Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson, a 1990s-era Republican icon as a pioneer of state welfare reform, won’t seek to return to his old job after discussing the possibility with former President Donald Trump.
Thompson, 80, was elected to four consecutive terms beginning in 1986 and is a staple of Wisconsin politics. His entrance into the race to defeat Democratic incumbent Gov. Tony Evers would have jumbled the Republican primary, where candidates have been campaigning for months.
“This is a very difficult conclusion,” Thompson said in a statement. “After a full life of service and leading and growing businesses, I know I have the vision, drive and vitality to serve another term as governor.”
Thompson floated the idea of running for his old post in February and met with Trump in Mar-a-Lago in Florida earlier this month. He decided against running after meeting with another possible candidate, businessman Tim Michels. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported last week that the meeting was to discuss which of them should enter the race, though Thompson brushed off the speculation.
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Thompson said that despite ruling out the governorship, he is “open and will continue to investigate how I may otherwise serve.”
The three Republican candidates include Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, state Rep. Tim Ramthun, and consultant Kevin Nicholson. Trump has not endorsed anyone in the race.
Thompson left his position as governor in 2001 to be former President George Bush’s secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services. He was most recently interim president of the University of Wisconsin system.
Thompson sought the 2007 Republican presidential nomination but dropped out before primary voting began. Thompson then lost a 2012 Senate bid against then-Rep. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat who is still a member of the Senate.
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As governor, Thompson drew national attention for downsizing Wisconsin’s welfare system. Under Thompson’s administration, Wisconsin reduced its welfare rolls by almost 90%. The Badger State became a national model for welfare reform.
