The result was considered "too close to call" on election night, with Walker and Evers being separated by a mere few hundred votes for much of the night as counties reported their results. Shortly after midnight on November 7, Milwaukee County reported around 46,000 uncounted absentee ballots. From those ballots, Evers received 38,674 votes, or 84% of the total, and Walker 7,181, giving Evers a narrow lead. The race was called for him shortly after.[1]
Wisconsin was the only state in the 2018 gubernatorial election cycle to elect a Democratic governor while voting more Republican than the national average.[a] With a margin of 1.1%, this election was also the second-closest race of the 2018 gubernatorial election cycle, behind only the election in Florida. Walker was one of two Republican incumbent governors to be defeated for re-election in 2018, the other being Bruce Rauner in neighboring Illinois, who had lost decisively to J. B. Pritzker.
The primary election for the Democratic nomination featured a crowded field of candidates. The race was ultimately won by Tony Evers with around 40% of the vote.
Mandela Barnes, a former state representative from Milwaukee, defeated opponent Kurt Kober by a 2 to 1 margin for the nomination, becoming the first African American to be nominated by a major party for a Wisconsin gubernatorial ticket.
Despite the fact that Scott Walker had won three prior races for governor in 2010, 2012, and 2014 by fairly comfortable margins, his bid for a third term was complicated by rising unpopularity due to his policies concerning public education[91] and infrastructure. Walker also faced backlash for a deal his administration made with Taiwanese company Foxconn in 2017 to create jobs in the state in exchange for around $4.5 billion in taxpayer subsidies.[92] In 2018, the deal resulted in around $90 million of funding for roads being diverted to a stretch of I-94 that was set to be near a future Foxconn plant from the rest of state.[93] The poor condition of many roads around the state[94] as well as the lack of work being done to redo them prompted a campaign where potholes were being labeled as “Scott”-holes.[95]
Walker's approval ratings were hobbled further by the unpopularity of RepublicanU.S. PresidentDonald Trump in Wisconsin.[96] Walker himself sounded the alarm on this several times in early 2018 after Democrats won two special elections to the Wisconsin State Senate in typically Republican districts[97][98] and an election to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. In April 2018, Walker warned that Wisconsin was “at risk of a blue wave“ in November.[99] The Walker campaign generally focused on promoting the popular parts of his record, such as a freeze on tuition at public universities and record low unemployment.[100]
The result was expected to be close, with a record $93 million spent on the race by the two major campaigns and special interest groups from in and out of the state.[101] In the end, Walker was ultimately defeated by DemocratTony Evers, who garnered a slightly more than 1% margin of victory, as Democrats swept every statewide race up for election.
Despite the close result, Scott Walker was unable to request a recount due to a law he had signed himself two years prior, which requires the margin of difference to be within 1%.[119]
Other bills being considered included restrictions on early voting and the passage of Medicaid work requirements, which Walker had previously held off on due to the election.[121] A similar law restricting early voting that was passed several years prior had been ruled as unconstitutional.[122]
The bills were widely denounced by Democrats and others as a “power grab.” Congresswoman Gwen Moore described the move as a “coup” that “hijacked the voters’ will.” [123] Walker and other Republicans meanwhile argued that the bills were necessary ”checks on power” and that they did not actually strip any real powers from the executive.[124] Lawsuits were filed by Evers and various labor unions almost immediately after Walker signed the bills into law.[125]
^"With Governor's race deadlocked, Milwaukee delivered for Evers with late absentee ballots". journal sentinel. November 7, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
^Opoien, Jessie (December 10, 2015). "Addressing WMC's 'Future Wisconsin' summit, Scott Walker hints at third term as governor". The Capital Times. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
^Benson, Guy (April 19, 2016). "EXCLUSIVE: Walker Sidesteps Open Convention Ultimatum, Says He'll Likely Run for Re-Election". Townhall. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
^Keith, Theo (May 23, 2016). "Gov. Scott Walker will decide whether to run for third term once budget complete". Fox 6 Milwaukee. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
^Mertes, Chris (December 7, 2017). "Meyer declares GOP candidacy for governor". Sun Prairie Star. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
^Donald J. Trump. "Scott Walker of Wisconsin is a tremendous Governor who has done incredible things for that Great State. He has my complete & total Endorsement! He brought the amazing Foxconn to Wisconsin with its 15,000 Jobs-and so much more. Vote for Scott on Tuesday in the Republican Primary!". Twitter.
