Tony Evers
Wisconsin has a new governor. Democrat Tony Evers narrowly beat Republican incumbent Gov. Scott Walker after a heated race early this morning. This comes after voter turnout soared across the state and the city of Milwaukee, as unofficial numbers from the city showed voter turnout at 73%—up 8% from the 2014 midterm election.
Democrat U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin also defeated Leah Vukmir, while Josh Kaul beat Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel. Voter turnout also soared across the state, as early numbers from the Associated Press show that 2.7 million people voted in Wisconsin—up about 5% from the last midterm election.
The race between Gov. Walker and Evers was a dead heat until late Tuesday night when nearly 45,000 absentee ballots from Milwaukee were counted. Evers, who is the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, said his campaign was focused on better schools, better roads and more affordable healthcare.
“I'm proud to say we ran a positive campaign and focused on the issues that mattered most,” said Evers during his victory speech in Madison early Wednesday morning. “Our priority has always been what’s for the people of Wisconsin. And I can promise you this—I will be focused on solving problems, not picking political fights… it’s time for a change folks.”
|
|
A senior advisor to Gov. Walker made a statement after Evers announced his win that suggested a recount might be in store for the state.
Voter Turnout
Even on a rainy and cold day, Milwaukee citizens showed up to the polls throughout Tuesday. Some waited in long lines, while others were in and out in under five minutes, but nearly every citizen we spoke to at the polls was happy to be there.
Ken' Triana McDade
Ken' Triana McDade, District 9 Milwaukee Youth Council Member and Senior at Rufus King High School - voting in her first election
“As a voter, education is very important to me. I really value education and I know that who I voted for is for that. It felt good to cast my first ballot. A lot of times people think that kids in high school really don't have anything to do with politics and that's not true. The school shooting in Florida was important to me because we need someone in office who really cares about these topics and the United States is the only place that has this as a problem, so we really do need to fix it. Everyone’s voice matters.”
Cate Sullivan-Konyn
Cate Sullivan-Konyn, 21-year-old student at Marquette University
“I graduated from Milwaukee Public Schools and both of my parents are public educators so everyone in my family has felt the impact of Act 10. Also, Mandela Barnes is MPS Alumni so that’s kind of fun. Also, criminal justice reform is important because in the past eight years, we’ve locked up the most black and brown men, and I think that’s really concerning and it’s really hurting our inner-city community. And, I think we should legalize weed. I’ve been telling everyone to go out and vote. I think that’s important at least to me, and our current political climate isn't the best and I think that's the result of not a lot of people turning out.”
Royce Taylor
Royce Taylor, 29-year-old Milwaukee citizen
“Healthcare and schools are important to me. We need people who will stand up for my community. I live over here and I feel like we are often ignored. I feel like basically, the better communities get the paved streets and cleaner areas and you look over here and it’s way different. It's always important to vote….you have to make your voice heard and if you're not you're doing yourself a disservice.”
Tygene Taylor
Tygene Taylor, Poll Worker at Ward 149 Polling Location
“It makes me feel good to see a lot of people registering compared to April and August. I’m glad that everyone packed their patience this morning because everyone has a voice and your voice counts.”
Election Results
You can view the full list of election results here: https://www.wisconsinvote.org/election-results
Reaction
Tony Evers
Tammy Baldwin
