Wisconsin GOP leader Robin Vos, who clashed with Trump, leaving office after reshaping the state

Vos, the longest-serving Assembly speaker in Wisconsin history, has been a central figure in the state's political battles for over two decades.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Robin Vos, the Republican leader who has served as the Wisconsin Assembly speaker for a record 14 years, announced that he will retire at the end of the year. Vos has been a central figure in the state's political battles, clashing with Democratic Governor Tony Evers and former President Donald Trump. During his tenure, Vos helped pass conservative policies like curbing union power and fought to limit the governor's powers, but also angered some within his own party.

Why it matters

Vos' departure marks the end of an era in Wisconsin politics. As the longest-serving Assembly speaker, he has been a powerful force in shaping the state's conservative agenda over the past two decades. His retirement could pave the way for potential Democratic gains in the legislature, as the party looks to capitalize on Vos' exit and the new legislative maps ordered by the state Supreme Court.

The details

Vos, who has served in the Assembly for 22 years, was a close ally of former Republican Governor Scott Walker and helped pass key parts of his agenda, including the 2011 law known as Act 10 that effectively ended collective bargaining for most public workers. He also led the fight to pass several tax cuts, a 'right to work' law, and a voter ID requirement - all legislation strongly opposed by Democrats. When Democrat Tony Evers defeated Walker in 2018, Vos emerged as the leader of Republicans in state government and the top target for those on the left. Vos successfully thwarted much of Evers' policy agenda, even passing bills in a lame duck session to weaken the governor's powers before Evers took office.

  • Vos has served in the Wisconsin Assembly for 22 years.
  • Vos has been the Assembly speaker for 14 years, making him the longest-serving in state history.
  • Vos announced his retirement on February 19, 2026.

The players

Robin Vos

The Republican leader who has served as the Wisconsin Assembly speaker for a record 14 years, during which he has been a central figure in the state's political battles, clashing with Democratic Governor Tony Evers and former President Donald Trump.

Tony Evers

The Democratic Governor of Wisconsin who has been at odds with Vos and the Republican-controlled legislature over the past seven years.

Scott Walker

The former Republican Governor of Wisconsin, who was a close ally of Vos and worked with him to pass conservative policies like curbing union power.

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What they’re saying

“You're going to miss me.”

— Robin Vos, Wisconsin Assembly Speaker (Middletown Press)

“I've been tenacious and I've fought for what our caucus wants.”

— Robin Vos, Wisconsin Assembly Speaker (Middletown Press)

What’s next

Democrats are optimistic they can take the majority in the Wisconsin legislature this year, following the state Supreme Court's order for new legislative maps that resulted in Democratic gains in the last election. Vos' retirement could further open the door for potential Democratic victories in the state.

The takeaway

Robin Vos' departure as the longest-serving Wisconsin Assembly speaker marks the end of an era in the state's politics. His tenure was defined by his conservative agenda, clashes with Democrats, and battles within his own party - a legacy that will shape Wisconsin's political landscape for years to come.