^Mike Pence. "Wisconsin Republicans have the chance to support one of the BEST governors in America today. Go vote and show your support for my friend Governor @ScottWalker!". Twitter.
^"Former Governor Tommy Thompson Radio Ad: Wisconsin is Working Under Scott Walker". Friends of Scott Walker. October 15, 2018.
^Soellner, Mica (October 22, 2018). "Scott Walker receives support of state construction leaders in Appleton". The Post-Crescent. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
^Reed, Parker (October 25, 2018). "Small business group endorses Scott Walker during campaign stop in Eau Claire". Chippewa Herald. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
^ abc"Wisconsin Primary Election Results". The New York Times. August 15, 2018. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
^Kirchen, Rich (November 5, 2017). "Gov. Walker officially announces re-election bid for third term at Weldall in Waukesha County". American City Business Journals. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
^Beck, Molly (July 7, 2017). "State Superintendent Tony Evers considers run for governor". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
^Beck, Molly (July 22, 2017). "State Superintendent Tony Evers files to run for governor". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved July 22, 2017.
^"Schools Head Tony Evers To Officially Enter Race For Governor". Wisconsin Public Radio. August 21, 2017. Retrieved August 22, 2017.
^ abcOpoien, Jessie (December 7, 2017). "Updated: Comprehensive list of Democrats running for Wisconsin governor". The Capital Times. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
^ abcOpoien, Jessie (May 8, 2017). "Wisconsin's Democratic governor candidates: Who's in, who's out and who's a maybe". The Capital Times. Retrieved May 9, 2017.
^DeFour, Matthew (May 4, 2017). "Former Wisconsin Democracy Campaign director mulling run for governor". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved May 9, 2017.
^DeFour, Matthew (November 13, 2017). "Firefighter union chief joins growing field of Democratic gubernatorial contenders". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
^Guida, Bill (April 13, 2018). "Bristol man running for governor". Kenosha News. Retrieved May 4, 2018.
^Bice, Daniel (December 7, 2017). "Ex-Rep. Kelda Roys joins packed field of Dems hoping to challenge Gov. Scott Walker". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
^Neumann, Greg (December 28, 2016). "Mayor Soglin has no plans to run for Governor in 2018". WKOW. Archived from the original on January 1, 2017. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
^"Madison Mayor Paul Soglin to announce run for governor next month". Associated Press. December 26, 2017. Retrieved December 27, 2017.
^Mark Sommerhauser - Wisconsin State Journal (June 4, 2017). "Paul Soglin says he's considering running for governor". Retrieved May 22, 2018.
^ abcSommerhauser, Mark (June 5, 2016). "Kathleen Vinehout surveys Democrats about run for governor". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
^ abcOpoien, Jessie (August 10, 2016). "Turning the tide: Can a Wisconsin Democrat win the 2018 election for governor?". The Capital Times. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
^ abcdStein, Jason; Marley, Patrick (March 26, 2017). "Wisconsin Democrats have chance at Gov. Scott Walker but no candidate". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved March 29, 2017.
^Beck, Molly (June 29, 2017). "Kathleen Vinehout registers committee to run for governor". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
^Jason Stein (September 25, 2017). "Wisconsin Sen. Kathleen Vinehout is the latest Democrat to run for governor". Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
^ ab"Two Democratic gubernatorial candidates drop out". madison.com. Associated Press. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
^Milwaukee, Urban. "Michele Doolan Ends Campaign for Governor, Endorses Matt Flynn". Urban Milwaukee. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
^Bauer, Scott (July 11, 2017). "Democratic Businessman Andy Gronik Enters Governor's Race". US News. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
^Thompson-Gee, Justin. "Andy Gronik withdraws from Wisconsin gubernatorial race". CBS58. Retrieved June 21, 2018.
^Milwaukee, Urban. "Bob Harlow Exits Race for Governor, Endorses Matt Flynn". Urban Milwaukee. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
^"Kober, Sheboygan native and businessman, exploring guv bid". WisPolitics.com. August 16, 2017. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
^"Sheboygan businessman Kurt Kober registers for governor run". Fox 6 Milwaukee. August 17, 2017. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
^Richmond, Todd (August 7, 2017). "Eau Claire Rep. Dana Wachs enters Democratic race for governor". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
^Bice, Daniel (August 24, 2015). "Chris Abele hires former Democratic Party boss to aid campaign". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
^Marley, Patrick (September 3, 2015). "Chris Abele: No plans to run for governor in 2018". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
^"Milwaukee County Exec. Abele says he "definitely" won't run for governor in 2018". Fox 6 Milwaukee. September 3, 2015. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
^Stein, Jason (March 31, 2017). "Wisconsin Democrat Mark Bakken decides against Scott Walker challenge". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
^"Barca says he has no plans to run for governor in 2018". Wispolitics.com. December 23, 2016. Archived from the original on December 24, 2016. Retrieved December 23, 2016.
