President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Rep. Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race, a move that’s reshaped the Republican primary overnight.
Trump announced his endorsement via social media on Tuesday night, praising Tiffany’s loyalty and vision for the state. Less than a day later, Tiffany’s main Republican rival, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, exited the race, wishing Tiffany well for the November election. With only nominal opposition left in the primary, Tiffany appears poised to secure the Republican nomination in this open race, the first in 16 years since Gov. Tony Evers opted against a third term.
According to Newsmax, the endorsement has sparked discussion across Wisconsin’s political landscape as the general election looms. Supporters see it as a boost for Tiffany’s campaign, while detractors question the implications of such strong backing from Trump. Let’s unpack what this means for the state and its voters.
There’s no denying the power of Trump’s nod in today’s Republican circles. Tiffany, a staunch ally since his election to Congress in 2020, has consistently aligned with Trump’s priorities, and this endorsement cements that bond. It’s a signal to voters that Tiffany carries the torch of a no-nonsense, America-first agenda.
Schoemann’s swift exit shows just how much sway Trump holds. By stepping aside and offering congratulations, Schoemann avoided a bruising primary battle, clearing the path for Tiffany to focus on the bigger fight ahead. It’s a pragmatic move, even if it leaves some wondering about the state of competition within the party.
Tiffany still faces Andy Manske, a 26-year-old medical services technician, in the primary. But with Manske’s minimal fundraising compared to Tiffany’s reported $2 million war chest, the contest feels more symbolic than substantive. This isn’t a David-and-Goliath story; it’s more like David forgot his slingshot.
Trump didn’t hold back in touting Tiffany’s potential as governor, promising he’d grow the economy, slash taxes, and uphold law and order. Add in commitments to support the military and protect gun rights, and you’ve got a platform that resonates with many who feel Wisconsin needs a firm hand against progressive overreach. It’s a message that cuts through the noise of endless government red tape.
Tiffany himself echoed that sentiment, pledging to tackle high utility rates and property taxes. He’s promised to eliminate bureaucratic waste and bring practical leadership back to Madison. It’s a refreshing stance for those tired of seeing their hard-earned dollars vanish into inefficient programs.
As Trump put it, Tiffany “has always been at my side.” That loyalty isn’t just personal—it’s a promise of policy alignment that could steer Wisconsin away from what many see as a drift toward out-of-touch, big-government solutions. The question is whether voters will see this as a strength or a liability.
Democrats, predictably, aren’t rolling out the welcome mat. Izzi Levy of the Democratic Governors Association criticized Tiffany’s voting record, arguing it’s too tied to national Republican priorities. Her claim that Tiffany’s agenda “has hurt families, farmers, and small businesses” across Wisconsin is a sharp jab, but let’s be honest—it’s more rhetoric than evidence.
Levy’s critique paints Tiffany as a Washington insider, ignoring his years in the Wisconsin Legislature backing former Gov. Scott Walker’s reforms. Many remember those policies as a win for fiscal restraint, not a burden on everyday folks. The Democratic line feels like a tired playbook, banking on voter resentment rather than offering fresh ideas.
The Democratic field is crowded, with names like former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and current Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez in the mix, alongside others like Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. They’ll need more than recycled talking points to counter Tiffany’s momentum, especially with Trump’s base energized. This race is shaping up to be a real clash of visions.
History isn’t exactly on Tiffany’s side, though. No sitting member of Congress has ever clinched the governor’s mansion in Wisconsin, and midterm trends often favor the party out of power at the national level. It’s a steep hill, but with Trump’s backing, Tiffany might just rewrite the rulebook.
Democrats have also never held the governor’s office for more than eight consecutive years, which could signal an opening for a Republican surge. Tiffany’s challenge will be to convince voters he’s not just a Washington figure but a leader rooted in Wisconsin’s needs. If he can balance that, November could be his to win.