Reince Priebus, the former White House Chief of Staff, the former Republican National Committee Chairman and the former Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman, has endorsed state Sen. Leah Vukmir (R-Brookfield) for U.S. Senate in the Republican primary.
“Thanks to Leah and so many other Republican leaders in Wisconsin, taxes are lower and more Wisconsinites are working than ever before,” Priebus said in a statement Monday. “Leah is a proven leader who will stand with President Trump to help enact his bold, conservative agenda in Congress, and work to achieve security and prosperity for every American.”
Priebus served as the chairman of the Republican party of Wisconsin during the rise of the Tea Party movement and the 2010 election when Governor Scott Walker, Senator Ron Johnson, and Republican majorities in both legislative houses were elected.
As chairman of the Republican National Committee, Priebus restored the organization’s finances, built up the donor base, and created the get-out-the-vote effort that helped put Donald Trump in the White House. Priebus also kept tight control on a national convention to squelch any effort by “Never Trump” Republicans to prevent Trump’s nomination.
In his statement, Priebus said Vukmir is the “right Republican” to defeat Senator Tammy Baldwin in November.
“Leah consistently demonstrates a willingness to fight for bold change for the middle-class, and she has what it takes to win in November,” Priebus said. “I am proud to stand with Leah because of her strong record as a conservative leader in Wisconsin.”
Vukmir thanked Priebus for the endorsement. “Reince knows exactly what it takes to win in Wisconsin, and I am honored to have his support for my Senate campaign,” Vukmir said.
The endorsement by Priebus has already translated into fundraising efforts. Shortly after the announcement, an email was sent out to Vukmir supporters from Priebus asking for donations.
Vukmir is facing Delafield businessman and ex-Marine Kevin Nicholson in the Republican primary. Businessman Eric Hovde, who finished second in the 2012 Republican Primary for U.S. Senate, is also considering entering the race.