^"'We haven't made any decisions:' Mayor Tom Barrett confirms he's considering another run for governor". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
^"Mayor Tom Barrett announces he's not running for governor, saying 'I hope to serve as mayor for many years to come'". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved May 29, 2018.
^Horne, Michael (March 15, 2017). "Plenty of Horne: Chisholm for Governor?". Urban Milwaukee. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
^ abc"Flynn Campaign: John Chisholm, John La Fave endorse Matt Flynn for governor". Wispolitics.com. November 2017. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
^ abcOpoien, Jessie (July 3, 2016). "7 Democrats who might challenge Scott Walker in 2018". The Capital Times. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
^Gallagher, Kathleen (June 29, 2016). "Exact Sciences executive attends Cancer Moonshot Summit". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
^DeFour, Matthew (March 29, 2017). "Democrat Tim Cullen won't run for governor in 2018". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved March 29, 2017.
^Marley, Patrick (November 22, 2016). "Redistricting ruling could help, hurt both parties". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
^Bauer, Scott (August 6, 2017). "Former state Rep. Brett Hulsey registers to run for governor". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
^DeFour, Matthew (December 18, 2017). "2014 Democratic candidate for gov @BrettHulseyWI registered a campaign for 2018, but Hulsey tells me he will not run for governor next year. "Looks like there are many good Democratic candidates in already and voters have real choices."". Twitter. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
^"Rep. Kind Not Ruling Out Run for Governor Against Walker". FOX 21. February 17, 2017. Retrieved February 18, 2017.
^"Democrat Ron Kind not ruling out run for governor against Scott Walker". FOX 6. February 17, 2017. Retrieved February 18, 2017.
^Moberg, Glen (February 16, 2017). "Congressman Ron Kind Not Ruling Out Run for Governor In 2018". Wisconsin Public Radio. Retrieved February 18, 2017.
^Strauss, Daniel (March 10, 2017). "Rep. Ron Kind decides against run for Wisconsin governor". Politico. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
^DeFour, Matthew (April 19, 2017). "Joe Parisi won't run for governor, says Scott Walker is both vulnerable and strong". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved April 19, 2017.
^Price, Lilly (May 1, 2017). "Highlights of U.S. Congressman Mark Pocan's interview with The Daily Cardinal". The Daily Cardinal. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
^Hubbuch, Chris (December 13, 2016). "Sen. Jennifer Shilling rules out run for governor in 2018". La Crosse Tribune. Retrieved December 13, 2016.
^ abJohnson, Shawn (October 16, 2017). "Former US Sen. Herb Kohl Endorses Tony Evers For Governor". Wisconsin Public Radio. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
^"Twitter". twitter.com. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
^ abcdefghi"Endorsement". Tony for Wisconsin. Archived from the original on June 19, 2018. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
^ abc"Endorsements". Forward With Flynn. Archived from the original on December 15, 2017. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
^"Mitchell Lands Endorsement of California Sen. Kamala Harris". Madison 365.
^Stein, Jason (November 13, 2017). "Firefighter union head Mahlon Mitchell latest Dem to challenge Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
^Mitchell, Mahlon (December 20, 2017). "Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998 Endorses Mahlon Mitchell for Governor". Urban Milwaukee. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
^Amundson, Betty (December 20, 2017). "Show your Support: Mahlon Mitchell for Governor". IUOE Local 139. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
^"Wisconsin AFL-CIO Endorses Mahlon Mitchell for Wisconsin Governor". Wisconsin State AFL–CIO. May 17, 2018. Retrieved June 9, 2018.
^Horecki, Michael (May 24, 2018). "AFSCME Endorses Mahlon Mitchell For Governor Of Wisconsin". AFSCME Council 32. Retrieved June 9, 2018.
^"NARAL Pro-Choice America: Endorses Kelda Roys for Governor".
^Beck, Molly (June 22, 2018). "Dana Wachs becomes second Democrat this week to leave governor's race". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
^"Wachs Campaign: State Rep. Christine Sinicki endorses Dana Wachs for Governor". Wispolitics.com. October 23, 2017.
^"Wachs campaign: State Rep. Nick Milroy endorses Dana Wachs for Governor". Wispolitics.com.
