Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson is meeting with former President Donald Trump and considering another run for his old position, according to a report from TMJ4 News.
While he has yet to make a decision on launching a campaign, Thompson’s run would target a historic fifth term in the governor’s mansion. Thompson already retains the title of Wisconsin’s longest-serving governor, holding the office from 1987-to 2001.
As the midterm campaign cycle draws closer, hundreds of individuals and potential candidates have traveled to Florida to speak with the former president since he left office. Trump has already met with former Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch. Polls have shown her as the front runner in the Republican gubernatorial primary.
While he has yet to weigh in, Trump’s endorsement could boost a GOP candidate to the front of the Republican contenders.
Over the past few years, the former governor served as interim president of the University of Wisconsin System, stepping down earlier this year.
“Throughout his career, Tommy has been a leader and a mentor, making lasting contributions to our state. I am very grateful to have had him as a mentor when I volunteered on his first campaign for governor. I am proud to call him my friend,” Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said when Thompson stepped down.
I want to thank Tommy Thompson for his tireless efforts to help shape our future workforce and for his decades of public service. While this chapter is ending, I know this won’t be the last contribution he provides for the state of Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/zFYx1N8XPU
— Speaker Robin Vos (@SpeakerVos) January 7, 2022
“I want to thank Tommy Thompson for his tireless efforts to help shape our future workforce and for his decades of public service. While this chapter is ending, I know this won’t be the last contribution he provides for the state of Wisconsin.”
Previously, Trump encouraged former Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy to seek the position, saying Duffy “loves the people of Wisconsin, and would be virtually unbeatable.” However, Duffy declined to enter the contest.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Wisconsin Daily Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Tommy Thompson” by the University of Wisconsin.Â
