MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – Kevin Nicholson is suspending his campaign for governor. The former Marine running as an ‘outsider’ Republican candidate made the announcement on Tuesday.
Nicholson’s campaign released the following statement announcing he is suspending his campaign:
“When my family and I started this campaign, we knew it would be an uphill battle. I am not
part of the insider political class and am a threat to all they hold dear.We have had many highs over the last six months, and I am proud of what we have built. I’ve
traveled our state and heard from thousands of Wisconsinites who believe our society is off
track, who want an outsider as their governor, and not someone from the Madison Machine.
I have been encouraged by our supporters, and the old and new friends that my family and I
have met on the trail. I love this state and the people in it and truly believe that – though we
face great challenges – our best days lay ahead.Over the past week, I have assessed the state of the primary race and it has become clear to
me and my team the only path forward for our campaign is attacking the other candidates in
the race on the airwaves and running a very negative campaign. While our team has the
capability to do that, that is not something I want to do – nor do I believe that it would be good
for the party to do so. This election is too important for our state and our movement.So today, I am suspending my campaign for Governor. I want to thank all the thousands of
people who have donated, volunteered, and supported my campaign. It has been an honor.
I do not plan to make any endorsements in the race before the primary. I will whole heartily
support the nominee on August 10th and will work to get Republicans up and down the ballot
elected. Our fight is not over, and I will continue to be engaged on the battlefield to elect
conservative outsiders in the state of Wisconsin.”
In response to the GOP field for Wisconsin governor narrowing, Rebecca Kleefisch released a statement:
“I’d like to thank Kevin Nicholson for the hearty debate and competition to make our state and conservative movement better. Moving forward, I humbly ask Nicholson’s supporters to join our team. I’ve taken on the Madison swamp before and won, and this fall, I will beat Tony Evers.”
Meanwhile, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Rapid Response Director Hannah Menchhoff called the Republican primary a ‘dumpster fire’ as she released the following statement:
“Kevin Nicholson leaving the race only means that there is one less radical Republican in the gubernatorial primary. Nicholson exposed deep divisions among Wisconsin Republicans who only want to move further to the right. Both Rebecca Kleefisch and Tim Michels are extremist insiders who are more worried about pandering to the ultra-MAGA base instead of doing what’s right for Wisconsinites. Just like Kevin Nicholson, Rebecca Kleefisch and Tim Michels continue to oppose access to abortion, refuse to accept the results of the 2020 election, and have failed to bring our state together.”
