List of governors of Wisconsin

The governor of Wisconsin is the head of government of Wisconsin^[2] and the commander-in-chief of the state's army and air forces.^[3] The governor has a duty to enforce state laws,^[3] and the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Wisconsin Legislature,^[4] to convene the legislature,^[3] and to grant pardons, except in cases of treason and impeachment.^[5]

44 individuals have held the office of governor of Wisconsin since the state's admission to the Union in 1848, one of whom—Philip La Follette—served non-consecutive terms. Nelson Dewey, the first governor, took office on June 7, 1848. The longest-serving governor was Tommy Thompson, who took office on January 5, 1987, and resigned on February 1, 2001, a total of 14 years and 28 days. Arthur MacArthur Sr. had the shortest term: he was governor for a total of just 5 days—from March 21 to 25, 1856.^[6] The current governor is Tony Evers, a Democrat who took office on January 7, 2019.^[6]

List of governors

Initially after the American Revolution, parts of the area now known as Wisconsin were claimed by Virginia, Massachusetts and Connecticut; however, Virginia ceded its claim in 1784, Massachusetts in 1785 and Connecticut in 1786.^[7] On July 13, 1787, the Northwest Territory, including the area now called Wisconsin, was formed; Wisconsin remained part of the territory until 1800.^[8] The territorial governor during this period was Arthur St. Clair.^[9] As parts of the Northwest Territory were admitted to the Union as states, Wisconsin became part of first the Indiana Territory (1800–1809), then the Illinois Territory (1809–1818), and then the Michigan Territory (1818–1836);^[8] see the lists of governors of Indiana, of Illinois, and of Michigan for these periods.

Wisconsin Territory

Wisconsin Territory was formed on July 3, 1836. During the time of its existence, the Wisconsin Territory had three people appointed governor by the President of the United States, one of whom served non-consecutive terms.

When most of Wisconsin Territory was admitted as the state of Wisconsin, the remainder became unorganized territory. However, the citizens of the region maintained a territorial government, and even elected a delegate to the United States House of Representatives, essentially making it a de facto continuation of Wisconsin Territory.^[10] As the region no longer had an official governor, Territorial Secretary John Catlin acted as governor of the region.^[11]

State of Wisconsin

Wisconsin was admitted to the Union on May 29, 1848. Since then, it has had 45 governors, one of whom served non-consecutive terms.^[6]

Originally, governors of Wisconsin served for two-year terms, but in 1967 the state constitution was amended to change this to four.^[2] Jeremiah McLain Rusk served 1 3-year term in the 1880s as the constitution was amended during his first term to move elections from odd to even years, and all officers were allowed to serve an extra year, rather than have their terms cut a year short. Patrick Lucey, elected in the 1970 election, was the first governor to serve a 4-year term.^[6] Governors of Wisconsin are not term limited.

The state constitution provides for the election of a lieutenant governor; originally, the governor and lieutenant governor were elected on different tickets, and thus were not necessarily of the same party. Since the 1967 amendment, however, the two have been nominated, and voted on, together.^[2] Originally, if the office of the governor was vacant for any reason, "the powers and duties of the office . . . devolve[d] upon the lieutenant governor." In 1979, the constitution was amended to make this more specific: if the governor dies, resigns, or is removed from office, the lieutenant governor becomes governor, but becomes acting governor if the governor is absent from the state, impeached, or unable to carry out of duties.^[23] If any of these events occur while the office of lieutenant governor is vacant, the secretary of state becomes either governor or acting governor.^[24] Two Wisconsin governors have died while in office, one has died after being elected but before taking office, and four have resigned.^[6]

