The ‘real’ GOP primary for WI governor: Trump endorses Tom Tiffany

US Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., leaves the US Capitol on January 15, 2026. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

By Pat Kreitlow

January 28, 2026

Odds become even longer for Josh Schoemann, the only other Republican in the race for Wisconsin governor.

US Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) has claimed a victory that means as much if not more than the August Republican gubernatorial primary, after receiving President Donald Trump’s endorsement in the 2026 race for Wisconsin governor.

“Tom Tiffany has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Governor of Wisconsin — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump posted to his social media site. “I endorsed Tom for Congress early and strong, and he won, BIG. Likewise, he has always been at my side.”

Tiffany has served in the 7th Congressional District since winning special election in 2020, following the resignation of Sean Duffy, now Trump’s Secretary of Transportation. Tiffany served in the Wisconsin State Senate after winning election to the seat in 2012, and previously served one term in the Assembly.

Despite Trump’s warm words in January, his lack of an endorsement since Tiffany first entered the governor’s race in September led to speculation the president might wait until the August primary, where Tiffany is expected to face off with Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann. Trump’s silence stood in stark contrast to the 2024 election in the 8th Congressional District when he endorsed current US Rep. Tony Wied before Wied had even publicly kicked off his campaign.

Because Tiffany and Trump are in lockstep on political issues, the holdup may have involved fundraising. But that doubt disappeared when the latest round of reports showed Tiffany raising more than $2 million, nearly four times what Schoemann received from donors.

Tiffany’s support of Trump included a full-throated backing of Trump’s effort to illegally overturn the 2020 election results as well as present-day issues that did not go unnoticed by Democratic Party of Wisconsin chair Devin Remiker.

“We agree with Donald Trump — Tom Tiffany has been by his side for all of it: ICE murdering Americans in the streets, the Big Ugly Bill, ending funding for the Affordable Care Act, invading Greenland, and raising everyday costs,” said Remiker.

Similar sentiments are being shared by Democrats running in their party’s primary for governor.

Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez: “Wisconsinites know what “Trump–Tiffany leadership” actually looks like: Higher health care costs. Cuts to Medicaid. Families squeezed by rent, groceries, and utility bills. Chaos and fear instead of safety.”

Mandela Barnes: “Trump is endorsing Tom Tiffany because he’s been a rubber stamp for his agenda in Washington, giving tax cuts to the wealthiest while making life harder for families and farmers here at home. It’s time to reject Trump’s chaos and Tiffany’s Washington Way and get things done the Wisconsin Way. That’s what I’ll do as Governor.”

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley posted an illustration showing Trump, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, and assorted fictional supervillains, saying: “Congrats to Tom! He would be a great addition to Trump’s Board of Peace.”

Joel Brennan: “Tiffany getting Trump’s endorsement tells you everything you need to know. More chaos. More dysfunction. Higher costs for WI families. Tiffany didn’t stand up for Wisconsinites when it mattered. As gov., I will.”

Missy Hughes: “Wisconsin needs a leader, not a sidekick.”

Editor’s Note: Story updated with reaction from Democratic candidates.

Author

Pat Kreitlow

The Founding Editor of UpNorthNews, Pat was a familiar presence on radio and TV stations in western Wisconsin before serving in the state Legislature. After a brief stint living in the Caribbean, Pat and wife returned to Chippewa Falls to be closer to their growing group of grandchildren. He now serves as UNN's chief political correspondent and host of UpNorthNews Radio, airing weekday mornings 6 a.m.-8 a.m on the Civic Media radio network and the UpNorthNews Facebook page.

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