Jan. 3 marked the start of a new two-year legislative session, and kicked off with the inauguration of Tony Evers and the other constitutional officers.

“I’m Tony Evers, and, yes, I am jazzed as hell today to be sworn in again as the 46th governor of the great state of Wisconsin,” Evers announced.

The Democrat took the oath of office looking to set a new tone for his second term as governor. Evers framed his win in November 2022 as a victory for democracy, not just Democrats.

“Wisconsin rejected a rhetoric born out of apathy and animosity toward our neighbors. And Wisconsin rejected a return to the bitter politics of resentment,” he said.

Evers used his inaugural address to lay out how voters expect a return to bipartisanship and compromise, with a Democratic point of view.

“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,” said Evers.

After the ceremony in the Wisconsin State Capitol rotunda, members of the legislature were sworn in — with Republicans in commanding control of both chambers.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos also spoke about compromise.

“So if you come from the far left or the far right, please always remember in this institution, the middle 90% of the body is where things get done, not on the fringe,” he said in a speech to the chamber.

Vos likewise spoke about tax reform, from a Republican point of view.

“When I look at our tax climate, I see that all around us are flat taxes in Iowa, Michigan, Illinois,” Vos said.

Evers previewed the next two years when he said the inaugural called for a party, but the real work was yet to come.

“Wisconsin, we love you,” he declared. “Let’s polka tonight and get to work tomorrow!”