Josh Schoemann, the Republican executive of Washington County in Wisconsin, has announced his candidacy for the state's governorship in 2026, marking the first major candidate in the race. Democratic Governor Tony Evers has yet to declare his intentions for a third term, awaiting the completion of the state budget process. Schoemann, previously elected as county executive in 2020 and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, intends to formally announce his campaign at a summer kickoff event. Other potential Republican candidates include Bill Berrien, a businessman and Navy SEAL veteran, and political figures like U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and Eric Hovde. The race is expected to feature significant competition among Republicans, with Schoemann's early entry seen as an attempt to establish himself amid a field likely to seek endorsements from former President Donald Trump.

Josh Schoemann, a Republican and current executive of Washington County, has formed a committee to run for the Wisconsin governorship in 2026, becoming the first major candidate to declare their intent from either party.

Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, has not yet made a decision about seeking a third term, and plans to announce his decision after the state budget is finalized and enacted, which is anticipated around early July.

Schoemann, who previously served as the county administrator and manager before being elected as county executive in 2020, is a military veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and was honorably discharged from the Army National Guard.

Bill Berrien, another potential Republican candidate, has begun preparations by creating a political action committee; he is a manufacturing businessman and former Navy SEAL.

Other potential contenders in the Republican primary include U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany and Eric Hovde, with the primary expected to be intensely competitive as candidates vie for support, including that of former President Donald Trump.

Schoemann is expected to make a formal announcement of his candidacy at a 'historic summer kickoff cookout' in West Bend, which aligns with his strategy to gain early momentum in the race.

The Wisconsin Democratic Party has criticized the Republican primary field as being filled with far-right candidates seeking Trump’s endorsement, with Schoemann being noted primarily for being the first to enter the race.