MADISON, Wis. – This week witnessed the first move in the race for Wisconsin governor in 2026 as Republican Josh Schoemann, a leading official from a Milwaukee suburban county, announced his candidacy by setting up a campaign committee. Currently, he stands as the inaugural contender from either significant political party for this position.
Incumbent Democratic Governor Tony Evers has not publicly disclosed whether he will pursue a third term. His decision is anticipated after the state budget is enacted, typically around early July. When approached for a statement, Evers’ spokesperson deferred to a commentary from the Wisconsin Democratic Party.
Sarah Abel, the executive director of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, remarked, “The Republican primary for governor will feature a collection of far-right extremists scrambling to secure Donald Trump’s endorsement, and Josh Schoemann’s distinction is merely being the first to announce his candidacy.”
Josh Schoemann, aged 43, initiated the formation of a campaign committee on Wednesday. As the executive of Washington County, a staunch Republican stronghold, Schoemann steps into politics where Donald Trump secured 67% of the vote in 2024. While he has not competed in a statewide election before, he is expected to encounter other Republican candidates over the next 19 months.
Among those contemplating entering the race is Bill Berrien, a Whitefish Bay manufacturing executive who set up a political action committee two weeks prior. Berrien also brings to the table his experience as a Navy SEAL veteran and CEO of New Berlin-based companies Pindel Global Precision and Liberty Precision.
Speculation about other potential Republican candidates includes U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany from northern Wisconsin and Eric Hovde, a Madison businessman who has twice run unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate.
Schoemann began his tenure as county executive in 2020 following his roles as county administrator and manager over six years. He also served with distinction in Operation Iraqi Freedom, receiving an honorable discharge in 2008 from the Army National Guard.
Schoemann has a “historic summer kickoff cookout” event planned for Sunday in West Bend, where he is believed to formally announce his gubernatorial bid. However, Ben Voelkel, a spokesperson for Schoemann, withheld comment on whether the campaign launch would indeed take place on that day.