A new super PAC formed to back state Sen. Leah Vukmir’s U.S. Senate campaign will be led by a series of veterans from Gov. Scott Walker and U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson’s past races.
The formation of Next PAC means both announced GOP candidates for the U.S. Senate now have groups backing their campaigns that can raise unlimited amounts of money in support of their bids to challenge U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin. Former Marine and business consultant Kevin Nicholson is backed by Solutions for Wisconsin.
Stephan Thompson, who managed Walker’s 2014 re-election, is the senior adviser for Wisconsin Next PAC. He’s also worked for Walker’s 2010 race and the state GOP.
Others on the team include:
*pollsters Brian Tringali and B.J. Martino. The pair has a long history in Wisconsin going back to former Gov. Tommy Thompson, and worked for both Johnson and Walker as well.
*data analytics Brian Kind. He served in similar roles for Walker, Johnson and the state GOP.
*digital adviser Matt Oczkowski. He formerly served as chief digital officer for Walker.
*communications advisers Alex Conant and Terry Sullivan. Both were advisers to Johnson’s 2016 campaign.
*National fundraiser Mary Kate Johnson. Her clients have included Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens, American Crossroads and U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Ak.
