As political dynamics heat up in Wisconsin, Reince Priebus, a notable Republican figure and former White House chief of staff under President Donald Trump, has weighed in on the state’s gubernatorial race. Priebus expressed skepticism about the need for more Republican candidates to join the fray.
In a recent interview with WISN-TV, Priebus dismissed the likelihood of Tim Michels, a construction executive who previously ran for governor in 2022, entering the race again. “I highly doubt that Tim Michaels will get in,” Priebus commented, noting the timing as a factor.
Priebus’s remarks are significant given his past associations with both Trump and Michels. Priebus played a pivotal role in Michels’ 2022 gubernatorial campaign, which began in April of that year, and has described their relationship as that of “pretty close friends.” His insights are particularly relevant as speculation swirls around potential GOP candidates.
Priebus identified U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Minocqua, as the current frontrunner in the Republican primary. He also admitted to not knowing much about the other declared GOP candidate, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann. The endorsement of President Trump, a significant factor in Republican primaries, remains unclaimed this election cycle. However, Priebus hinted, “the president is going to get involved,” citing Trump’s penchant for influence.
Tom Tiffany, known for his allegiance to Trump, has a rapport with the former president, according to Priebus. “So, I know he has a relationship with the president,” Priebus said. “I’m not speaking for the president. But I mean clearly, Tom Tiffany is — he’s got a lot of momentum.”
Before his tenure as Trump’s chief of staff, Priebus led the Republican National Committee and played a key role in securing Milwaukee as the host for the 2024 Republican National Convention. Meanwhile, Michels has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
Anthony Chergosky, a Political Science Professor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, shared insights with WPR, suggesting that despite Priebus’s views, there remains ample time for Michels or others to launch a competitive campaign. “But there could also be a strong interest among Priebus and others in the Wisconsin GOP to not have more players enter the fold and to keep this as a one-on-one competition between Josh Schoemann and Tom Tiffany,” Chergosky added.
The lessons from the turbulent 2022 GOP primary, where Michels won against former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch with a Trump endorsement only to lose to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in the general election, might influence the current strategy. Chergosky noted that the previous nomination fight “left Michels ultimately hobbled for the general election that year.”
Priebus on the Democratic Field: Barnes as a Factor
On the Democratic side, a crowded field includes Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, and other notable figures like state Sen. Kelda Roys and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes. Priebus anticipates Barnes might clinch the Democratic nomination, which he believes could favor Republicans due to Barnes’ liberal stance.
“I hope Mandela Barnes becomes the Democratic nominee,” Priebus stated. “It makes it a lot easier.” Chergosky echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Republicans have a proven strategy against Barnes, as demonstrated in his 2022 defeat to GOP U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson.
In response, Barnes’ campaign spokesperson Cole Wozniak dismissed Priebus’s remarks as “cheap partisan hackery and weak spin,” claiming that polling data favors Barnes in a general election against both Tiffany and Michels.
