Trump-Backed Michels Beats Pence-Endorsed Kleefisch In Race For GOP Nomination

Topline

Businessman Tim Michels has defeated former Wisconsin Lt. Gov Rebecca Kleefisch in the state’s Republican gubernatorial primary, delivering a major endorsement victory for former President Donald Trump, who backed the candidate even as other top Republican officials–like former Vice President Mike Pence–endorsed Kleefisch.

Former President Donald Trump and Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels speak … [+] during a rally on August 5, 2022 in Waukesha, Wisconsin. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Key Facts

The AP called the race for Michels at 11:35 p.m. Eastern time Tuesday, with an estimated 77% of the vote counted.

Michels held a lead with 47% of the vote, followed by Kleefisch at 43.1%.

Michels faces incumbent Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in the November general election.

Big Number

2. That’s how many wins Trump can now claim in the three primaries in which the former president and vice president supported opposing candidates. Trump-endorsed Kari Lake beat Pence’s candidate last week in the Arizona GOP gubernatorial primary, while Pence-endorsed Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp won the Georgia Republican gubernatorial primary in May in a landslide over Trump-backed former Sen. David Perdue.

Key Background

Both Kleefisch and Michels supported Trump’s false claims of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election and have proposed reforms that they say will enhance election security, such as eliminating the bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission. The agreement between the two on fraud gave the race a different dynamic than earlier primaries in which Trump and Pence split their support, with Trump backing voter fraud believers and Pence endorsing more skeptical candidates. The former president instead attacked Kleefisch for her strong “establishment” support, labeling her a “RINO”—or Republican in name only. Both Pence and Trump appear to be gearing up for 2024 presidential bids.

Surprising Fact

Trump boasts of a near-perfect record for the dozens of candidates he’s endorsed in the midterm primaries this year, but many of those have run in low-profile races with little competition. The former president’s endorsement record is mixed in higher-profile races, with Perdue, Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-N.C.) and Rep. Jody Hice (R-Ga.)—a candidate for Georgia Secretary of State—being among the prominent figures that have lost after earning Trump’s support.

Topline

Key Facts

Big Number

Key Background

Surprising Fact

Further Reading