^"Wachs campaign: Assistant Democratic Assembly Leader Hesselbein endorses Dana Wachs for Gov". Wispolitics.com.
^"Wachs campaign: State Rep. Tod Ohnstad endorses Dana Wachs for Governor". Wispolitics.com.
^"G.A.B. Canvass Reporting System County by County Report: 2016 Partisan Primary" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 19, 2021. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
^Marley, Patrick (October 17, 2017). "Mandela Barnes is considering running for Wisconsin lieutenant governor". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
^Bauer, Scott (January 13, 2018). "Former state Rep. Barnes running for lieutenant governor". Wisconsin Gazette. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
^Bice, Daniel (December 19, 2017). "Bice: Sheboygan businessman is running as Democrat for lieutenant governor". The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved December 26, 2017.
^Reistad, Meghan (October 21, 2017). "Libertarian Party of Wisconsin celebrates 2018 campaign kickoff". Retrieved October 21, 2017.
^"Campaigns". Archived from the original on February 22, 2018. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
^Flynn, Matt (June 19, 2018). "Nick De Leon Suspends Campaign for Wisconsin Governor, Endorses Matt Flynn". Matt Flynn for Governor. Archived from the original on July 10, 2018. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
^ ab"2018 Fall Partisan Primary Results". Wisconsin Elections Commission. August 31, 2018. Retrieved November 5, 2018.
^Strauss, Valerie (October 18, 2018). "Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's assault on public education could be coming back to bite him". New York Times. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
^"Foxconn cost to public nearing $4.5 billion". Madison.com. January 17, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
^"Wisconsin is shifting up to $90 million in local road funding to Foxconn related projects". Journal Sentinel. March 1, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
^"Half of Wisconsin's major roads are in poor or mediocre condition". The Cap Times. September 18, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
^"'Scott-Holes' campaign targets voters already upset over state's roads". Daily Reporter. July 27, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
^"Trump approval sags in trio of midwestern states". NBC News. July 25, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
^"Democrats flip State Senate Seat In Wisconsin". Washington Post. January 16, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
^"Caleb Frostman defeats André Jacque in 1st Senate District special election". Green Bay Press Gazette. June 12, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
^"after key progressive win, Wisconsin's Walker warns of 'blue wave'". MSNBC. April 4, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
^"2.9 Percent: unemployment reaches all time low". Office of the Governor, Scott Walker. March 22, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
^"2018 Governor's race cost record $93M+". wisdc.org. January 24, 2019. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
^"2018 Governor Race Ratings for October 26, 2018". The Cook Political Report. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
^"The Washington Post's gubernatorial race ratings". The Washington Post. October 16, 2018.
^"2018 Governor Forecast | FiveThirtyEight". FiveThirtyEight. October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
^"2018 Governor Elections: As November Nears, More Governors' Races Become Tossups". Governing. Archived from the original on October 21, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
^Arnie Enz (WP) with 1%, Maggie Turnbull (I) and Michael White (G) with 0%
^The race was very close. It wasn't until about 3 A.M. that most major news networks declared Evers the winner. Evers did well in large urban areas such as Milwaukee County and Dane County, home to Milwaukee and Madison respectively. Walker did well in most rural areas of the state. However Evers huge margins coming from Milwaukee County proved to be too much for Walker to overcome."Wisconsin election results: Governor, Senate and other seats up for grabs".
^Canvass Results for 2018 General Election - 11/6/2018 (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin Elections Commission. February 22, 2019. pp. 1–2. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 7, 2020. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
^Dubin, Michael J. (2003). United States gubernatorial elections, 1776-1860. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland.
^"Daily Kos Elections' statewide election results by congressional and legislative districts". Daily Kos. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
^"Scott Walker narrowly loses Wisconsin governor's race". CBS News. November 7, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
^"Wisconsin Republicans seek to hobble Democrats in lame duck session". The Guardian. December 2, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
^"Scott Walker, in fight for political life, slow walks Medicaid work rules". Politico. October 16, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
^"Judge strikes down Wisconsin voter ID, early voting laws". journal sentinel. August 1, 2016. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
^"Tony Evers: calling Wisconsin GOP power grab a coup 'seems strong'". Huffpost. December 9, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
^"Twitter users have some things to say about Gov. Scott Walker's venn diagram". Journal Sentinel. December 17, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
^"A look at lawsuits challenging Wisconsin's lame duck laws". AP News. February 4, 2019. Retrieved July 31, 2019.