Trump’s Influence on GOP, Endorsement Appeal Over Pence, on Display in Wisconsin

Jeff LouderbackAugust 10, 2022

Former President Donald Trump’s influence over GOP swing state voters was tested again on Aug. 9 in the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary.

The contest served as another clash of candidates endorsed by Trump and his former vice president, Mike Pence, as both men appear poised to seek the presidency in 2024.

Trump-backed businessman and retired U.S. Army Ranger Tim Michels defeated Pence-supported former Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch in the primary race.

Michels received 47 percent of the vote, and Kleefisch had 43 percent, as of 11:46 p.m. with 76 percent of the vote counted, according to The Associated Press.

Tim Michels and his family greet supporters after winning the Aug. 9 Wisconsin GOP gubernatorial primary. (Courtesy of Tim Michels for Congress)

Days before the primary, an Emerson College poll showed Kleefisch with a two-point lead—36 percent to 34 percent—over Michels, which is within the margin of error.

A poll of undecided voters found that slightly more were leaning toward Kleefisch, who gained 41 percent, compared with 39 percent for Michels.

According to that survey, 39 percent of the respondents said Trump’s endorsement impacts their decision, while 49 percent said it does not.

Trump’s endorsement appeared to make a significant impact in the final result.

Kleefisch, a former TV news anchor who was also endorsed by former Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), launched a generously funded campaign last September and raced to a commanding lead over her lesser-known opponents.

Michels entered the race in April and secured Trump’s endorsement in June. The race became more competitive. Michels poured around $12 million of his own money into TV ads, portraying himself as a businessman and an outsider.

“I’d like to thank President Trump for his support, for this endorsement. It meant so much. It was a tremendous validation