot for the Democratic Party coming on the heels of its devastating losses in the November 2016 election.

If Evers runs for governor, he would likely face at least a few opponents in a Democratic primary.

Milwaukee businessman Andy Gronik has already announced he’s running for governor, while state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, and former Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Director Mike McCabe have already registered committees that would allow them to run.

Others considering a run include Madison Mayor Paul Soglin, state Rep. Dana Wachs, D-Eau Claire, and Milwaukee attorney Matt Flynn.

Gov. Scott Walker has not formally announced his plans to seek a third term as governor, but he’s aggressively laying the groundwork for another run. Walker’s campaign raised $3.5 million in the first half of 2017 and had $2.4 million cash on hand.