Washington County Executive Schoemann Launches Bid for Wisconsin Governor

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Wis. – (Civic Media) – Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, a Republican and Iraq War veteran, has filed paperwork to run for Wisconsin governor in 2026, becoming the first major candidate from either party to enter the race.

Schoemann, 43, leads one of the state’s most conservative counties, where former President Donald Trump won 67% of the vote in 2024. He launched his campaign committee Wednesday and plans to formally announce his candidacy Sunday at an event in West Bend. Schoemann, who earned an Army Commendation Medal during his service, is making his first bid for statewide office.

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has not yet said whether he will seek a third term. Evers has indicated he will announce his plans after the state budget is finalized, which typically happens in early July.