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Why should voters elect you the next governor of Wisconsin?
I’m a lifelong Wisconsinite who grew up on a dairy farm, worked my way through UW-River Falls, and spent two decades running a small business with my wife, Chris, in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. I’m running for governor because I know Wisconsin’s best days are still ahead of us, but we need leadership that will unlock our state’s full potential. Right now, too many families feel like they are falling behind. Property taxes are too high, utility bills keep rising, and government has become too disconnected from the people it serves. As governor, I will focus on lowering costs, improving educational outcomes, creating economic opportunity, and restoring common sense to state government so every Wisconsin family can achieve the Wisconsin Dream.
What is the top issue facing Wisconsinites and how would you address it?
Families across Wisconsin are feeling squeezed by rising costs. Under Gov. Evers, property taxes have risen at some of the fastest rates in decades, while the Public Service Commission has approved more than $2.2 billion in utility rate increases. As governor, I will start by ending the 400-year property tax increase to lower taxes, and I will bring greater accountability to the Public Service Commission to ensure ratepayers come first. We also need to make it possible for Wisconsin families to buy a home and build a future here. That’s why I will work to lower the cost of housing and child care by cutting red tape, preventing Wall Street investors from buying up single-family homes, and making it easier to build homes and start small businesses.
What is the top policy goal you would like to accomplish in your first 100 days in office?
My first action as governor will be calling a special session to end the 400-year property tax hike. Regardless of your politics, I think we can all agree that no governor should be able to raise property taxes for the next 400 years with the stroke of a pen. Wisconsin already has some of the highest property taxes in the nation. As we work to deliver lasting property tax relief, I will implement a statewide property tax freeze to ensure homeowners have certainty that their taxes will not continue to increase. Seniors on fixed incomes, working families, and young people looking to put down roots deserve the peace of mind of knowing they won’t be taxed out of their homes.
What kind of relationship should Wisconsin’s governor have with the federal government?
Wisconsin’s relationship with the federal government should be based on partnership and accountability. The federal government sends significant taxpayer dollars to our state, and the governor has a responsibility to ensure those funds are spent wisely, protected from fraud, waste, and abuse, and directed toward helping our most vulnerable citizens. By working with our federal partners, we can improve infrastructure, strengthen public safety, and create economic opportunity. I will always stand up for Wisconsin and ensure our state receives the resources needed to help our communities succeed.
How would you approach working with the Legislature if there are Republicans in power in one or both chambers?
As governor, I will get to work on day one delivering results for Wisconsin. Too many Wisconsin families are struggling with rising costs and feeling like state government is making life harder instead of easier. My agenda is focused on making life more affordable by lowering property taxes, eliminating fraud and waste in government, improving educational outcomes, increasing health care price transparency, and protecting utility ratepayers and our farmland. The people of Wisconsin want common-sense solutions, and I will work with anyone committed to delivering results.
How would you approach working with the Legislature if there are Democrats in power in one or both chambers?
Having served in Congress and the Wisconsin Legislature, I understand that results require working with people who may not always agree. In Congress, I have introduced bipartisan legislation, including a bill with a Democrat member from New York to revoke China’s preferential trade status. As governor, I will work with anyone who is serious about delivering results for Wisconsin. That includes lowering property taxes, eliminating fraud and waste in government, improving educational outcomes, increasing health care price transparency, and protecting our utility rates and farmland from data center development. Wisconsinites expect leaders to solve problems, and that is how I will govern.
What is your favorite fun Wisconsin history fact?
One of my favorite Wisconsin history facts is that the first Flag Day celebration took place in Waubeka in 1885. What began with a simple lesson at the Stony Hill School grew into a national tradition that reminds us of the ideals that unite Americans. As our country approaches its 250th birthday, it is a chance to reflect on the challenges our nation has overcome and to celebrate the contributions of Wisconsinites who helped build America, from our farmers and loggers to our manufacturers, veterans, and small businesses.”
