Former state and national GOP Chair Reince Priebus has been talking with Wisconsin Republicans about a statewide bid in 2022, according to a source who’s spoken with him.
Politico reported this morning that Priebus was exploring a bid for guv in 2022.
But the source told WisPolitics.com that the conversations were sparked in part by people reaching out to Priebus about a statewide run. The source added the U.S. Senate could be an option, too, if Republican Ron Johnson doesn’t run for reelection.
“I think he’s more in the listening stage than a pitch stage,” the source said. “I think it’s more, ‘Why do you think I would be a good candidate? Why are you still looking for a candidate?'”
At least a half-dozen Republicans have been mentioned as possible challengers for Gov. Tony Evers in 2022.
Former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch is considered the most likely to run, and she’s created both a PAC and a nonprofit advocacy group as she lays the foundation for a bid. Former U.S. Senate candidate Kevin Nicholson has also created an advocacy group and is looking at a statewide bid next year, whether it’s guv or U.S. Senate.
Republicans have also mentioned U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Green Bay, as a possible candidate for either office, as well as former U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy, R-Wausau.
For guv, both former U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde and lobbyist Bill McCoshen have been mentioned as well.
