Businessman Tim Michels, who is running in the Wisconsin GOP gubernatorial primary, has narrowly taken the lead in the crowded field, according to a new poll from Marquette Law School.

Michels, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, leads former Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, businessman Kevin Nicholson, and State Representative Tim Ramthun (R-Campbellsport).

“In the first Marquette Law School Poll conducted since he entered the race in April, Tim Michels is the choice of 27% of Republicans (including independents who lean Republican) and independents who say they will vote in the GOP primary for governor. Rebecca Kleefisch is supported by 26%, Kevin Nicholson is supported by 10%, Tim Ramthun is the choice of 3%, and Adam Fischer is supported by less than 0.5%. A substantial 32% of Republican primary voters remain undecided, down from 46% who were undecided in the Marquette Law School Poll conducted in April,” the survey explains.

Since entering the contest, Michels has cast himself as an outsider, detailing a plan to “drain the Madison Swamp.”

“From Covid to Kenosha, Tony Evers has brought nothing but failed policy and no leadership to Wisconsin. I have the experience to get Wisconsin back on track.” he said, reacting to the poll.

However, the poll showed that Kleefisch was the best candidate to currently face Democrat Governor Tony Evers. In a head-to-head contest, Evers holds 47 percent, compared to her 43 percent. Against Michels, Evers maintained 48 percent, while 41 percent of respondents picked Michels.

“Rebecca Kleefisch is the best Republican candidate to beat Tony Evers this fall,” said Charles Nichols, campaign manager for Rebecca for Governor. “As a middle-class public school mom, Rebecca can relate to the important issues Wisconsin families and workers are facing today. She knows firsthand how the liberal Biden/Evers policies on inflation, crime, education, and the economy are devastating our state, and as governor, she’ll help Wisconsinites take back control.”

– – –

Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Wisconsin Daily Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Tim Michels” by Tim Michels. Photo “Rebecca Kleefisch” by Rebecca Kleefisch.Â