See also

• Gubernatorial lines of succession in the United States#Wisconsin

Notes

1. The range given is from the date the governor was confirmed by the Senate, or appointed by the President during a Senate recess, to the date the governor's successor was confirmed, unless noted.
2. Dodge was nominated^[13] and confirmed by the Senate^[14] on April 30, 1836. He was reconfirmed by the Senate on March 2, 1839.^[15]
3. Doty was appointed on April 15, 1841, during a Senate recess;^[16] nominated on June 17;^[17] and confirmed by the Senate on September 13.^[18]
4. Tallmadge was nominated and confirmed by the Senate on June 15, 1844.^[20]
5. Dodge was appointed on April 8, 1845, during a Senate recess;^[12] nominated on December 23, 1846;^[21] and confirmed by the Senate on February 3.^[22]
6. Lieutenant governors represented the same party as their governor unless noted.
7. A convention of Free Soilers and others nominated Farwell, but he declined.^[29]
8. Represented the Democratic Party
9. The 1855 election was very close, with Barstow initially named the winner by the Democratic state canvassing board, but irregularities were found and Republicans challenged it to the Supreme Court. Barstow resigned on March 21, before the Supreme Court could reach a decision.^[32] Lieutenant Governor MacArthur then acted as governor, though there was uncertainty as to the legitimacy of his position; this was complicated further when the Supreme Court ruled on March 25 that Bashford was the winner. Bashford arrived at the capitol and, due to fears of violence, MacArthur did not resist.^[35] The legislature recognized Bashford as governor on March 27.^[36]
10. Represented the Republican Party
11. La Follette resigned, having been elected to the United States Senate for a term beginning March 4, 1905; he delayed his resignation for nine months.^[28]
12. McGovern instead ran unsuccessfully for the United States Senate.^[91]
13. Blaine was instead elected to the United States Senate.^[97]
14. La Follette lost the Republican nomination to Walter J. Kohler Sr.^[106]
15. Loomis was elected in the 1942 election, but died before taking office. Per a ruling of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Goodland, who had been re-elected lieutenant governor in the same election, served as governor term.^[117]
16. Lucey resigned, having been confirmed as United States Ambassador to Mexico.^[138]
17. Thompson resigned, having been confirmed as United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.^[148]
18. Evers' second term began on January 2, 2023, and will expire January 4, 2027.

References

General

• "Former Wisconsin Governors". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
• Sobel, Robert (1978). Biographical directory of the governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. IV. Meckler Books. ISBN 9780930466008. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
• Dubin, Michael J. (2003). United States Gubernatorial Elections, 1776-1860: The Official Results by State and County. McFarland. ISBN 978-0-7864-1439-0.
• Dubin, Michael J. (2014). United States Gubernatorial Elections, 1861-1911: The Official Results by State and County. McFarland. ISBN 978-0-7864-5646-8.
• Kallenbach, Joseph Ernest (1977). American State Governors, 1776-1976. Oceana Publications. ISBN 978-0-379-00665-0. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
• Glashan, Roy R. (1979). American Governors and Gubernatorial Elections, 1775-1978. Meckler Books. ISBN 978-0-930466-17-6.
• McMullin, Thomas A. (1984). Biographical directory of American territorial governors. Westport, CT : Meckler. ISBN 978-0-930466-11-4. Retrieved January 19, 2023.
• "Our Campaigns - Governor of Wisconsin - History". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved July 25, 2023.

