WISCONSIN— The Aug. 9 primary is less than two weeks away. Wisconsin Republicans still need to decide who they want to take on incumbent Democratic Gov. Tony Evers come November.
During a convention in Middleton in May, the GOP decided not to endorse a candidate for governor before the primary. However, that has not stopped individuals, namely notable Republicans, from endorsing their pick for the top executive spot.
Ultimately, voters will decide between businessman Tim Michels, former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and state Rep. Tim Ramthun.
Here’s a look at who’s backing which Republican candidate:
Tim Michels
AP Photo
Michels is endorsed by former President Donald Trump, who will hold a rally in Waukesha on Friday, Aug. 5. Trump is expected to make remarks in support of Michels’ campaign that evening.
“Tim is an America First Conservative who Supports our Second Amendment, Honors our Brave Law Enforcement and First Responders, and Stands Strongly against the Woke Mob trying to destroy our Country,” Trump said in a statement.
Michels is also endorsed by former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson.
“Tim will fight to make Wisconsin the best place to live, work and play just as I did when I was governor,” Thompson said in a statement. “Tim has bold plans to reduce crime, improve schools, restore integrity to our elections and put our economy back on track.”
Additional endorsements can be found on Michels' campaign website.
Rebecca Kleefisch
AP Photo
On Wednesday, former Vice President Mike Pence endorsed Kleefisch for Wisconsin governor.
“Rebecca Kleefisch is the only candidate that will deliver a stronger and more prosperous Wisconsin, and I am proud to support her,” Pence said in a statement. “Rebecca has a proven conservative track record and will draw on her experience to give parents more control of their children’s education, grow the economy and get Wisconsin back to work, fight for traditional conservative values, and make Wisconsin streets safer. Conservatives across the Badger State can fight back against the radical left in Wisconsin and join me in supporting Rebecca Kleefisch for governor.”
Kleefisch is also endorsed by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. Cruz won the presidential primary in Wisconsin when he ran against Trump in 2016.
“I’m proud to endorse Rebecca Kleefisch for governor of Wisconsin,” Cruz said in a statement. “Rebecca will fight for a stronger economy, school choice so parents are back in charge of their kids’ education, and she will work to protect Life and our Second Amendment. I ask my fellow conservatives to join me in supporting Rebecca’s campaign for governor today!
She has also been endorsed by state Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.
Even though the GOP did not endorse a candidate for Wisconsin governor, Kleefisch came close with 54.63% of the party’s support. However, she would have needed 60% of the party’s leaders to vote in her favor to clinch the endorsement.
For a full list of people and groups endorsing Kleefisch, click here.
Tim Ramthun
Ramthun has been endorsed by Mike Lindell, MyPillow CEO.
Lt. Gov. candidate Jonathan Wichmann has also endorsed Ramthun.
For a full list of people and groups endorsing Ramthun, click here.
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