MIDDLETON, Wis. — Wisconsin Republicans voted not to endorse a candidate for governor ahead of the August primary.

Rebecca Kleefisch came close with 54.63%. However, she would have needed a 60% majority to clinch the endorsement. That means none of the five candidates running in the Republican primary have the party’s official endorsement.

Had someone secured the support, it would have unlocked campaign funding from the party.

The lack of backing a candidate comes after the party voted earlier Saturday to allow a “no endorsement” option on the ballot.

Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Paul Farrow oversees a vote during the rules portion of the convention. (Spectrum News/Anthony DaBruzzi)

Before the weekend's convention, the debate among Republicans wasn't really about who to endorse for governor. Rather, it centered around if any candidate should be endorsed at all after growing concern about establishment candidates.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin has endorsed candidates since 2009, so plenty of debate was had in a room filled with more than 1,500 delegates who were divided Saturday.

“Taking that right away from the people that go out and vote is not correct,” a delegate from Chippewa County told the convention. “I think that we should endorse after primaries, but we definitely shouldn't lose that option here.”

With the majority threshold needed to endorse, other delegates argued that not backing someone should not be an option.

A delegate from Pierce County raises concerns about the "no endorsement" option. (Spectrum News/Anthony DaBruzzi)

“Nobody is losing their rights to vote,” a delegate from Pierce County said. “Your primary will still happen. The primary candidates will still be on the ballot.”

Only time will tell how the lack of an endorsement could impact the race for governor.

“It shouldn't be a popularity contest,” Timothy Ramthun told the crowd. “It shouldn't be about whose turn it is to be in the seat.”

The “no endorsement” momentum was evident on the stage Saturday.

“I want your support, but I need it in August and November when it really counts and when together we can make the true difference,” Tim Michels said.

Even so, funding from the party could be vital earlier on in this election cycle as Republicans strive to find unity.

“I urge you to vote for no endorsement,” Kevin Nicholson said. “Then, when it comes time for we the people to vote, on primary day, and in November, I will ask for your support as we band together to defeat Tony Evers.”

Republican gubernatorial candidate Rebecca Kleefisch waves to the crowd following her state convention speech. (Spectrum News/Anthony DaBruzzi)

The only candidate to actively seek an endorsement happens to also be the only person who knows what it's like to not get one and still win statewide office when the party didn't back her bid for lieutenant governor 12 years ago.

“Thanks to you, I have won four statewide elections,” Rebecca Kleefisch told the delegates. “I will win this. I have done it.”

Regardless of the party endorsement debate, who will face Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in November is ultimately up to primary voters in August.

The debate over endorsement isn't a problem for Democrats in Wisconsin, and it is not because Tony Evers is the only one in the race either.

It's because the party doesn't endorse before a primary.

Late Saturday morning, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin held its own press conference outside the convention center. 

Standing in front of a truck that said “GOP Dumpster Fire,” they said the state Republican Party has become divisive and leaned into conspiracy theories. 

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler holds an informal rebuttal with reporters outside of the convention center in Middleton, Wis. (Spectrum News/Savanna Tomei)

“Republicans are locked in heated in a brutal primary for governor. If you want to hear how divisive they are, just listen to the awful things they've said about each other,” April Kigeya, a Dane County Supervisor, said. “This year's governor race in Wisconsin is being closely watched by people all around the country. Wisconsin has a choice to make.” 

A big part of their informal rebuttal included talking about abortion rights in Wisconsin. 

“Rebecca Kleefisch [is] someone who said that rape victims should just turn lemons into lemonade. Kevin Nicholson has an organization that's trying to trick people out of accessing abortion,” State Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison) said. “Tim Ramthun says that he's 100% pro-life. Tim Michels, during his Senate run in 2004, said it was not unreasonable to force rape victims to give birth to their rapist’s child.” 

The state Democratic convention will be held the weekend of June 25 in La Crosse.