Tony Evers

Anthony Steven Evers is an American politician and educator who has been serving as the 46th governor of Wisconsin since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, Evers previously held the position of Wisconsin's 26th superintendent of public instruction from 2009 to 2019. His tenure as governor has been marked by a strong use of the veto power, particularly in response to the Republican-controlled legislature's agenda.

Early life and career

Tony Evers was born on November 5, 1951, in Plymouth, Wisconsin. He is the son of Jean and Raymond Evers, the latter being a physician. Evers's early work experience included various roles, one of which involved scraping mold off cheese during his youth. He also worked as a caregiver in a nursing home, which contributed to his understanding of community needs and the importance of public service.

Evers attended Plymouth High School before pursuing higher education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He earned a bachelor's degree in 1973, a master's degree in 1976, and a doctoral degree in educational leadership in 1986. His academic background laid the foundation for a career in education, which began as a teacher and media coordinator in the Tomah school district.

Evers's administrative career in education began when he served as principal of Tomah Elementary School from 1979 to 1980, followed by his role as principal of Tomah High School from 1980 to 1984. He then advanced to the position of superintendent for the Oakfield school district from 1984 to 1988, and subsequently for the Verona Area School District from 1988 to 1992. After his time in Verona, Evers became the administrator of the Cooperative Education Service Agency (CESA) in Oshkosh, a role he held from 1992 until 2001.

In 2001, Evers entered the political arena by running for the position of state superintendent of public instruction. Although he did not succeed in his initial attempts in 1997 and 2001, he was appointed deputy superintendent under Elizabeth Burmaster, serving in that capacity until Burmaster's appointment as president of Nicolet College. During his tenure as deputy superintendent, Evers also held the presidency of the Council of Chief State School Officers, further solidifying his influence in educational policy.

Evers successfully ran for state superintendent in 2009, defeating his opponent Rose Fernandez in the general election. He was subsequently reelected in 2013 and again in 2017, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in Wisconsin education policy. Throughout his time as state superintendent, Evers advocated for increased funding for education, including a significant proposal for a $1.7 billion increase in state funding for secondary schools, which was not included in Governor Scott Walker's proposed budgets. He also called for a substantial increase in funding for school mental health services.

Governorship

In August 2017, Evers announced his candidacy for governor of Wisconsin in the 2018 election, motivated by his successful reelection as state superintendent and his criticisms of Governor Walker's policies. He won the Democratic primary in August 2018, emerging victorious from a field of ten candidates with a plurality of the vote. Evers faced incumbent Republican Governor Scott Walker in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2018. Evers narrowly defeated Walker, marking a significant political shift in Wisconsin.

Evers sought reelection in 2022, and his running mate from 2018, Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, opted to run for the U.S. Senate. In the Democratic primary, Evers was unopposed and selected state representative Sara Rodriguez as his new running mate. Evers and Rodriguez won the general election against the Republican ticket of Tim Michels and Roger Roth, further extending Evers's tenure as governor.

Evers's governorship has been characterized by a strong reliance on the veto power, particularly in response to the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature's legislative agenda. He has utilized his veto authority more frequently than any previous governor in Wisconsin's history, employing line-item vetoes to amend Republican-authored bills. His vetoes have encompassed a wide range of issues, including election procedures, government powers during public health emergencies, education funding, federal aid, redistricting, gun control, police and crime legislation, abortion rights, social welfare programs, and various regulations.

Policy focus and legacy

Evers's policy focus as governor has been heavily influenced by his background in education and public service. His administration has prioritized educational funding and mental health services for students, reflecting his commitment to improving the educational landscape in Wisconsin. Evers has also been vocal about the need for comprehensive approaches to issues such as public health, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, where he has navigated challenges related to state governance and public safety.

Throughout his time in office, Evers has faced significant political opposition, particularly from the Republican-controlled legislature, which has sought to limit the powers of the governor's office. The legislature passed measures aimed at curtailing gubernatorial authority before Evers took office, setting the stage for ongoing political tensions. Evers's frequent use of the veto has been a defining aspect of his governorship, as he has sought to counteract legislation that he believes undermines public welfare or education.

As of now, Evers is serving his first term as governor and has announced that he will not seek reelection in 2026. His legacy will likely be shaped by his educational policies, his approach to governance amid partisan challenges, and his responses to significant state and national issues during his time in office. Evers's tenure reflects the complexities of modern governance in a politically divided state, highlighting the ongoing debates surrounding education, public health, and the role of government in addressing societal needs.