Specific

1. Heynen, Nick (May 13, 2016). "Database: Wisconsin state employee salaries". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved December 19, 2016.
2. Wisconsin Constitution article V, § 1
3. Wisconsin Constitution article V, § 4
4. Wisconsin Constitution article V, § 10
5. Wisconsin Constitution article V, § 6
6. "Wisconsin Governors since 1848". State of Wisconsin Blue Book 2005–2006 (PDF). p. 724. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 25, 2007. Retrieved October 5, 2007.
7. Beck, J. D., ed. (1911). The blue book of the state of Wisconsin. Madison, Wisconsin: Democrat Printing Company. p. 512. Retrieved December 11, 2007.
8. "Significant Events in Wisconsin History". State of Wisconsin Blue Book 2005–2006 (PDF). p. 696. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 25, 2007. Retrieved December 11, 2007.
9. "St. Clair, Arthur". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Government Printing Office. 2005. Retrieved December 11, 2007.
10. Williams, J. Fletcher (1894). Henry Hastings Sibley: A Memoir. Minnesota Historical Society. pp. 277–281. Archived from the original on March 7, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2015.
11. The History of Racine and Kenosha Counties, Wisconsin. Racine County, Wisconsin: Western Historical Company. 1879. pp. 54–56. Retrieved January 24, 2008.
12. McMullin 1984, pp. 329–331.
13. U.S. Congress. Senate Exec. Journal. 24th Cong., 1st sess., 535, accessed July 22, 2023.
14. U.S. Congress. Senate Exec. Journal. 24th Cong., 1st sess., 536, accessed July 22, 2023.
15. U.S. Congress. Senate Exec. Journal. 25th Cong., 3rd sess., 219, accessed July 22, 2023.
16. McMullin 1984, pp. 331–333.
17. U.S. Congress. Senate Exec. Journal. 27th Cong., 1st sess., 386, accessed July 22, 2023.
18. U.S. Congress. Senate Exec. Journal. 27th Cong., 1st sess., 441, accessed July 22, 2023.
19. McMullin 1984, pp. 333–335.
20. U.S. Congress. Senate Exec. Journal. 28th Cong., 1st sess., 343, accessed July 22, 2023.
21. U.S. Congress. Senate Exec. Journal. 29th Cong., 1st sess., 10, accessed July 22, 2023.
22. U.S. Congress. Senate Exec. Journal. 29th Cong., 1st sess., 41, accessed July 22, 2023.
23. Wisconsin Constitution article V, § 7
24. Wisconsin Constitution article V, § 8
25. Sobel 1978, pp. 1717–1718.
26. "Nelson Dewey". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
27. Wisconsin Legislature. Journal of the Assembly. 1st sess., 26, accessed July 22, 2023
28. Kallenbach 1977, pp. 636–637.
29. Sobel 1978, pp. 1718–1719.
30. "Leonard James Farwell". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
31. "none". The Sheboygan Mercury. January 10, 1852. p. 2. Retrieved July 22, 2023. Our first Whig governor, Leonard J. Farwell, took the oath of office, administered by Chief Justice Whiton, at Madison, on Monday last...
32. Sobel 1978, pp. 1719–1720.
33. "William Augustus Barstow". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
34. "Madison Correspondence". Daily Free Democrat. January 16, 1854. p. 2. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
35. Sobel 1978, pp. 1720–1721.
36. Sobel 1978, pp. 1721–1723.
37. "Arthur MacArthur". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
38. "Barstow Resigned - The Fraud Confessed". Daily Free Democrat. March 21, 1856. p. 2. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
39. "Coles Bashford". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
40. "Message of Governor Coles Bashford". The Telegraph-Courier. March 27, 1856. p. 3. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
41. Sobel 1978, pp. 1723–1724.
42. "Alexander Williams Randall". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
43. "The Inauguration of the New State Officers". Wisconsin State Journal. January 4, 1858. p. 2. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
44. Sobel 1978, pp. 1724–1725.
45. "Louis Powell Harvey". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
46. "The Inauguration Ceremonies". Wisconsin State Journal. January 6, 1862. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
47. Sobel 1978, pp. 1725–1726.
48. "Edward Salomon". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
49. "Proclamation". Wisconsin State Journal. April 22, 1862. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
50. "Republican Union State Convention". The Telegraph-Courier. August 27, 1863. p. 2. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
51. Sobel 1978, pp. 1727–1728.
52. "James Taylor Lewis". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
53. "The New State Administration". Wisconsin State Journal. January 4, 1864. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
54. Sobel 1978, pp. 1728–1729.
55. "Lucius Fairchild". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
56. "Our New State Officers". Dodgeville Chronicle. January 4, 1866. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
57. Sobel 1978, pp. 1729–1731.
58. "Cadwallader Colden Washburn". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
59. "Change of State Administration - Inaugural Ceremonies". Wisconsin State Journal. January 2, 1872. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
60. Sobel 1978, pp. 1731–1732.
61. "William R. Taylor". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
62. "Out and In". Wisconsin State Journal. January 5, 1874. p. 4. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
63. Glashan 1979, p. 340.
64. Sobel 1978, pp. 1732–1733.
65. "Harrison Ludington". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
66. "Inauguration!". Wisconsin State Journal. January 3, 1876. p. 4. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
67. Sobel 1978, pp. 1733–1734.
68. "William E. Smith". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
69. "Inauguration". Wisconsin State Journal. January 7, 1878. p. 4. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
70. Sobel 1978, pp. 1734–1735.
71. "Jeremiah M. Rusk". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
72. "Sworn In". Wisconsin State Journal. January 3, 1882. p. 4. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
73. Sobel 1978, p. 1736.
74. "William Dempster Hoard". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
75. "The Old and New Administrations". Wisconsin State Journal. January 7, 1889. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
76. Sobel 1978, p. 1737.
77. "George W. Peck". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
78. "All Nature Smiles". Wisconsin State Journal. January 5, 1891. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
79. Sobel 1978, pp. 1738–1739.
80. "William H. Upham". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
81. "Change of Governors in Wisconsin". The Journal Times. January 7, 1895. p. 3. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
82. Sobel 1978, pp. 1739–1740.
83. "Edward Scofield". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
84. "Scofield Sworn In". Portage Daily Democrat. January 4, 1897. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
85. Sobel 1978, pp. 1740–1741.
