U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, a Wisconsin Republican, has announced his candidacy for the governor of Wisconsin, joining a competitive field in an open race. In a campaign video, he vowed to ‘clean up the bull’ in Madison politics, promising to freeze property taxes and safeguard farmland from ‘Communist China.’ The race is open as current Governor Tony Evers has opted not to seek re-election. Other candidates include Milwaukee County Executive Josh Schoemann and former Navy SEAL Bill Berrien, who both emphasized their non-political backgrounds and commitment to economic revitalization.
Tiffany, who has been serving in the U.S. House of Representatives since May 2020 after winning a special election, has positioned himself as a reformer ready to tackle the state’s challenges. His campaign rhetoric reflects a strong stance against what he perceives as ‘bureaucratic leadership’ and a desire to bring in ‘builders’ who will create prosperity through work and restore manufacturing infrastructure in the state. Berrien, a manufacturer and former Navy SEAL, echoed this sentiment, stating that the last thing Wisconsin needs is another career politician at the helm.
The governor’s race is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for Wisconsin, a swing state that has historically been a key battleground in national elections. President Donald Trump won the state in 2024 and 2016 but lost it in 2020, highlighting the state’s shifting political landscape. The current candidates’ positions on issues such as property taxes, agricultural protection, and economic revitalization will likely play a significant role in the outcome of the race.
Josh Schoemann, the Milwaukee County Executive, has also entered the race, expressing his willingness to engage in a Republican primary focused on ideas and the opportunity to win back the governor’s office. He welcomed Tiffany’s entry into the race, indicating the potential for a robust primary contest within the GOP. The race is expected to draw attention not only from within Wisconsin but also from national observers interested in the state’s political future.
As the campaign season heats up, the candidates’ promises and strategies will be closely monitored, with the potential impact on state policies and the broader national political climate being significant. The outcome of this race could influence the direction of Wisconsin’s governance and its role in future national elections.