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Trump Endorsement Shakes Up Wisconsin Governor’s Race as Tiffany Takes Lead
President Donald Trump’s endorsement of U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin’s open governor’s race has dramatically reshaped the Republican primary landscape, prompting Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann to abandon his campaign less than 24 hours after the announcement.
Trump threw his support behind Tiffany on Tuesday evening through a social media post, declaring that the congressman “has always been at my side.” The endorsement’s immediate impact demonstrates Trump’s continued influence in Republican primary contests, particularly in battleground states like Wisconsin that will be crucial in the upcoming presidential election.
Schoemann, who had been Tiffany’s most formidable Republican challenger, conceded gracefully on Wednesday, congratulating Tiffany on securing the former president’s backing and wishing him “great success” in the November general election.
Tiffany, a staunch Trump loyalist since his election to Congress in 2020, previously served over seven years in the Wisconsin Legislature where he established himself as a reliable supporter of former Republican Governor Scott Walker. His campaign has already amassed a substantial war chest of more than $2 million, giving him a significant financial advantage heading into the primary.
The congressman now faces only minimal opposition from Andy Manske, a 26-year-old medical services technician who has raised virtually no campaign funds but has pledged to remain in the race despite the long odds.
In his endorsement, Trump outlined his expectations for a Tiffany governorship, saying the congressman would focus on economic growth, tax cuts, border security, law and order, military support, and protecting gun rights—all key components of Trump’s own political agenda.
Tiffany expressed gratitude for the endorsement, promising Wisconsin voters he would “make Wisconsin great again by lowering utility rates and property taxes, cutting burdensome red tape, rooting out waste and fraud, and restoring common-sense leadership to Madison.” His adoption of Trump’s signature “make great again” slogan signals his intention to closely align himself with the former president throughout the campaign.
Democrats swiftly criticized the endorsement. Izzi Levy, spokesperson for the Democratic Governors Association, accused Tiffany of having “proudly voted in lockstep for Washington Republicans’ expensive and unpopular agenda that has hurt families, farmers, and small businesses across Wisconsin.”
The 2024 Wisconsin governor’s race represents the first open contest for the position in 16 years, following Democratic Governor Tony Evers’ decision not to seek a third term. The Democratic primary field is crowded with prominent contenders, including former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, current Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, and several state legislators and former Evers administration officials.
Tiffany faces significant historical challenges in his bid. No sitting member of Congress has ever successfully made the jump to the Wisconsin governor’s mansion. Additionally, gubernatorial candidates from the same party as the sitting president have consistently lost in midterm elections over the past 36 years—with Evers in 2022 being the lone exception.
However, Democrats have their own historical hurdle to overcome, having never held the Wisconsin governorship for more than eight consecutive years.
The race holds particular significance for both parties in Wisconsin, a perennial swing state that has been decided by razor-thin margins in recent presidential and gubernatorial elections. Control of the governor’s office would give either party significant leverage in policy implementation and election administration in a state that could again prove decisive in determining the next president.
As the campaign progresses, Tiffany’s ability to translate Trump’s endorsement into broader support among Wisconsin voters will be closely watched by political observers nationwide.
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10 Comments
While Trump’s endorsement carries a lot of weight, I hope Tiffany will also focus on issues beyond just courting the former president’s base, like economic development and job creation in the state.
That’s a fair point. Tiffany will need to demonstrate a broader vision for the state beyond just aligning with Trump if he wants to succeed in the general election.
It’s interesting that Schoemann dropped out so quickly after Trump’s endorsement of Tiffany. That shows the continued sway the former president has over the GOP primary process.
This endorsement from Trump is a major boost for Tiffany in the Wisconsin governor’s race. As a long-time Trump supporter, he will likely have the former president’s loyal base behind him.
I’ll be watching this race closely to see how Tiffany’s pro-business, pro-mining platform resonates with Wisconsin voters compared to the Democratic nominee’s agenda.
I’m curious to see how Tiffany’s pro-mining and energy policies will play out with voters, especially given the focus on climate change and the transition to renewables.
That’s a good point. Tiffany’s stance on mining and energy could be a key factor, especially in a state with a strong tradition of resource extraction.
Given Wisconsin’s status as a key swing state, this governor’s race could have big implications for the 2024 presidential election. Trump’s involvement adds an extra layer of intrigue.
I’m curious to see how Tiffany’s mining and energy policies will be received by environmentally-conscious voters in Wisconsin. That could be a point of contention in the campaign.
Tiffany’s experience in the state legislature and as a strong Trump ally could give him an edge, but he’ll still need to convince voters he has the right vision for Wisconsin’s future.