86. "Robert M. La Follette". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
87. "Inaugurated as Governor". The Journal Times. January 7, 1901. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
88. Sobel 1978, pp. 1741–1742.
89. "James O. Davidson". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
90. "Davidson Is Governor". The Journal Times. January 2, 1906. p. 7. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
91. Sobel 1978, pp. 1742–1743.
92. "Francis E. McGovern". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
93. "Inauguration Minus Fuss". Portage Daily Democrat. January 3, 1911. p. 2. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
94. Sobel 1978, pp. 1743–1745.
95. "Emanuel L. Philipp". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
96. "Thousands Witness Philipp Take Oath as Badger Governor". Janesville Daily Gazette. January 4, 1915. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
97. Sobel 1978, pp. 1745–1746.
98. "John J. Blaine". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
99. "Huge Throng Witnesses Ceremonies". The Capital Times. January 3, 1921. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
100. Sobel 1978, pp. 1746–1747.
101. "Fred R. Zimmerman". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
102. Griffiths, Bryn (January 3, 1927). "Five State Heads Take Oaths Today". The Capital Times. p. 1. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
103. Sobel 1978, pp. 1747–1748.
104. "Walter J. Kohler". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
105. "5,000 See Kohler Inaugurated". The Capital Times. January 7, 1929. p. 1. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
106. Sobel 1978, pp. 1748–1749.
107. "Philip F. La Follette". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
108. Smith, Willard R. (January 5, 1931). "Philip La Follette Takes Governor's Chair". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 1. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
109. Sobel 1978, pp. 1749–1750.
110. "Albert G. Schmedeman". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
111. Browy, Calmer (January 3, 1933). "4,000 See Schmedeman Take Oath; Asks Aid of All in Meeting Crisis". The Capital Times. p. 1. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
112. Parker, Cedric (January 7, 1935). "10,000 See Phil LaFollette Take Oath". The Capital Times. p. 1. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
113. Sobel 1978, p. 1751.
114. "Julius Peter Heil". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
115. Revell, Aldric (January 3, 1939). "Julius Heil Take Oath of Office and Pledges Rigid Economy in His Address". The Capital Times. p. 1. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
116. Sobel 1978, p. 1752.
117. Sobel 1978, pp. 1752–1754.
118. "Walter S. Goodland". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
119. "Goodland Hangs Up His Coat and Goes to Work". The Capital Times. January 4, 1943. p. 1. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
120. Sobel 1978, p. 1754.
121. "Oscar Rennebohm". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
122. "Madisonian Takes Oath at Informal Capitol Ceremonies". Wisconsin State Journal. March 13, 1947. p. 1. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
123. Sobel 1978, p. 1755.
124. "Walter J. Kohler Jr". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
125. Goltz, Sanford (January 2, 1951). "3,000 See Kohler Sworn". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 1. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
126. Sobel 1978, p. 1756.
127. "Vernon W. Thomson". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
128. "Fairchild Is Sworn In by His Father". The Capital Times. January 7, 1957. p. 1. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
129. Sobel 1978, p. 1757.
130. "Gaylord Anton Nelson". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
131. Revell, Aldric (January 5, 1959). "Revision of Taxes Asked". The Capital Times. p. 1. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
132. Sobel 1978, pp. 1758–1759.
133. "John W. Reynolds". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
134. Roberts, Llewellyn G. (January 8, 1963). "Gov. Reynolds Urges Unity". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 1. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
135. Sobel 1978, pp. 1759–1760.
136. "Warren P. Knowles". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
137. Brissee, William (January 5, 1965). "Knowles Seeks State's Aid in Move Forward". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 1. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
138. Sobel 1978, pp. 1760–1761.
139. "Patrick Joseph Lucey". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
140. Selk, James D. (January 5, 1971). "Lucey Hopes to Bridge Troubled State Waters". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 1. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
141. Sobel 1978, pp. 1761–1762.
142. "Martin James Schreiber". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
143. Beveridge, Reid (July 8, 1977). "Schreiber Takes State Reins". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 1. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
144. "Lee Sherman Dreyfus". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
145. Simms, Patricia (January 4, 1979). "Dreyfus Becomes Governor". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 1. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
146. "Anthony S. Earl". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
147. Still, Thomas W. (January 4, 1983). "Earl, Upbeat, Now the 40th". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 1. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
148. "Tommy G. Thompson". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
149. Mell, Doug (January 6, 1987). "Tommy Promises a Better State". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 1. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
150. "Scott McCallum". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
151. Milfred, Scott (February 2, 2001). "McCallum Pledges to Cut Taxes". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 1. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
152. "Jim Doyle". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
153. Brinkman, Phil (January 7, 2003). "Doyle's Vow: People First". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 1. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
154. "Scott Walker". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
155. "Walker Takes First Steps". The La Crosse Tribune. Associated Press. January 4, 2011. p. 1. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
156. "Tony Evers". National Governors Association. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
157. Anderson, Madeleine (January 7, 2019). "'Change is coming:' Governor Tony Evers celebrates inauguration at gala in Madison". Fox 6 Milwaukee. Retrieved July 23, 2023.

External links

• Office of the Governor of Wisconsin