MADISON, Wis. — U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany won the Republican nomination for Wisconsin governor on Tuesday, defeating political newcomer Andy Manske and advancing to the November election in the battleground state, the Associated Press projected shortly after polls closed.
Tiffany, a Republican who represents Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District, entered the primary with the backing of President Donald Trump and the Republican Party of Wisconsin. The race was called by the Associated Press at 8:21 p.m., about 20 minutes after polls closed, according to Wisconsin Public Radio.
In a statement after the victory, Tiffany thanked Wisconsin voters for their support and said the campaign was focused on issues including property taxes, the state's budget surplus and utility costs. He said the contest was about Wisconsin rather than any single party or candidate.
Tiffany's nomination came after a campaign in which he had largely avoided a prolonged Republican primary fight. His endorsement from Trump allowed him to consolidate support within the party, while his campaign ran television advertising for months ahead of the Aug. 11 vote.
Manske, a medical service technician from the Milwaukee area, ran as an outsider challenging the political establishment. He emphasized inflation, the cost of living and gridlock in Madison, and described his campaign as a protest effort against established politicians.
Tiffany, 65, has represented Wisconsin's northern 7th Congressional District since winning a 2020 special election. Before entering Congress, he served in the Wisconsin Legislature, including in the state Senate. His congressional record and close alignment with Trump have made him a prominent figure among the state's Republican voters.
The Republican primary was held as Wisconsin prepares for its first open gubernatorial election since 2010. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is not seeking a third term. The Wisconsin Elections Commission had listed Tiffany and Manske as the two Republican candidates on the primary ballot.
The Democratic primary remained unsettled after polls closed, with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and state Representative Francesca Hong among the leading contenders. The Democratic nominee will face Tiffany in the Nov. 3 general election.
