Former President Donald Trump’s influence over GOP swing state voters was tested again on Aug. 9 in the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary.
The contest served as another clash of candidates endorsed by Trump and his former vice president, Mike Pence, as both men appear poised to seek the presidency in 2024.
Trump-backed businessman and retired U.S. Army Ranger Tim Michels defeated Pence-supported former Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch in the primary race.
Michels received 47 percent of the vote, and Kleefisch had 43 percent, as of 11:46 p.m. with 76 percent of the vote counted, according to The Associated Press.
Tim Michels and his family greet supporters after winning the Aug. 9 Wisconsin GOP gubernatorial primary. (Courtesy of Tim Michels for Congress)
Days before the primary, an Emerson College poll showed Kleefisch with a two-point lead—36 percent to 34 percent—over Michels, which is within the margin of error….