Former GOP U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy is considering a bid for guv after former President Trump urged him to “Run, Sean, Run!” a source told WisPolitics.com.

Trump issued a statement Saturday that he was working hard to get Duffy to run, saying he would be “virtually unbeatable.”

Following the statement, a source familiar with Duffy’s thinking told WisPolitics.com the former congressman was considering it. Duffy resigned his House seat in 2019 to spend more time with his family after receiving the diagnosis that his ninth child would be born with Down syndrome.

Trump’s statement scrambled the GOP field for guv with former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch the only prominent Republican in the race so far. Lobbyist Bill McCoshen passed on a bid earlier this fall, while state Rep. John Macco, of Ledgeview, and former U.S. Senate candidate Kevin Nicholson have been considering runs. Still, Trump’s support has carried significant weight in GOP primaries across the country.

Kleefisch’s campaign didn’t immediately return a call seeking comment.

Duffy has been mentioned off and on as a possible candidate for guv or U.S. Senate in 2022, but he hasn’t made any significant moves toward a bid for either office. On Friday, he reported still having nearly $2.2 million in his federal campaign account.

In the statement, Trump also praised Duffy’s wife, Rachel, who is now co-hosting a show on Fox News. Duffy has been working as a commentator and lobbyist, and the family has moved to New Jersey.

The source said Duffy maintains a home in Wisconsin.

“They are both doing very well, so this would be a big sacrifice, but hopefully it will be a sacrifice that will be made for the Great State of Wisconsin and its wonderful, hardworking people,” Trump said.

Read Trump’s statement.

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