Republican Rep. Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin sidestepped questions on Friday about whether former President Trump would hit the campaign trail for him in his bid for governor, even as Trump has been actively stumping for other GOP candidates in key states.
Appearing on Newsmax's "Wake-Up America," host Sharla McBride pressed the GOP nominee on whether he expected Trump to join him in Wisconsin, a state Trump narrowly carried in 2024. Tiffany deflected, saying Trump's attention is currently on protecting the Republican majorities in Congress.
"Well, we'll see what the president does. I mean, he's got his hands full, and there's the midterm convention that's coming up," Tiffany said. "There are a lot of races, and I think his priority, rightfully so, is the Congress of the United States, the House and the Senate. He wants to make sure they keep the majority, so I understand if that's the president's priority."
Tiffany's comments come despite Trump having endorsed him in January with a "Complete and Total" endorsement, praising the congressman as someone who has "always been at my side." The endorsement was issued as Trump touted his own victory in Wisconsin, a state he flipped back to the GOP column.
But Trump's political capital has waned since then. A recent Economist/YouGov poll found only 33 percent of Americans approve of Trump's job performance, with 62 percent disapproving. The Economist's polling tracker also noted in June that Trump's net approval rating had sunk to negative 25 points, making him the most unpopular president in the poll's history at that stage of his term.
Tiffany is running to succeed retiring Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who has endorsed Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. Crowley, who made history in 2020 as the youngest and first Black county executive in Milwaukee County, emerged from the Democratic primary as the nominee.
The race has shifted in Democrats' favor since Crowley's primary win, according to Sabato's Crystal Ball, which moved the contest from "toss up" to "leans Democratic," reflecting the changing dynamics in a state that remains a battleground.
Tiffany's reluctance to commit to a joint appearance with Trump may reflect the president's mixed record in governor's races, where his endorsements have not always translated into victories. Trump has recently focused his attention on anti-crime messaging in places like Long Island, where he has backed GOP candidates in state and local contests.
Meanwhile, Trump's legal and political entanglements continue to make headlines, including a legal battle with the BBC over a $10 billion lawsuit, which could further complicate his ability to campaign effectively for down-ballot candidates.
For now, Tiffany is keeping his options open, saying he will "see what the president does," but making clear he understands if Trump's focus remains on Washington.
