Trump Endorses Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin Governor Race

Endorsement solidifies Tiffany's front-runner status in GOP primary, but Democrats aim to tie him to unpopular Trump agenda

Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

President Donald Trump has endorsed U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin's open race for governor, a move that solidifies the congressman's front-runner status in the Republican primary. However, Democrats are seeking to use the endorsement to tie Tiffany to unpopular elements of Trump's agenda.

Why it matters

The Wisconsin governor's race is an open contest for the first time in 16 years, and the outcome could have significant implications for the political landscape in the battleground state. Trump's endorsement of Tiffany is seen as a boost for the Republican candidate, but Democrats hope to use it against him by associating him with the former president's unpopular policies.

The details

Tiffany has been a staunch Trump loyalist since being elected to Congress in 2020. Prior to that, he served in the Wisconsin Legislature where he was a firm backer of Republican Gov. Scott Walker. Tiffany faces Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann in the August GOP 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.

  • Trump announced the endorsement in a social media post on Tuesday, January 28, 2026.
  • The Wisconsin Republican primary 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.

Mandela Barnes

Former Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin who is running as a Democrat for governor.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 (wbal.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 (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Wisconsin Republican primary is scheduled for August 2026, where Tiffany will face off against Josh Schoemann for the party's nomination.

The takeaway

Trump's endorsement of Tiffany is seen as a boost for the Republican candidate, but Democrats are hoping to use it against him by tying Tiffany to the former president's unpopular policies. The outcome of the Wisconsin governor's race could have significant implications for the political landscape in the battleground state.