Wisconsin Schools Superintendent Tony Evers Launches Gubernatorial Campaign

Wisconsin state Superintendent Tony Evers has officially entered the race for governor.

Evers announced his candidacy at a campaign kick-off event Wednesday in Fitchburg.

His campaign announcement focused on the importance of education, and how his expertise would serve him well in the governor’s office.

“I’ve always believed that what’s best for our kids translates into what’s best for our communities, best for our economy and, frankly, best for our democracy,” Evers said.

Evers touted his experience working across the aisle as state superintendent and linked Gov. Scott Walker to President Trump, saying both have a “divide and conquer” philosophy.

“Donald Trump is using the same playbooks Scott Walker has been using in Wisconsin for years to create division and pit people against each other,” Evers said.

Evers has been state superintendent since 2009, and was re-elected to serve a third term in the office in April.

The superintendent office is nonpartisan, but Evers is entering the governor’s race as a Democrat.

During the event Wednesday, Evers reiterated his opposition to Act 10 and called the state’s $3 billion tax incentive package for tech manufacturer Foxconn a “bad deal.”

Walker defended his record on education Wednesday afternoon.

He said Wisconsin ranks amongst the top on ACT test scores and high school graduation rates.

“The state budget will help us invest more actual dollars in education, K-12 education, than ever before, while still lowering property taxes,” Walker said. “So, I’ll match that record against anyone else in the state.”

He went on to tout his record on jobs and health care, stating it’s “pretty clear that people know” he likes what’s he’s doing and would like to continue doing it.

Evers is the fifth Democrat to enter the race for governor. Other announced candidates are state Rep. Dana Wachs, D-Eau Claire, Milwaukee businessman Andy Gronik, recent college graduate Bob Harlow and business owner Michele Doolan.

More than a dozen other Democrats have said they are considering a bid for governor. State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, former state Rep. Brett Hulsey and activist Mike McCabe have all registered campaign committees, but have yet to announce an official run.

Walker said Wednesday more Democrats are likely to enter the race.

“I would imagine there will probably be a whole slew of new candidates coming in on the Democrat side. In fact, there may be every Democrat left in the state at some point or not running for governor,” Walker said.

Walker says he’ll make an announcement about his re-election bid sometime in the next month or two.

Earlier Wednesday, Walker’s campaign manager, Joe Fadness, didn’t respond to Evers’ candidacy specifically Wednesday, but issued a statement touting the governor’s accomplishments.

“Under Gov. Walker’s leadership, Wisconsin is a top 10 state for business and education, more people are working than ever before, and our future is bright with bold reforms making possible tens of thousands of family-supporting jobs through Foxconn’s historic investment,” Fadness said.

Democratic candidates for governor will compete in the August 2018 partisan primary. The general election will be in November.

Editor’s Note: This story was updated with comments from Gov. Scott Walker at 7:19 p.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2017. WPR’s Chuck Quirmbach contributed reporting.