Wisconsin Businessman Enters Governor Race with “Wisconsin First” Platform
A political newcomer, drawing parallels to former President Donald Trump, has stepped into the Wisconsin gubernatorial race. Bill Berrien, a businessman from suburban Milwaukee and ex-Navy SEAL, announced his candidacy on Wednesday, introducing a “Wisconsin First” agenda aimed at shaking up state politics.
At 56, Berrien is the second Republican to declare his candidacy for the 2026 election. Incumbent Democratic Governor Tony Evers, 73, has yet to confirm if he will seek reelection, though an announcement is expected this month. In his campaign launch video, Berrien criticized Evers, accusing him of policy failures, including encouraging illegal immigration and supporting policies that allow “boys into our daughters’ sports and locker rooms.”
Joining Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, Berrien is new to political campaigns, marking the first statewide election for both candidates. In his campaign video, Berrien, seen walking in front of a tank with footage of Trump, emphasizes a “fighting spirit” similar to Trump’s approach.
“I’m an outsider and businessman just like President Trump and I’ll shake up Madison like he’s shaking up D.C.,” Berrien stated, highlighting his intentions to disrupt the status quo.
Berrien’s platform includes tax cuts, countering his claim that Evers and Democrats aim to raise taxes. However, Evers recently signed a budget reducing taxes by $1.5 billion. Berrien also criticized Evers for opposing mass deportations and vetoing a bill that would prohibit transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports. Berrien committed to signing such a ban if elected, along with boosting wages, supporting law enforcement, and enhancing Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector.
Berrien further condemned Evers’ attempts to amend laws regarding the legal rights of children from same-sex families, criticizing the proposal to alter traditional terms like “woman,” “mother,” and “wife” in favor of more inclusive language. Republican lawmakers removed these changes before the budget was finalized.
Governor Evers’ spokesperson did not comment on Berrien’s campaign launch. Meanwhile, Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Devin Remiker declared that Democrats are prepared to defeat any candidate aligned with Trump’s ideology. Remiker referenced past victories, including a contentious state Supreme Court seat in April, last year’s U.S. Senate race, and the 2022 governor’s race.
Having spent nine years as a Navy SEAL, Berrien has led Pindel Global Precision and Liberty Precision for 13 years. The companies specialize in precision machining in New Berlin. Berrien is married with two children and launched a political action committee earlier this year, raising $1.2 million since April.
Other Republicans considering a gubernatorial bid include U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, state Senate President Mary Felzowski, and Eric Hovde, a Madison businessman and former U.S. Senate candidate.
