Overview

The Governor is the state’s chief executive and is elected by the voters of the state for a four-year term. Wis. Const. Art. V, §§ 1, 3. The Lieutenant Governor is elected on the same ballot with the Governor for the same term. Wis. Const. Art. V, §§ 1, 3.

The Governor plays a limited role in the administration and oversight of elections in the state.

The Governor, however, has some influence over the Wisconsin Elections Commission (“WEC”), the primary body responsible for elections, in the form of the power to appoint two of the WEC’s six members (from lists provided by the legislative leadership of the two major political parties). Wis. Stat. Ann. § 15.61(1)(a)(5). The Governor also signs certificates after election results are finalized by the WEC for the elections of U.S. Senators and Presidential Electors. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.70(5). The Lieutenant Governor plays no role in elections but fills the position of Governor in the event of the Governor’s death, resignation, removal from office, impeachment, incapacity, or absence from the state. Wis. Const. Art. V, § 7.

Wisconsin’s current Governor is Tony Evers, a Democrat, who took office on January 7, 2019. *About the Governor.* The state’s current Lieutenant Governor is Sara Rodriguez, a Democrat, who took office on January 3, 2023. About the Lieutenant Governor. The next election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor in Wisconsin will be held in 2026.

Election-Related Duties

The key duties of the Governor are:

1. Nominating two members of the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 15.61(1)(a)(5).
2. Signing certificates of election for U.S. Senators and Presidential Electors after election results are finalized. Wis. Stat. Ann. § 7.70(5).

The key duties of the Lieutenant Governor are:

1. Filling the position of Governor if the need arises. Wis. Const. Art. V, § 7.

Selection and Vacancy Information

• **Elected: ****The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected every four years by the qualified electors of the state. The two positions are elected jointly on one ticket, and the ticket with the highest numbers of votes cast is elected. Wis. Const. Art. V, §§ 1, 3. There are no term limits in the state Constitution for these positions.
• Tiebreaking: In the event of a tie, the two houses of the legislature choose one of the two tied tickets as the winner at its next annual legislative session after the election. Wis. Const. Art. V, § 3.
• Term of Office: The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected for a four-year term of office. Wis. Const. Art. V, § 1.
• Next Election: The next general election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor in Wisconsin will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
• Qualifications: A person must be a citizen of the U.S. and be qualified to vote in the state of Wisconsin to be eligible for the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Wis. Const. Art. V, § 2.
• Vacancy: If the Governor is removed from office, dies, or resigns, the Lieutenant Governor becomes Governor for the balance of the unexpired term. Wis. Const. Art. V, § 7(1). If the Governor is absent from the state, impeached, or is incapable of performing the duties of the office, the Lieutenant Governor serves as the Acting Governor for the balance of the unexpired term or until the Governor returns to office. Wis. Const. Art. V, § 7(2). The Secretary of State is next in the line of succession if both the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor are unavailable or unable to serve. Wis. Const. Art. V, § 8.