Racine Sun

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers used the moments right before the formal swearing-in ceremony marking the start of his second term to pay respects to those he believes are most responsible for his taking the oath at the capitol in Madison. 

“As jazzed as I am today, I am also humbled,” Evers posted to Twitter just prior to the Tuesday gathering. “I'm taking my oath of office again today with a grateful heart, for your trust, for your faith and for your confidence in me.”

With onlookers ranging from other public officeholders to judges and Wisconsin voters, Evers reflected "given the opportunity to abandon the virtues that define us, Wisconsinites chose to embrace a better history."

Evers also marked the occasion by reaffirming his agenda for change, especially when it comes to matters like abortion.

"We must restore the freedoms that Wisconsinites had until June 23, 2022, the day before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade,” Evers said in a news release. “And I believe that together we will.”

Evers also reasserted his commitment to his long-held vision of smaller classrooms and a publicly funded education system before turning his attention to his push for legal marijuana. 

"We must have a meaningful conversation about treating marijuana much like we do alcohol," he said. 

Finally, as a native of Wisconsin, Evers noted with pride how he’s remained connected with the state's voters and the reasons so many of them again turned out at the polls to support him.

“People voted because they believe, as I do, that when we deliver tax relief, it should be targeted to the middle class to give working families a little breathing room in their family budget, not to give big breaks to millionaires and billionaires who don’t need the extra help to afford rising costs,” he said.  "People voted because they believe, as I do, that we should expand BadgerCare and work to ensure everyone has access to quality, affordable health care.”