Trump endorses Tiffany in high-stakes governor’s race

That banging sound Wisconsin Republicans may be hearing this week could be nails being driven into several political coffins.

President Donald Trump has formally endorsed U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wisconsin-07) in the race for Wisconsin governor, a move that instantly puts his opponent in the GOP primary, Washington County executive Josh Schoemann, on the critical list if history is any indication.

Trump’s endorsement of businessman Tim Michels in the last gubernatorial go-round helped propel him to a primary win over former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch four years ago, though Kleefisch was widely seen as the stronger candidate in the general election.

In 2024, candidates endorsed by Trump in GOP primaries won 96 percent of the time.

In his announcement, Trump lavished praise on the northern Wisconsin congressman, highlighting Tiffany’s efforts to cut taxes, secure the border, champion American energy dominance, and ensure law and order.

“Highly Respected America First Congressman, Tom Tiffany, is running to be the next governor of the GREAT State of Wisconsin, a very special place to me in that we had a BIG presidential election win just over one year ago, on November 5, 2024!” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. “I endorsed Tom for Congress early and strong, and he won, BIG.”

Likewise, Trump wrote, he has always been at the president’s side. 

“A very successful businessman, family farmer, and state legislator, prior to becoming a distinguished United States Congressman, Tom is a proven leader who has dedicated his life to serving his community,” the president wrote. “As your next governor, Tom will continue to work tirelessly to grow the economy, cut taxes and regulations, promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., champion American energy DOMINANCE, keep our border SECURE, stop migrant crime, ensure LAW AND ORDER, strengthen our brave military/veterans, advance election integrity, advocate for the working men and women of Wisconsin, and protect our always under siege Second Amendment.”

Tiffany will fight to advance common-sense values and put Wisconsin and America First, Trump declared.

“Tom Tiffany has my complete and total endorsement to be the next Governor of Wisconsin — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN.” 

Getting Trump’s endorsement is neither automatic nor easy. As national political outlet Roll Call has observed, Trump has been reluctant to associate himself with candidates he views as politically weak or likely to lose in November. 

In several high-profile races, Trump has withheld endorsements altogether rather than risk backing a losing effort. For example, as Roll Call reported, he did not endorse then-Lt. Gov. Winsome Earl Sears in the Virginia gubernatorial race last year.

Tiffany said he was especially honored to earn the president’s endorsement.

“Just one year into his second term, wages are rising, gas prices are down, our economy is growing, and our border is secure,” Tiffany said. “For seven years, Democrat leadership has pushed our state in the wrong direction. As governor, I will 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.”

All in all, it was more bad news for Schoemann, whose fundraising report showed him far behind Tiffany. Schoemann has raised about $1 million total, while Tiffany has raised more than twice that and more than any other candidate in the race.

Tiffany, who launched his gubernatorial campaign in September, reported raising $2.12 million in donations in the first campaign reporting period, along with $3,808 in in-kind contributions. He spent $438,160 and had almost $1.7 million cash on hand, according to campaign filings. 

Among his donors were prominent Republican donors Diane Hendricks, Dick Uihlein, and Liz Uihlein, each of whom contributed $20,000. Tiffany also received an $86,000 contribution from the Wisconsin Federation of College Republicans, a political party entity allowed under state law to make unlimited donations to candidates.

Schoemann raised $535,650 during the most recent reporting period. He ended the period with just under $500,000 on hand.

Democrats, who are expected to make the president the centerpiece of the fall campaign, were quick to seize on the endorsement. Democratic Party of Wisconsin chairman Devin Remiker underscored Tiffany’s close ties to Trump’s agenda.

“We agree with Donald Trump — Tom Tiffany has been by his side for all of it: ICE murdering Americans in the streets, the Big Ugly Bill, ending funding for the Affordable Care Act, invading Greenland, and raising everyday costs,” Remiker said. “Donald Trump just made Tom Tiffany the general election nominee, and we will stop him from bringing his chaotic and dangerous agenda in November.”

Democrats face a crowded primary field, with at least seven candidates vying for the nomination. The field includes Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Milwaukee County executive David Crowley, former Department of Administration secretary Joel Brennan, former Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation CEO Missy Hughes, State Rep. Francesca Hong (D-Madison), and state Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison).

Endorsing Duffy’s son-in-law

In the same series of Truth Social posts, Trump also endorsed Michael Alfonso, a 25-year-old businessman running to succeed Tiffany in the 7th congressional district.

Alfonso is the son-in-law of former 7th district congressman Sean Duffy and Fox News personality Rachel Campos-Duffy. Trump praised Alfonso as a “MAGA Warrior,” citing his family ties and alignment with the America First agenda. 

“It is my Great Honor to endorse MAGA warrior, Michael Alfonso, a young “STAR” who is running to represent the incredible people of Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Michael is the son-in-law of our GREAT Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, and the wonderful Rachel Campos-Duffy, of FoxNews, one of the most popular (and talented!) anchors in all of television.”

All of the family have been fierce MAGA supporters, Trump wrote.

“As your next Congressman, Michael will work tirelessly to grow our economy, cut taxes and regulations, champion our amazing farmers and ranchers, promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Advance American energy DOMINANCE, keep our border SECURE, stop migrant crime, support our military/veterans, safeguard our elections, and protect our always under siege Second Amendment.”

Trump said his endorsement was wholehearted.

“Michal Alfonso has been a winner all of his life, comes from a truly spectacular family, and has my complete and total endorsement to be the next representative from Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” he wrote.

Other candidates in the race include Republican businessman and attorney Paul Wassgren of Ashland and Jessi Ebben of Stanley, with Kevin Hermening of Mosinee expected to enter the race.

Richard Moore is the author of “Dark State” and may be reached at richardd3d.substack.com.