According to a new poll from Marquette Law School, nearly half of all Wisconsin Republicans would be more likely to support a candidate if they were endorsed by former President Donald Trump.
The poll could provide insight to the state’s upcoming primaries. Trump has witnessed mixed results in contests where he offered an endorsement.
In Ohio and North Carolina, his backing propelled J.D. Vance and Ted Budd to victories among their GOP opponents. However, in Georgia, the former president faced stinging losses at the hands of Governor Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.
“Trump has endorsed candidates in state primaries across the country. Among Republicans, 49 percent say they are more likely to support a candidate whom Trump has endorsed, although almost as many, 40 percent, say his endorsement would make no difference in their vote. Another 11 percent say they would be less likely to vote for a Trump-backed candidate,” the poll explains.
With Independent and Democratic voters, the endorsement means very little.
“Almost half of independents, 46 percent, say a Trump endorsement would make no difference to them, and 41 percent say it would make them less likely to vote for a candidate, with just 12 percent saying they would be more likely. Almost all Democrats, 87 percent, say they are less likely to support a candidate Trump endorses.”
Trump has yet to weigh in on the GOP primary for governor, as a crowded field battles for the party’s nomination. A recent survey placed former Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch and businessman Tim Michels even. Therefore, an endorsement could separate one candidate from the pack.
Businessman Kevin Nicholson and State Representative Tim Ramthun (R-Campbellsport) received single-digit support. A large number of voters remain undecided.
GOP voters will head to the polls in August to select the Republican nominee.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Wisconsin Daily Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
