August 2025 Legislative Update

State Legislature Takes a Break, But Stewardship Not Resolved

With the state budget signed into law by July 4, state legislators have retreated to their districts during these summer months. The Wisconsin legislative session will pick up again by September and is not officially over until spring 2026. However, it is not clear how much business the legislature will take up between now and adjournment. One of the most pressing issues is the reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.

The program has been facing an uncertain future following last summer’s Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that deemed the JFC’s practice of anonymously blocking projects unconstitutional. This decision has led to concerns among some Republican legislators about the program's oversight.

While not included in the budget, Rep. Tony Kurtz (R–Wonewoc) and Sen. Patrick Testin (R–Stevens Point) have introduced a bill to reauthorize KNSP for four more years until June 2030. The proposal reduces annual funding to $28.25 million, about $5 million less than current levels—and imposes a $1 million cap on grants per project, requiring separate legislative approval for larger land acquisitions. However, the proposal maintains funding for the Local Government (LUG) and the Boating Aids subprograms. WPRA is submitted testimony in support of the bill.

Several Senate Republicans have concerns with the program and it is unclear if there are votes to advance the Kurtz/Testin legislation. WPRA will continue to advocate for the continuation of the KNSP. The KNSP is reauthorized through June 30, 2026.

Gov. Tony Evers Will Not Seek Third Term, Opening Up 2026 Wisconsin Governor’s Race

In a move that reshapes Wisconsin’s political landscape, Governor Tony Evers announced on July 24 that he will not seek a third term in office. The 73-year-old Democrat, who has served as governor since 2019, cited a desire to spend more time with his family after five decades in public service. “The only thing I love more than being your governor is being a husband, a dad, and a grandpa,” Evers said in a video message .

Evers’ decision sets the stage for Wisconsin’s first open gubernatorial race in 16 years, making the 2026 election one of the most closely watched in the country. The announcement comes at a time when Democrats are hoping to capitalize on newly redrawn legislative maps that could give them a better shot at flipping the Republican-controlled Legislature 

Democratic Contenders

With Evers stepping aside, several prominent Democrats are expected to vie for the nomination:

  • Josh Kaul, the current Attorney General, is widely seen as a top contender.
  • Sara Rodriguez, the sitting Lieutenant Governor, brings executive experience and statewide recognition. Rodriguez announced her candidacy already.
  • Mandela Barnes, former Lieutenant Governor and 2022 U.S. Senate candidate, remains a popular figure among progressives.
  • Kelda Roys, a state senator from Madison, is known for her advocacy on healthcare and reproductive rights.
  • Sarah Godlewski, Secretary of State and former State Treasurer, has a strong fundraising network.
  • Cavalier Johnson, Mayor of Milwaukee, and David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive, could bring urban leadership perspectives to the race.
  • Ben Wikler, former chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party and a recent candidate for DNC chair, has been floated as a possible contender

Republican Field

On the Republican side, the race is also heating up:

  • Josh Schoemann, Washington County Executive, has already declared his candidacy.
  • Bill Berrien, a suburban Milwaukee businessman, is running on a platform of economic revitalization and conservative reform.
  • Tom Tiffany, U.S. Representative from northern Wisconsin, has not officially entered the race but is considered a strong potential candidate.
  • Mary Felzkowski, President of the State Senate, is also reportedly weighing a run.
  • Eric Hovde and Tim Michels, both business figures who have previously run statewide, are being discussed as potential GOP candidates