Tony Evers has pulled off securing a second term and has been re-elected as Governor of Wisconsin. During his first term, Gov. Evers funneled billions of dollars toward public schools as we watched proficiency in reading and math plummet, he opposed empowering families and students with the choice to go to the schools that suit their needs, and he also freed hundreds of murderers, rapists, and violent criminals into the badger state.
With 89% of precincts reporting, Evers had 50.9% of the vote, while Michels trailed close behind with 48%. Shortly after the race was called in favor of Evers, Michels told supporters at his election night party in Milwaukee that he had conceded. Michels commented, “Unfortunately, the math doesn’t add up.”
The race between Michels and Evers was one of the closest in the country. The two candidates had starkly different plans for Wisconsin.
Tony Evers has focused most of his attention on abortion rights and public schools above all else. We’ve heard Evers say many times, “What’s best for our kids is what’s best for Wisconsin.” He is even the self-proclaimed “Education Governor.”
However, the Governor’s actions over his last term make it clear that he takes a “what’s best for Evers is best for your children” approach. He vetoed an education package that would have provided parents with a Parental Bill of Rights and granted school choice for everyone.
Evers sent a victory email, thanking Wisconsinites for keeping him in office. In the email, the Governor mentions that Wisconsin voters “showed up” for the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals and trans kids, preserving democracy that was “on the brink of existence” and “taking climate change seriously.”
Evers also stated that he promised the people he would never make promises he couldn’t keep.
Here’s the email from Evers:
Holy Mackerel! We did it. I am incredibly proud to be the 46th governor of the state of Wisconsin — and I am jazzed as hell to tell you that on January 3rd, 2023, I will still be the 46th governor of the great state of Wisconsin. Four years ago, I made a promise to the people of Wisconsin that I would never make promises I couldn’t keep and that I would always work for you. Since then, I have worked hard to keep those promises and have always tried to do the right thing. That’s who I am, and that’s who I have always been. Some people call it boring — but, as it turns out, boring wins. The truth of the matter is that we won this election because of you. All the folks from every corner of the state who went out and voted, volunteered, chipped in, and so much more. Over the last four years, you have welcomed me into your homes, small businesses, farms, classrooms, and churches. You have talked to me in hospitals, campuses, factories, and on street corners. I am so grateful to you for the grace, kindness, and compassion you have shown me. This victory isn’t really about me at all. It’s about each of you. You showed up for me and Democrats up and down the ballot — but most importantly, you showed up for each other. You showed up for reproductive rights and the freedom to make your own healthcare decisions without having to ask me or any other politician. You showed up for working families who are worried about the economy, rising costs, and putting food on the table. You showed up for our kids, educators, and public schools because you believe — as I believe — that what’s best for our kids is what’s best for our state. You showed up for LGBTQ+ folks and trans kids who want to safely be who they are in our state. You showed up for conservation, clean energy, and taking climate change seriously with a future that doesn’t treat our environment and creating new jobs like they’re mutually exclusive. You showed up for fixing the damn roads, expanding access to high-speed internet, and continuing to invest in our state’s infrastructure. Most importantly, you showed up because you saw our democracy was on the brink of existence and you decided to do something about it. You have never stopped showing up and believing in the work we could do together. You have never stopped fighting for the future we want to build for Wisconsin and for our kids. I want to thank all of you who made this possible. Because of the tireless work of everyone on this incredible grassroots team, we have another four years to keep doing the right thing for the people of our state. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Wisconsin, for putting your trust in me once again. Now, let’s get to work! |