Former Vice President Mike Pence endorsed Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Rebecca Kleefisch ahead of the state’s August 9th GOP primary.
Pence supported Kleefisch over businessman Tim Michels and State Representative Timothy Ramthun (R-Mount Calvary). The decision puts Pence at odds with former President Donald Trump, who backed Michels earlier this year.
“Rebecca Kleefisch is the only candidate that will deliver a stronger and more prosperous Wisconsin, and I am proud to support her,” Vice President Pence said. “Rebecca has a proven conservative track record and will draw on her experience to give parents more control of their children’s education, grow the economy and get Wisconsin back to work, fight for traditional conservative values, and make Wisconsin streets safer. Conservatives across the Badger State can fight back against the radical left in Wisconsin and join me in supporting Rebecca Kleefisch for governor.”
In addition to Pence, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) backed the former lieutenant governor earlier this week,
“Vice President Pence fought against the extreme Left to help America thrive. As a former governor, he knows what it takes to enact conservative reform at the state level,” Kleefisch responded. “I’m honored to have Vice President Mike Pence’s endorsement as I run to make Wisconsin freer, safer, and more affordable, and I look forward to earning the support of every Wisconsinite on August 9th.”
The Wisconsin race is not the first time Trump and Pence have been at odds since leaving office in 2021. In Georgia, Pence’s backing of Governor Brian Kemp easily defeated Trump’s pick, David Perdue. However, in Arizona, according to the latest poll, Trump-endorsed candidate Kari Lake seemingly has a notable lead over Pence-backed Karrin Taylor-Robson.
The proxy battles mirror what could be a potential 2024 matchup as both candidates weigh entering the presidential contest.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Wisconsin Daily Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Mike Pence and Rebecca Kleefisch” by Rebecca Kleefisch.
