MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The former chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin confirmed Thursday he will not run for governor in 2026.

Ben Wikler said in a statement he will not seek the governor's office next year, but he added he's committed to helping the party raise money and build out campaign plans for whoever wins the primary election in August.

“We have an extraordinary and growing field of candidates," Wikler said in a statement. "For me, the chance to reconnect with my family after six years of constant work as the state party chair is the kind of opportunity you only get a few times in a lifetime. My kids were 1, 4 and 7 when I was first elected party chair. They’re now 7, 10 and 13."

Wikler pledged to join Gov. Tony Evers, and party's new chair, Devin Remiker, and Evers' campaign manager, Cassi Fenili, to build out their previously announced 'Governor Readiness Project.'

The aim is to have resources already in place for the general election, regardless of who the Democrats' nominee is.

“Wisconsin’s primary in the governor’s race won’t take place until August 11, 2026. From there, the nominee will have only 84 days until the general election," Wikler said. "I’m committed to helping Governor Evers ensure that WisDems has the resources and campaigning infrastructure ready to go on day one for the next Democratic nominee."

So far, the Democratic primary field includes Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, State Sen. Kelda Roys, State Rep. Francesca Hong, former Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Director Missy Hughes and American Family Field beer vendor Ryan Strnad.

Former lieutenant governor and candidate for U.S. Senate Mandela Barnes is considering joining the race. A Marquette Law School poll released earlier this month showed him as the early frontrunner.

Attorney General Josh Kaul has announced he will also not run for governor.

The field is much smaller on the Republican side. Congressman Tom Tiffany and Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann are the declared GOP candidates. New Berlin business owner Bill Berrien dropped out of the race last month.