Donald Trump ‘working hard’ to persuade Sean Duffy to run for Wisconsin governor

Former US president Donald Trump on Saturday announced that he has been trying to persuade “very popular and capable” former Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wis.) to enter Wisconsin’s 2022 gubernatorial race.   

In a statement issued through his Save America PAC, Trump said, “working hard to get very popular and capable Former Congressman Sean Duffy of Wisconsin to run for Governor. He would be fantastic!” 

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Veteran politician Duffy, 50, served four terms in the House of Representatives before deciding to resign in 2019 and not run for reelection to a fifth term in 2020.

While resigning, Duffy had explained that he was stepping down after learning that his ninth child had a heart condition. Previously, he had also served for eight years as a district attorney, and won the speed-climbing competition in the Lumberjack World Championships twice, CNN reported.   

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Furthermore, Trump, 75, said, “A champion athlete, Sean loves the people of Wisconsin, and would be virtually unbeatable. His wife, Rachel, is likewise an incredible person.”

Duffy’s wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy, is a well-known figure among the conservatives and has a frequent presence on cable news. The couple initially made names for themselves on MTV’s “The Real World.”

Both had previously vocally supported Trump, and the former president was effusive in his compliments of the couple in his letter to fans and the media. “They are both doing very well, so this would be a big sacrifice, but hopefully it will be a sacrifice that will be made for the Great State of Wisconsin and its wonderful, hardworking people,” Trump said, later adding, “Run Sean, Run!”

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Meanwhile, former Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, who launched her candidacy last month, is one of the Republicans already running for governor. From 2011 until 2019, she was the state lieutenant governor under former Governor Scott Walker (R-Wis.).  

However, if Duffy enters the race, Trump’s endorsement could be an important boost given the Republican swept Wisconsin in the 2016 presidential race before losing it in 2020.