WAUKESHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Tim Michels, co-owner of the state’s largest construction company and Army veteran, came out victorious in Tuesday’s Republican primary race for governor.
Michels defeated former lieutenant governor Rebecca Kleefisch and will face Democrat Tony Evers in November’s general election.
Momentum built through the night at Tuscan Hall in Waukesha where Michels’ held his election night party. It concluded with the now Republican nominee in the governor’s race giving a fiery 12 minute speech.
“From day one, this race has not been about winning this primary,” said Michels. “This race has been about getting proper executive leadership in the governor’s mansion and a great governor who will serve the people of Wisconsin.“
After thanking his challengers, Michels spoke directly to those who he hopes to win over by November.
“The people that get up at 5 a.m., take their kids to school, work hard all day, want to coach their kids baseball team, the people who feel like the democratic party has left them for social issues, you are now going to have a governor that is going to stand up for the hard working, tax paying, law abiding citizens of Wisconsin,” said Michels.
Michels says if he beats Evers, his top priority as governor will be the economy and adding jobs.
“You should know that help is on the way,” said Michels. “I’m going to give it my all. I’m going to work hard for the people of Wisconsin. We are going to make this state the greatest that it can possibly be. Thank you so much for tonight and god bless.”
If the primary was any indication, the general election will be an expensive one. Michels has already poured $12 million of his own money into his campaign.
Michels is endorsed by former President Donald Trump, who was in Waukesha on Friday to stump for the businessman.
