Combat veteran Kevin Nicholson is ending his outsider campaign for the Republican nomination for governor, and he says he’s not endorsing in the primary.
Judging by the polls, Nicholson’s decision now sets up a nearly head-to-head match-up between Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and businessman Tim Michels. Legislator Tim Ramthun and Adam Fischer are also in the race. The decision also preserves Nicholson’s political future, which would have been deeply marred by a primary loss.
In a statement posted to his Twitter page on July 5, 2022, Nicholson stated that he is suspending his campaign.
“When my family and I started this campaign, we knew it would be an uphill battle. I am not part of the insider political class and am a threat to all they hold dear,” he wrote.
“We have had many highs over the last six months, and I am proud of what we have built. I’ve traveled our state and heard from thousands of Wisconsinites who believe our society is off track, who want an outsider as their governor, and not someone from the Madison Machine.”
He added, “I have been encouraged by our supporters, and the old and new friends that my family and I have met on the trail. I love this state and the people in it and truly believe that – though we face great challenges – our best days lay head.”
Over the past week, he wrote, “I have assessed the state of the primary race and it has become clear to me and my team the only path forward for our campaign is attacking the other candidates in the race on the airwaves and running a very negative campaign. While our team has the capability to do that, that is not something I want to do – nor do I believe that it would be good for the party to do so. This election is too important for our state and our movement.”
“So today, I am suspending my campaign for Governor. I want to thank all the thousands of people who have donated, volunteered, and supported my campaign. It has been an honor. I do not plan to make any endorsements in the race before the primary. I will whole heartily support the nominee on August 10th and will work to get Republicans up and down the ballot elected. Our fight is not over, and I will continue to be engaged on the battlefield to elect conservative outsiders in the state of Wisconsin.”
Nicholson was joining talk show host Mark Belling at 5 o.m. July 5 2022 to discuss his decision.
