Governors of Wisconsin and Oklahoma Deliver Final State of the State Addresses

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, who is not seeking reelection in 2026, delivered his final State of the State address before the state Legislature in mid-February 2026. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, also in his final term, delivered his final State of the State address in early February 2026 at the start of the state's legislative session. Both addresses were given by term-limited governors summarizing their tenures and proposing agendas as their final terms conclude. In Wisconsin, Evers cited accomplishments including a deal to keep the Milwaukee Brewers in Wisconsin through 2050 and the replacement of Republican-drawn legislative maps, which he described as gerrymandered, with new district lines. He also criticized the Legislature, characterizing some of its actions as attempts to circumvent the executive branch rather than address pressing state issues. In Oklahoma, Stitt called on the Legislature to place a question before voters allowing changes to the state's Medicaid expansion program, a proposal that drew concern from health care leaders. Stitt also proposed making the state superintendent an appointed rather than elected position, called for placing the medical marijuana program before voters again, and pushed for the elimination of the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association. He additionally presented his executive budget as a starting point for legislative negotiations over the following four months. In Wisconsin, the Legislature's response to Evers' criticisms and the future of the state's split-government dynamics remain unresolved as his final year in office continues. In Oklahoma, the fate of Stitt's proposals—including the Medicaid expansion question, the superintendent appointment measure, and the marijuana referendum—depends on legislative action expected during the session that began in early February, with the budget process to unfold over the following months. Reactions from lawmakers in both states beyond those noted were not detailed in available reporting.