Gov. Evers Delivers Final State of the State Address

Reflects on bipartisan accomplishments, looks to future challenges

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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In his eighth and final State of the State address, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers highlighted the bipartisan progress made during his administration, including historic investments in education, infrastructure, and the state's economy. However, he also warned of looming challenges from federal policy decisions and urged the legislature to continue working together on key priorities like public safety, criminal justice reform, and environmental protection.

Why it matters

As Evers prepares to leave office, his final State of the State address provides a comprehensive look back at his tenure and a roadmap for the work that remains to be done in Wisconsin. His remarks underscore the state's political dynamics, with Evers calling for continued bipartisanship even as he criticizes Republican lawmakers on certain issues.

The details

Evers touted over 800 bipartisan bills he has signed as governor, including measures to improve the justice system, support first responders, and expand access to healthcare and broadband. He also highlighted the state's fiscal responsibility, with a budget surplus and record-high 'rainy day' fund. However, Evers expressed disappointment that Republican lawmakers have resisted his proposals on issues like public safety, criminal justice reform, and environmental protection. He announced plans to call a special legislative session on nonpartisan redistricting and urged action on priorities like FoodShare quality control and healthcare affordability.

  • Evers delivered his eighth and final State of the State address on February 18, 2026.
  • The 2026 spring primary election in Wisconsin was held on the same day as the address.

The players

Tony Evers

The 46th governor of Wisconsin, serving from 2019 to 2027. Evers previously served as the state superintendent of public instruction.

Republican lawmakers

The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature that Evers has worked with during his tenure as governor.

President Trump

The former President of the United States whose policies Evers says have had negative impacts on Wisconsin.

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What they’re saying

“Wisconsinites have high expectations for the work we can do together over the next 10 months—and they should.”

— Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin (State of the State address)

“If Republican lawmakers don't approve resources the state needs to keep FoodShare payment errors low, Wisconsin taxpayers could have to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in penalty fees to the Trump Administration every year under the 'BBB.'”

— Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin (State of the State address)

What’s next

Evers announced plans to call a special legislative session this spring to take up a constitutional amendment banning partisan gerrymandering in Wisconsin. He also said he may call additional special sessions later in the year if the legislature does not make progress on his priorities.

The takeaway

Evers' final State of the State address underscores the ongoing political tensions in Wisconsin, with the governor calling for continued bipartisanship even as he criticizes Republican lawmakers on key issues. As he prepares to leave office, Evers is pushing the legislature to address pressing challenges like public safety, criminal justice reform, and environmental protection.