(The Center Square) – Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson announced Friday that he won’t be running for governor and that he is endorsing Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany for the post.
Thompson is the state’s longest-serving governor and a former president of the University of Wisconsin system and United States Secretary of Health.
“I have spent my entire career fighting for my neighbors, my country, and my state,” Thompson said in a statement. “I love Wisconsin, and growing up in Elroy instilled in me the values that shaped my time as governor. 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.
“Tom will build on the education, welfare, and tax reforms we started here in Wisconsin. The State has to keep reforming and moving forward. That’s why I am endorsing Tom today. At this critical moment, he is the right leader for Wisconsin’s future, and I look forward to campaigning for him and all Republicans across the state this November.”
Tiffany is the Republican frontrunner looking to take over for Democrat Tony Evers, who announced he is not running for reelection. The Democratic race has a large number of candidates, including Francesca Hong, D-Madison along with former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, businessman Joel Brennan, state Rep. Kelda Roys and former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Missy Hughes.
“Governor Thompson’s leadership has left an incredible legacy on Wisconsin, and generations of Wisconsinites are better off because of his service,” Tiffany said in a statement. “We are just two kids from Elroy and Elmwood who believe in Wisconsin’s potential, and it’s an honor to have his endorsement.”
