Trump Endorses GOP Rep. Tiffany in Wisconsin Governor Race

Endorsement solidifies Tiffany's front-runner status in Republican primary

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:23am

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President Donald Trump has endorsed U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin's open race for governor, solidifying the congressman's front-runner status in the Republican primary in the battleground state. Tiffany has been a fierce Trump loyalist since being elected to Congress in 2020 and previously served in the Wisconsin Legislature.

Why it matters

Trump's endorsement of Tiffany is seen as a boost for the Republican candidate, but it also provides an opportunity for Democrats to tie Tiffany to unpopular elements of the former president's agenda. The Wisconsin governor's race is an open seat for the first time in 16 years, making it a key battleground in the 2026 elections.

The details

Tiffany faces Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann in the August Republican primary. Trump said Tiffany would work to grow the economy, cut taxes, secure the border, ensure law and order, support the military, and protect gun rights if elected governor. Democrats have criticized Tiffany for voting 'in lockstep for Washington Republicans' expensive and unpopular agenda.'

  • Trump announced the endorsement on January 28, 2026.
  • The Republican primary in Wisconsin is scheduled for August 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who has endorsed Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in the Wisconsin governor's race.

Tom Tiffany

U.S. Representative from Wisconsin's 7th congressional district who is running for the Republican nomination for governor.

Josh Schoemann

Washington County Executive who is running against Tiffany in the Republican primary for Wisconsin governor.

Tony Evers

Democratic Governor of Wisconsin who has decided not to seek a third term, leaving the race open.

Izzi Levy

Spokesperson for the Democratic Governors Association who criticized Tiffany's endorsement by Trump.

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What they’re saying

“Tiffany has proudly voted in lockstep for Washington Republicans' expensive and unpopular agenda that has hurt families, farmers, and small businesses across Wisconsin.”

— Izzi Levy, Democratic Governors Association spokesperson (wral.com)

“I will make Wisconsin great again by lowering utility rates and property taxes, cutting burdensome red tape, rooting out waste and fraud, and restoring common-sense leadership to Madison.”

— Tom Tiffany, U.S. Representative (wral.com)

What’s next

The Republican primary in Wisconsin is scheduled for August 2026, where Tiffany will face off against Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann.

The takeaway

Trump's endorsement of Tiffany solidifies the Republican congressman's front-runner status in the primary, but it also provides an opportunity for Democrats to tie Tiffany to the former president's unpopular policies. The open Wisconsin governor's race is a key battleground in the 2026 elections.