The Sconi

Steve Cortes, president of the League of American Workers, said that Wisconsin could benefit from new political leadership and common-sense policies to promote prosperity across the state. This statement followed Governor Tony Evers' announcement that he will not seek re-election.

"Governor Evers was disaster and he won't be missed," said Cortes. "In 2020, if not for the Wisconsin legislature, Evers would've been as tyrannical as Gavin Newsom during the Covid panic. Now, Wisconsin has a terrific opportunity to turn the page politically and embrace common-sense policies that will drive prosperity across the Badger State."

According to Politifact, under Governor Evers, Wisconsin experienced historically low unemployment rates, including a drop to 2.8% in December 2021 and a record-setting 2.4% in April 2023, the lowest since records began in 1976. These milestones were confirmed by multiple independent fact-checks, highlighting that the state achieved these lows both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evers' tenure has also been marked by a significant projected state budget surplus, demonstrating notable economic performance under his administration.

The Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau reports ongoing disputes between the governor and the state legislature since 2019 have resulted in frequent court challenges and policy gridlock on key issues, including election laws and emergency powers. The Bureau explains that divided government has fostered legislative efforts to limit executive authority, especially during emergencies, by passing statutes and seeking judicial intervention. This situation has made Wisconsin a nationally recognized example of how legislative and judicial checks can restrict a governor’s power, particularly in times of crisis.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s Labor Market Brief, the state experienced an unprecedented spike in unemployment with rates soaring from around 3.2% in March 2020 to 14.8% in April 2020—one of the sharpest increases on record. The Department highlights that tens of thousands of workers in Wisconsin lost their jobs almost overnight due to mandated business closures and industry shutdowns. The brief further notes that while unemployment rates eventually declined, the economic disruption resulted in significant financial strain and instability for families and businesses throughout the state.

Cortes is widely recognized as a prominent advocate for "patriotic populism" and pro-worker policy, leveraging incisive research and media engagement to promote on-shoring, worker-focused economics, and Main Street prosperity. Before founding LAW (League of American Workers), he served as a senior advisor and spokesman for Donald Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns and has regularly appeared as a commentator on networks like CNBC, Fox News, and CNN.