Wisconsin GOP Leader Robin Vos Leaving Office After Reshaping State

Vos, who clashed with Trump, announced his retirement after 22 years in the state Assembly and 14 years as speaker.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Robin Vos, the long-serving Republican leader of the Wisconsin state Assembly, announced he will retire at the end of the year. Vos has been a powerful force in Wisconsin politics, helping pass conservative policies like curbing union power and fighting Democratic Governor Tony Evers' agenda. He also drew the ire of former President Donald Trump for not aggressively challenging Trump's 2020 election loss in the state.

Why it matters

Vos' retirement marks the end of an era in Wisconsin politics. As the longest-serving Assembly speaker in state history, he has been a central figure in the state's partisan battles over the past decade. His departure creates an opening for Democrats to potentially take control of the state legislature in the upcoming elections.

The details

During his 22 years in the Assembly and 14 years as speaker, Vos worked to advance a conservative agenda, including passing legislation to curb union power, cut taxes, and implement a voter ID law. He also successfully thwarted much of Democratic Governor Tony Evers' policy agenda after Evers was elected in 2018. Vos angered some fellow Republicans, most notably former President Donald Trump, for not doing enough to overturn Trump's 2020 election loss in Wisconsin.

  • Vos was first elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 2004.
  • Vos was chosen by his colleagues as Assembly speaker in 2013.
  • Vos became Wisconsin's longest-serving speaker in 2021.
  • Vos announced his retirement on February 19, 2026.

The players

Robin Vos

The long-serving Republican leader of the Wisconsin state Assembly, who has been a powerful force in the state's politics for over two decades.

Tony Evers

The Democratic governor of Wisconsin, who has had a contentious relationship with Vos and has seen much of his agenda blocked by the Republican-controlled legislature under Vos' leadership.

Donald Trump

The former Republican president who criticized Vos for not doing enough to overturn his 2020 election loss in Wisconsin.

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What they’re saying

“You're going to miss me.”

— Robin Vos, Wisconsin Assembly Speaker (mymotherlode.com)

“Although we've disagreed more often than we didn't, I respect his candor, his ability to navigate complex policies and conversations, and his unrivaled passion for politics.”

— Tony Evers, Wisconsin Governor (mymotherlode.com)

“Vos has been a formidable opponent and probably the most intelligent and strategic Assembly speaker I have seen.”

— Mark Pocan, U.S. Representative, Wisconsin (mymotherlode.com)

What’s next

Democrats are optimistic they can take control of the Wisconsin state legislature in the upcoming elections with Vos' retirement, which could lead to a shift in the state's political landscape.

The takeaway

Vos' departure marks the end of an era in Wisconsin politics, as the long-serving Republican leader who helped shape the state's conservative agenda departs the political stage. His retirement creates an opening for Democrats to potentially gain ground in the state, though Republicans remain confident they can maintain control of the legislature.