Madison Mayor Paul Soglin Says He’ll Enter Governor’s Race ‘In A Few Weeks’

Madison Mayor Paul Soglin says he’ll formally announce his candidacy for governor in a few weeks.

Soglin made the announcement Tuesday on Facebook, asking supporters to “share” and “like” an upcoming message so he could “see the potential of using Facebook.”

“I need your help,” Soglin wrote. “In a few weeks I plan to formally announce my candidacy for governor of Wisconsin. Social media like Facebook will play an important role.”

Soglin has been mayor off and on for 20 years. He was first elected in 1973, again in 1989 and most recently in 2011. He made a name for himself in the 1960s as an outspoken Vietnam War protester.

While his comments Tuesday were hardly a surprise given Soglin’s frequent hints over the past several months, they all but confirmed the already crowded field of Democratic candidates for governor is about to grow.

Already, several Democrats have entered the race including state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers, former state Democratic Party Chair Matt Flynn, Milwaukee businessman Andy Gronik, activist Mike McCabe, firefighter union head Mahlon Mitchell, Alma state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout and Eau Claire state Rep. Dana Wachs.

Former Madison state Rep. Kelda Roys has also said she will announce for governor early in 2018.

Editor’s Note: This story was last updated at 11:20 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017.