WISCONSIN — Just one week after Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos suggested Kevin Nicholson "not run for Governor," Nicholson has officially announced he's in for 2022.
Nicholson kicked off his campaign by saying: "We can’t take Wisconsin to new heights if we elect a Governor from the same, tired political class that lacks the vision, ability, and will fight for the future of our state."
The former U.S. Senate candidate was expected to enter the governor's race - but the timing by Vos points to a divide among some party leaders about a potentially expensive primary.
Nicholson pushed back on Twitter last week telling Vos, "How about doing your job?"
Former Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch has been running and raising money for months, $3.3 million according to her campaign. She's also picking up key party endorsements, like former Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner who backed Kleefisch last week, saying, "She has been crucial to the conservative reforms in Wisconsin state government."
Governor Tony Evers is also up and running for a second term. Evers' campaign said last week it raised $10 million in 2021 with another $10.5 million in cash.
Republicans have lost 11 out of 12 statewide elections since 2018, but Nicholson says he wants to change that in 2022.
"I’ll bring the practical leadership lessons I’ve learned both on the battlefield as a Marine, and as a businessman working in the private sector, to work for you," Nicholson said in a statement.
The primary for governor is Aug. 9 with the general election on Nov. 8.
