Gov. Tony Evers formally announced his re-election bid Saturday at the state Democratic Party’s virtual convention.
“Wisconsin, I’m in,” said Evers. “I’m running for re-election. We've accomplished a lot in the last few years, but we’re just getting started. We have more work to do together.”
He continued to say that he plans to focus on “doing what’s best for our kids, creating good-paying jobs, fixing our infrastructure, supporting small businesses, and making sure everyone has access to quality, affordable healthcare.”
Evers explained that he needs to continue in this position to stop the Republican-led legislature from restricting access to abortion, limiting opportunities to vote and drawing congressional and legislative districts that favor their party in elections, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal.
Before the official announcement, Evers participated in an interview with the Associated Press on Friday, stating that he needed to continue his role in stopping Republicans through his veto powers.
Immediately following the announcement, Wisconsin Republicans responded with a statement from GOP Chair Andrew Hitt. “Evers has nothing to run on except a record of abysmal failure and absent leadership,” said Hitt.
Former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch also criticized Evers’ re-election bid on Twitter. She wrote, “Let Kenosha burn. Pushed billions in tax hikes. Failed to help unemployed after shutting down the economy. No thank you.”
These criticisms were accompanied by support for Evers from state Democrats, including the state Democratic Chair Ben Winkler. Winkler explained that the Democratic party is, “unified, energized, and ready to fight shoulder to shoulder with Governor Evers.”
The election for Wisconsin’s next governor will take place on Nov. 8, 2022.
state news writer
