GOP gubernatorial candidate Bill Berrien has announced a $400,000 ad buy, the first paid media of his campaign since formally launching a bid for guv last week.

In the initial ad of the campaign, Berrien likens himself to Donald Trump, saying he’s an outsider and a businessman.

The spot comes as Berrien has faced questions from some Trump supporters in Wisconsin over his support of Nikki Haley in the 2024 GOP primary and criticism of the former president in summer 2020 over his handling of the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The campaign said the initial buy includes cable, streaming services, digital and radio targeting conservative voters. The campaign will have an emphasis on Milwaukee and Green Bay with statewide radio and digital.

Berrien opens the spot saying his service as a Navy SEAL helped shape his character and he now runs a Wisconsin manufacturing business where, “We build American, hire American and take the fight to China.”

As Berrien likens himself to Trump, the ad plays video of the president walking across a tarmac.

“President Trump is taking back Washington for the American people. Now it’s time to take back our state,” Berrien says. 

He closes the spot saying he’s running for guv because “Wisconsin should never be out of the fight.”

Berrien and Washington County Exec Josh Schoemann are the only GOP candidates to file to run for the office so far.