In a significant political development, former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson has declared his support for Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany’s gubernatorial campaign, effectively quelling any rumors of his own candidacy in the GOP primary.
Thompson, Wisconsin’s longest-serving governor with four terms under his belt, had previously sparked interest last year by hinting at a potential run for the governorship in 2026.
In a statement released by Tiffany’s campaign, Thompson reflected on his formative years in Wisconsin. “Growing up in Elroy instilled in me the values that shaped my time as governor,” he remarked. “Tom Tiffany comes from those same Wisconsin roots. From his upbringing on a dairy farm in Elmwood to his service today, he knows our communities and what it takes to lead.”
Despite Tiffany’s status as the leading Republican candidate for governor, early polls indicate a significant portion of the Republican base remains undecided about their choice for the November elections. A primary battle with Thompson could have highlighted divisions within the party, particularly in an election cycle predicted to be tough for Republicans.
Thompson, now 84, first assumed the governorship in 1986 and held office until 2001, when he joined the Bush administration as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Although he has maintained an active role in politics, Thompson often hints at missing the excitement of electoral campaigns.
His political journey includes a brief presidential campaign in 2007 and an unsuccessful Senate bid against Democrat Tammy Baldwin in 2012. Thompson has previously considered gubernatorial runs in 2006 and 2022.
