Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, is not running for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. In a statement issued Monday, Fitzgerald endorsed his colleague state Senator Leah Vukmir, R-Brookfield, calling her, “an actual conservative.”
“After thoughtful consideration, I have decided that I will not enter the race for U.S. Senate and will remain dedicated to serving the 13th Senate District.“I would like to express my complete support for Sen. Leah Vukmir, an actual conservative. She is an exceptional leader, one of the best Wisconsin has to offer, so I am choosing not to run for the U.S. Senate knowing we are in great hands. Leah will listen to the grassroots and will provide Wisconsinites the leadership they deserve in Washington.
“Leah is a dedicated public servant and her commitment to serving the people of Wisconsin is reflected in her record. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Leah in the State Senate and have complete confidence that she has the strength and determination to unseat Tammy Baldwin.
“It’s time to turn Wisconsin entirely red, and Leah is the candidate that will help us achieve that goal. I support Leah Vukmir, and I strongly encourage others to join me.”
The Republican primary election is in August 2018. The winner of the Republican primary will face U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison.
Vukmir and Delafield businessman Kevin Nicholson are the two declared Republicans running to take on Baldwin. State Rep. Dale Kooyenga, R-Brookfield, previously announced he is not running. Businessman Eric Hovde, who ran for senate in 2012, told WisPolitics’ JR Ross that he is still considering a run.
