Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) has thrown his support behind Wisconsin gubernatorial GOP candidate Rebecca Kleefisch, breaking from former President Donald Trump, who has endorsed another candidate in the Republican primary.
Cruz announced on Tuesday his support for Kleefisch, one of two candidates running against Tim Michels. Trump endorsed Michels, a “very successful businessman,” in June to helm the battleground state, marking the latest of the former president’s proxy wars with former allies ahead of the midterm elections.
WISCONSIN DEMOCRATIC SENATE CANDIDATE DROPS OUT AND RALLIES BEHIND LEADING RIVAL
“I’m proud to endorse [Kleefisch] for governor of Wisconsin. Rebecca will fight for a stronger economy, school choice so parents are back in charge of their kids’ education,” Cruz tweeted.
Trump, meanwhile, argued that Michels is the “best candidate to deliver meaningful solutions” for inflation and other problems. He announced plans earlier this week to hold a rally for Michels in Wisconsin on Aug. 5, just days ahead of the GOP primary race on Aug. 9.
It’s not the first time the former allies have gotten into a proxy war. In May, Cruz stumped for Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL), his GOP colleague. Trump had initially backed Brooks in the GOP primary runoff in Alabama before changing his stride and announcing his support for Katie Britt. Britt defeated the six-term representative last month.
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Trump’s endorsement track record has been mixed this primary season, pushing some candidates to the finish line while faltering with others.
Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race is considered a toss-up as of Tuesday, according to Cook Political Report.
