US MIDTERMS 2022: Evers holds onto Wisconsin governor seat

Incumbent Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers defeated Republican Tim Michels, protecting his plans to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity consumption by 2050.

Evers had about 51% of votes with 93% of districts reporting, according to The Associated Press, which called the race.

With Republicans in charge of the state legislature, Evers has accomplished much of his climate agenda through executive orders.

In 2019, Evers signed an executive order creating the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy, which was charged with achieving the 100% carbon-free electricity goal. The order also laid out a strategy to develop a Clean Energy Plan and to ensure that Wisconsin fulfills the carbon reduction goals of the 2015 Paris Climate Accord. Earlier this year, Evers signed an executive order to create an Office of Environmental Justice.

The Wisconsin Clean Energy Plan, issued in April, outlined a range of climate strategies for the state, including exploring a market-based program to reduce greenhouse gases from the power sector. The plan also suggested working with the Midcontinent Independent System Operator to give states a bigger voice in the stakeholder process, as states seek to align their clean energy goals with MISO transmission planning processes and rules.

Evers' victory will allow him to advance implementation of the state's Clean Energy Plan while prioritizing environmental justice and equitable economic development.